Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Cunningham.
Hi Ashley, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
In the midst of the COVID challenges, I made a significant choice to leave my county job and prioritize my family. With my son starting kindergarten and being new to the area, I recognized the need for a local family-focused resource. Drawing inspiration from my experience following Macaroni Kid in Irvine, I decided to explore and showcase the offerings of Murrieta, Temecula, and French Valley.
My journey with Macaroni Kid began as a personal exploration of our community with my kids. As I delved into discovering local businesses and family-friendly activities, I realized the absence of a platform catering to this need in our region. Motivated to bridge this gap, I founded Macaroni Kid, creating a thriving community hub that goes beyond event listings.
Our platform now includes a free newsletter, an extensive event calendar, and advertising opportunities for local businesses. I’ve had the pleasure of highlighting the stories behind these enterprises, many initiated by moms seeking a harmonious balance between family life and their passions. Witnessing our exponential growth has reinforced the importance of not just showcasing events but fostering connections among moms, supporting local businesses, and building a stronger community.
The journey with Macaroni Kid has been more than just about events; it’s been about connecting families, creating friendships, and contributing to a vibrant local economy. Today, we continue to navigate motherhood together, share the stories of local businesses, and contribute to the richness of our community, creating lasting memories for families in the process.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey has been remarkably smooth, marked by encounters with amazing individuals and discoveries of outstanding businesses. Creating lasting memories with my family and forming close friendships have been truly enriching aspects of this experience. Collaborating with two publishers who are also dear friends adds an extra layer of joy to the process.
Despite the perpetual challenge of balancing time, especially as mothers, we’ve strategically embraced digital marketing and creative approaches to efficiently connect with our community and support local businesses.
Upon returning from the challenges of COVID, I faced the task of figuring things out independently. However, I chose to view it not as a struggle but as an opportunity for growth. This mindset has been pivotal in the success of our platform. Rather than seeing obstacles as setbacks, we perceive them as challenges and opportunities to overcome. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Macaroni KID Temecula-Murrieta-French Valley stands out as the ultimate family resource, connecting businesses, organizations, and events with the vibrant community of Temecula, Murrieta, and French Valley. Run by real local moms, our authenticity and effectiveness make us a trusted local resource.
What sets us apart:
1. **Targeted Marketing Reach:** With 4K subscribers, our weekly email newsletter reaches thousands of parents and families in the area, making us the largest parent-focused online media resource in the region.
2. **Local Expertise:** Published by two local moms with a combined seven kids, we have an unparalleled understanding of the community’s dynamics, ensuring effective connections with our readers.
3. **Engaged Readership:** Macaroni KID Temecula-Murrieta-French Valley readers are active, involved, and passionate about supporting local businesses. They are the ideal audience for businesses looking to connect with families in our area.
Our Offerings:
– **Calendar Listings:** Free or low-cost family-friendly events can be listed in our calendar.
– **Digital Assets:** From social media collaborations to website display ads, we offer a range of digital marketing opportunities.
– **Consulting Services:** Leverage our local expertise for strategic marketing campaigns, event planning, social media management, and graphic design.
How We Can Help:
Email us at MacKidTemecula@MacaroniKid.com, and let’s tailor a personalized marketing plan to help you achieve your goals in reaching Temecula, Murrieta, and French Valley families. We’re open to bartering for services committed to fostering strong connections within our community.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Absolutely, for those just starting out, my advice is to embrace the journey fearlessly. Don’t be afraid to ask, as rejection is just a stepping stone toward success. Persistence is key, and understanding your value is crucial. Prioritize networking to build a recognizable presence and consistently offer value to your customers.
Surround yourself with supportive friends, avoid over-committing, and focus on over-delivering. Be genuine, authentic, and take the leap. Demonstrate to your kids that you’re not only there for them but actively contributing to the community. The joy comes from positive impacts, like when parents express gratitude for the helpful resources.
Remember, growth takes time, so be patient. Cultivate long-lasting partnerships as they hold more value than one-time transactions. Stay committed, be authentic, and relish in the satisfaction of positively impacting lives and building a thriving community. If I had known this when I started, it would have provided a roadmap for a more fulfilling and successful journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: Temecula.MacaroniKid.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mackidtemeculaca
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MacKidTemecula
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cunninghamashley
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/mackidtemecula
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCatTc_0vGP7h7PeT6JZBEIQ
- Other: Barksoflove.org
Image Credits
Candid Kids Photography
