Hello, my name is Codi Lynn, I am a wife and momma to two little ones. When my youngest was six months old and I was on maternity leave with her I decided to create a space to share my passions for small business and photography. I didn’t fully see how they both went together at the time, but I decided to create a lifestyle blog focusing around these main things. One of the hardest parts of starting is deciding on a business name. I wanted it to be different, memorable and something that represented me and my family. I had the idea to come up with something that represented both myself and my husband by using our initials. Mine CW (Creative Wife) which encompases all things creative about the blog, and then my husbands JW (Joyful Worker) which I wanted to highlight the joy found in these small business workers that I am drawn too (Also you can almost always find my husband working).

What made you decide to start blogging?

There are a number of things that lead me to it, but the main breaking point was when we were away on a family vacation and we were driving in the car. I turned to my husband and said, I think I am going to start a blog. It wasn't until I said the words out loud that I turned my thoughts into goals. At this point I had no idea the amount of work and devotion it took, I just knew that it was something I was drawn to. I began to do a lot of research and have learned so much along the way.

In a world of female bloggers, how do you differentiate yourself?

I don’t think I really focus too much on differentiating myself actually, but more so just being true to myself.

What do you do to connect with your audience?

It is important to me to connect with those that are working at connecting with me, though not always possible, I work hard at responding to comments on social media. I often ask questions in my posts to try to start a conversation as well as welcome emails at any time.

Are your life experiences the source from which you decide what your blog posts will be?

Blog post inspiration really comes from anywhere. Lately I have been focusing on style posts, whether it is me, the kids or even my husband has been getting behind the camera a little lately. I have always loved highlighting small businesses that I discover on Instagram and from those connections usually sprouts new ideas and collaborations that turn into posts.

What does the future hold for you? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

If life treats us well I will be home with my husband and kids while still following my dreams on the blog and pursuing my other passions in advertising and graphic design. I am open to new adventures and experiences so long as we enjoy ourselves along the way

What advice would you give to someone wanting to start a blog?

Reach out to others who are doing what you are doing something similar to what you want to start. I did the same when I started (though super nervous) it was one of the best things I could have done. There are so many bloggers out there and mostly all of us just love making new connections. Putting yourself out there, telling someone that what they are doing has inspired you is a huge compliment -- one worth sharing.

What advice would you give your daughter when she grows up on how to navigate through life as a female?

Oh goodness, this could be a mouthful. However, I was thinking about this last night, thinking about how when people say that she reminds them of me. I can only pray that she grows up to be understanding, confident and social. Three qualities that I feel are my strong suits and that I already see so much in her

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What is the best advice you received about being your own boss? 

Some of the best advice that I got was to not try to make everything perfect before sharing otherwise you would never get your work out there.

How do you measure success?

There are so many ways, sometimes it is as simple as an email from a friend saying that I am doing a great job, or someone letting me know that they purchased something from a business I shared about and LOVED it!

Any closing remarks/comments/advice? How should our readers connect with you?

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to share. If you would like to see more about what I am about please check out my blog www.creativewifeandjoyfulworker.com

You can also find me on Instagram (@creativewifeandjoyfulworker) Twitter (/cwandjwblog) and Facebook (/creativewifeandjoyfulworker)