Explore 2019: Professional Awe

One of my favorite things about being an OG blogger (I started blogging in 2006) is seeing the incredible things people have done over the years. When we all started it was such a world of unknowns! Female innovation (please never use the term mommy blogger with me) created an industry and so many incredible paths.

In my opinion, among the leaders of this charge is Gabrielle Blair. Gabby and I first met on the first-ever Disney press event and we have since experienced so much together...we launched books, new products, and even peed outside in the Ethiopian countryside together. (By the way when that trip to Ethiopia happened Gabby was living in France and she knew my birthday was happening during the trip and she gifted me macrons from France. This is just a small example of the type of human being she is.)

Yesterday I flew to Palm Springs for Alt Summit, and while I ended up filling in last minute to co-host an event, when I first booked the trip my mind was on Gabby. I have joked that I'd stand in front of a bus for her, but it really is true. The last time I had been at Alt was when I was pregnant with Violet. Various life things kept getting in the way and this year I knew I would have to do a seriously crazy flight plan and would only be at the conference for 9 hours but I was like, I AM GOING.

And what a joy it was to see the evolution of what Gabby and her team have built...a big (2000 people!), beautiful conference teeming with women fired up to elevate one another. I am truly in awe and grateful for this wonderful person.