Life and Work with Jessica McDonald

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica McDonald.

Jessica, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have been a vegetarian for many years, who also happens to love Disney! When I first started going to Disneyland regularly 13 years ago, it was incredibly difficult to find tasty vegetarian or vegan options at the park. I started to learn little tips and tricks I used for myself to find options at the parks. Later on, when I was contributing to blogs, I thought… why don’t I use my passion for blogging to help deliver my tips and tricks to people who also have dietary restrictions and go to Disney regularly? My blog The Healthy Mouse started out mainly as a place for food guides, where people could find not only vegetarian and vegan options at each Disney restaurant easily on my site, but could also find out gluten-free options, allergy-friendly options, and just in general healthier food options. Out of that, my blog has grown to include healthy Disney-inspired recipes for home, healthy Disney-inspired food art, and just in general Disney-related family fun activities and entertainment news.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
For the first few months, I felt I was basically writing to no one. My traffic was very low, but I knew if I kept creating content regularly, eventually, my posts would have a bigger footprint on the internet. I kept writing and creating at a rate of 3-5 posts per week, and within 6 months I was able to get a decent sized audience, and even some paid blog opportunities! Even to this day, it’s definitely not easy balancing blogging and being a mom to a toddler, but at the end of the day this is the best job I’ve ever had, so it’s worth it. Like with any job, there are months that are great, and months if you wonder if people still care about your blog. But sometimes, when I go to Disneyland, and someone comes up to me and says that my food guides have helped them with their struggles meeting their dietary needs at Disney, I get inspired and energized again, and realize that at the end of the day my blog is to help others have an easier time going out to eat at Disney.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Healthy Mouse – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I’m known for healthy Disney inspired recipes, Disney food art, and creating Disney food guides. These three main aspects of my blog are what I’m most proud of since there are so many people who have dietary restrictions who feel they can’t eat at Disney Parks or feel they can’t make fun food for their kids at home if they have an allergy, etc. Breaking it down in simple solutions for my readers help make them feel they can be part of the Disney magic when it comes to eating out and making food at home!

Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
I think just encountering a lot of obstacles, in general, have made me be able to deal with ups and downs with my blog. And, of course, always has been an avid Disney fan has helped me know the parks like the back of my hand to better figure out tips and tricks.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://thehealthymouse.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/thehealthymouse
• Facebook: http://facebook.com/thehealthymouse
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/healthy_mouse
• Other: http://pinterest.com/thehealthymouse

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.