Interview with Multiples and More Founders

Lani Lyons (left, center) and Amanda Nethero (right, center)
founders of Multiples and More Blog Network with their families.

In celebration of Multiples and More’s 1 year anniversary in March and the tremendous success of the blog, I had the opportunity to interview its founders, Amanda Nethero and Lani Lyons.

I’ve been a fan of Multiples and More since it’s early, early days and Double Up Books has even been a sponsor for some of their blog events throughout the year. Multiples and More was actually one of the reasons that I started this personal blog. Everyone was having so much fun and connecting with each other that I wanted to be a part of that on a personal level.

Me: Tell us about yourselves and your families.

A: I’m originally from Chicago Heights, Illinois and meet my husband Scott in 2003 while working for Walt Disney World. Scott was actually my manager, and we didn’t start dating until after he transferred to a different department. We got married in May of 2006 at Walt Disney World since it was the place we met and built our relationship. On May 5th, 2008 we welcomed our twins, Aaron and Jillian into the world and it has been a beautifully crazy ride ever since!

L: My husband Todd, and I are both from N.Y., but met here in Florida at the golf course we both worked at. Our triplets, Lily, Ben, and Cameron were born in November 2007. I stayed home with them for their first two years, and just recently returned to work. These days I am trying hard to balance work, motherhood, relationships, and of course, my online projects.

Me: How did you both meet?

A: We met through our MoMs group, actually at a MoMs night out. Lani spilled wine on one of the other mothers and I knew a friendship would blossom. Ha ha!

L: Leave it to Amanda to make me sound like a drunk! It should be noted that it was not my wine that was spilled.

A: It was the MoM next to her, and was seriously hilarious.

Me: Were you bloggers before starting the Multiples and More blog network? If so, tell us about your blogs and how long have you been writing for them?

A: I had only been blogging for a few months before we started Multiples and More, so I was still pretty new to the whole thing. I actually have two other blogs in addition to Multiples and More (I drink a lot of caffeine, that’s how I get everything done). Twice the love…half the sleep (http://www.netherotwins.blogspot.com/) is my main blog that is basically a slice of life. I cover everything from playdates to recipes, it’s really fun. Twice the love reviews (http://www.twicethelovereviews.blogspot.com/) is my review blog, it’s still pretty new, but if I ever get a product to try I like to share my experience.

L: I have had my personal blog Triplets: Who Knew? (http://www.lyonstriplets.blogspot.com/) for two years now. It started out as simply a way to keep family members updated with the kids pictures, etc, but has become so much more. I have made great friends, and learned so many wonderful things from fellow bloggers. I was even able to raise over 2,400 dollars for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society by hosting a blog party on my blog. Blogging has been a great way for me to connect with other MoMs!

Me: What is Multiples and More and what is a blog network?

A: Multiples and More is basically an online place where families/friends of multiples can come and hang out. We really wanted to create a community, or network, where everyone could come to learn about the latest trends in parenting multiples, the latest products, and each other. There really is no better place to gain support than a community of people that know exactly what you are going through.

L: My favorite thing about our network is seeing other parents of multiples connecting through it. Commenting on each other’s blogs, helping each other out with support and advice- that’s what it’s all about for me.

Me: Where did you come up with the idea for a multiples related blog network?

A: Specifically, World Showcase at EPCOT. Seriously, we were walking around one day and bam it hit us. We would always walk around talking about how there really isn’t one place you can go to get all of this information, and how frustrating it was to spend countless hours looking for this information. We decided we would just grab the bull by the horns, so to speak, and make this place happen.

L: We have done a lot of brainstorming while pushing our 5 kids around Disney World in strollers, and we have the leg muscles to prove it.

Me: Having gained over 1,000 followers in a year, what do you attribute your success to?

A: Honestly, word of mouth from our great community!

L: Exactly!

Me: Do you have anything exciting planned for your 1 year anniversary that you’d like to share with us?

A: We have a weeklong celebration planned including a ton of giveaways from our previous sponsors and some new sponsors. We’re also going to feature everyone’s favorite posts.

L:It’s going to be a great way to win some prizes, meet new MoM bloggers, and gain new readers for your own blog as well!

Me: What advice and tips can you share to help new bloggers such as myself?

A: Most importantly you have to believe in what you are writing. If you don’t believe it, nobody else will. It’s also important to network. Comment on other blogs, become active on Facebook and Twitter.

L: Be original, and be honest in your blogging. Joining networks like ours, and SITS (www.thesitsgirls.com) is a great way to make new connections and gain readers as well.

Me: If someone would like to contact you, how can they get a hold of you?

A: You can contact us at multiplesandmoreblog{AT}yahoo.com or you can contact me personally at twicetheloveblog{AT}hotmail.com.

Thanks Amanda and Lani for such a great interview! I'm certainly looking forward to your 2nd year and all the fun things you have in store for everyone. Continued success to you both.