Ten years ago, I took a leap into something that would change my life in ways I never expected. I became the owner of Des Moines Parent—a growing platform for families that quickly became more than just a website. It became a community, a resource, and a trusted place for connection.

Back then, I didn’t have a formal plan or fancy leadership title. I was a mom with a passion to help other families find fun things to do and feel more connected in their own backyard. A decade later, I’ve realized that the journey of building Des Moines Parent wasn’t just about business growth—it was a masterclass in leadership, community, and personal transformation.

Here are some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way.

1. Things Take Time (and That’s Okay)

We live in a world that praises overnight success, but the truth is: building something meaningful takes time. It took years of trial and error, listening to the community, and creating content that resonated before Des Moines Parent truly found its rhythm.

The Des Moines Parent platform grew alongside my kids, and looking back, I’m proud of the slow, steady progress. That pace allowed me to stay grounded in my “why” … serving families with intention.

And to this day it’s still growing!

2. Collaboration Is Everything

Des Moines Parent wouldn’t be what it is without the people who showed up alongside me. Contributors, small business owners, event sponsors, local organizations, and fellow parents.

Some of the most impactful things we’ve created happened because of shared ideas and open hearts. Collaboration brought new perspectives, new energy, and ultimately, better resources for families. It reminded me that you don’t have to do everything alone. Nor should you.

3. I’m the Facilitator—But the Community Is the Heart

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is this: I may guide the ship, but it’s the voices of Des Moines families that power it.

The platform isn’t about me. It’s about us. The parents who send messages after a great park day, the messages about a not-so-good experience, the families who tag Des Moines Parent in photos, and the readers who return year after year. Every resource I share is rooted in the belief that parents deserve support, not perfection. They are the heart of the brand.

4. You Don’t Need to Know It All to Start

When I began this journey, I wasn’t an SEO expert or a social media guru. I didn’t know the ins and outs of monetizing a website or building a content calendar. Being a blogger and influencer was definitely still very new. But I learned.

I asked questions, Googled things at midnight, took many classes and workshops, made mistakes, and kept showing up. You don’t need all the answers to begin. You just need the courage to take the first step.

5. Leadership Doesn’t Always Look Like You Think

We often imagine leaders as loud, bold, and at the front of the room. But over the years, I’ve learned that leadership can be quiet. Sometimes it looks like listening. Sometimes it looks like creating space for others to shine.

Leadership, for me, has been about showing up authentically, supporting other moms and my local community, and using my platforms to lift voices that deserve to be heard.

6. The Power of Showing Up (Even When It’s Messy)

There were plenty of seasons where life felt messy (hello, motherhood!). Juggling school pick-ups, managing burnout, or second-guessing myself. But one of the most powerful lessons I learned is that people don’t need perfect, they need real.

By showing up honestly, even when things weren’t polished, I built trust with the community. That trust is the foundation of Des Moines Parent.

7. Feedback Is a Gift (Even When It’s Hard to Hear)

Reader feedback has shaped so many parts of this platform. From the way how the events calendar is organized to the topics that are featured.

Sometimes feedback was humbling, but it always led to growth. Listening—really listening—to the people you serve is one of the most powerful things you can do as a leader. Even when it can be hard.

8. Community Over Competition

In the early days, it was easy to fall into comparison (trust me, it still happens), especially in the digital world. But I quickly realized that community is always greater than competition.

I’ve found more joy and success in cheering others on, sharing resources, and working with people, not against them. The parenting space, especially, needs more connection. Not competition.

9. Celebrate the Small Wins

It’s easy to overlook progress when you’re in the thick of it. But I’ve learned to pause and celebrate every positive comment, every new resourced that was launched, every family who tells me they discovered a new park or local business through Des Moines Parent.

Those “small” moments add up. They’re the reason I do what I do.

10. It’s Not Just About Raising Kids—It’s About Raising Communities

At the core of it all, Des Moines Parent is about more than activities or events. It’s about building community.

It’s about helping parents feel seen. It’s about supporting local businesses. It’s about being a trusted friend when someone types “things to do in Des Moines with kids” at 10 p.m. before a weekend.

We’re not just raising families. We’re building something much bigger, together.