Buzz a Mom: Kelli Claypool

The Mom’s Talk Network interns were privileged to interview Kelli Claypool for “Buzz A Mom.” Kelli is a wife, mom and co-owner of Briefcase Diva and Diva Talk radio, whose mission is to empower, motivate, and encourage women in all aspects of their lives.

Can you tell us a little about your family? What kinds of fun things do you like to do together?

I am married with three kids and a grand-dog. My oldest daughter is 21, my middle daughter is 17, and my baby boy is 12. We also have a black lab, Rascal, and a miniature parrot, Petey. One of the fun things that we do together is go s-h-o-p-p-i-n-g! All three of my kids love to shop. I think my oldest daughter’s first word was “visa”. Because we live on a 30-acre farm, we really enjoy hiking and exploring in the woods. We like going into caves and playing in the streams and creeks. As long as we are together, we’re happy!

What time management lessons have you learned over the years as a mom of 3?

Keep to a schedule and plan everything. Because of the age difference between my three children, we were always going in different directions. My son and middle daughter are my athletes, so we had practices and games several times a week. My oldest daughter was my socialite, so I was her “personal driver”, a/k/a Mom’s Limo Service.

 

What worked for us was to have a dry-erase calendar in the kitchen to schedule all of our activities. We scheduled everything, including dinner time, family time, chores, etc. The family calendar kept us focused and our lives managed.

I’m really interested in your Diva Guide to Pampering. As a busy mom, things like bubble baths and pedicures are a long ago memory for me. How can moms find the time and money to pamper themselves?

I recommend that you schedule some “ME” time. You really need it and it is not a selfish request. Refueling yourself & spirit does wonders for your attitude, mindset, and stress level, and your family benefits.

 

Pampering yourself doesn’t always require spending money, or at least not a lot of money. Utilizing grandparents or setting up a “kid exchange” with a friend is a great way to get some personal time. A “kid exchange” is when you and a friend take turns watching each others kids. For example, on Monday’s, for an hour or two, you take your friend’s kids to the park; and on Wednesday’s your friend takes your kids. Going to the park is free and the kids love it. Plus your benefit is priceless.

 

During the kid exchange, you must, must, must utilize that time for YOU! Do not put a load of laundry in the washer or load the dishwasher or feed the dog. This is your time. Your time to take a soothing & relaxing bubble bath. Your time to take a walk or exercise. Your time to read a book. Your time to refuel. When you take time for yourself, you will be amazed at how much more you can handle and accomplish during the week. Give it a try…it does the body good!

What is the Briefcasediva. com website all about?

Let’s break down your question a little. BriefcaseDiva came to fruition as a means to empower, motivate, and encourage women in all aspects of their lives. As moms, wives, sisters, and daughters, we play a vital role in our families. As employees, employers, sole entrepreneurs, we play a vital role in our sphere of influence. We want to take advantage of that “vital role” to motivate you to be your very best; encourage you to reach your goals; and empower you to be a confident woman…a DIVA. I define the label “Diva” this way: DIVA…the good four-letter word! A confident woman who is strong in her faith, blessed by her family, and who encourages others to rise up to their greatest potential.

I read one of your blog posts and was amazed to see that you actually answer all your business-related e-mails each day. I believe the post said you received an average of 1500 e-mails per day. How do you find the time to do that, as well as host Diva Talk Radio?

Yes, all of the emails that I receive are responded to (with the exception of advertisements, of course) It is very important to me that anyone who takes the time to send me a personal email that they receive a response. With regard to finding the time to do all that I do, I rely heavily on my team of VAs and Interns. Plus, I plan and schedule everything. If I did not have an iron-clad schedule, I would goof off and procrastinate. So keeping to a schedule is good for me.

What other projects are you working on? And what’s your favorite aspect of the Briefcase Diva website?

I have a transcription business course. It is a 6-month membership eCourse wherein I take the student/member by the hand to starting and building a profitable transcription business. Currently, I have several eBooks at the editors and I’m in the process of writing another one titled Who Peed on the Toilet Seat and Left Gum In Your Jeans? A Parents Guide to Not Sweating The Small Stuff, plus a few other products scheduled to launch later this year. My favorite aspect of BriefcaseDiva is being able to meet and make friends with so many incredible women. I am inspired on a daily basis by their stories, their encouragement, and just the good old-fashion girl talk.Thank you Kelli for an enlightening interview! You can follow Kelli on Twitter at @BriefcaseDiva and @DivaTalkRadio.

• Get more buzz about her at Profitable Mommy Blogging.
• More Buzz About Kelli at Family Foodies