Social Divas (5) – You Go Girl!

The social media scene is brimming with influential women who rightfully earned the “Social Diva” title. Each of them managed to print her unique mark and establish herself as a sought-after industry leader. Throughout our “Social Divas” post series, we will be shedding light on some of them.

Heather B. Armstrong

“Mommyblogger, tyrant, snugglebunny” is how Heather (@dooce) names herself on Twitter, where she brags 1.5+ million followers. Heather created dooce.com in 2001 for fun, but it turned out to be a smashing success. Interestingly, dooce was the reason she lost her job in 2002 because she dared to spill out some coworkers beans on her blog! Looking back at it now, Heather is probably glad that she did! It was a blessing in disguise.

Out of all the “About Me” blog pages I came across, Heather’s page is the most “human” of all. I was so touched and moved by her story. In fact, it was so refreshing that I found myself glued to the chair as I read the major transitions she encountered, moving from Memphis, Tennessee to Los Angeles, California and having to deal with postpartum depression (been there!).

Heather is a brilliant writer. In my humble opinion, she was born to be a blogger. In 2005, when dooce.com started getting enough Ads flow, her husband took charge of the business side of things, while she devoted her time for her biggest passion:

I am what is known as a professional blogger. Some people call me a blopper, others call me a blogger, doesn’t matter because it all sounds like an unfortunate, disfiguring disease. What do I do? Why, I just sit in my pajamas all day long writing about my feelings! At least, that’s what my lawyer thinks I do, and I don’t think he cares as long as I pay his ridiculous hourly fee. – dooce.com

See what I mean by brilliant writer? I have a small token of appreciation to Heather:  Thank you for being you and thank you for making my day. You rock!

Lisa Stone

Lisa Stone (@LisaStone) is the co-founder and CEO of BlogHer – an all-women bloggers community on a holly mission to: create opportunities for women who blog to gain additional community, exposure, education and economic empowerment.

Prior to BlogHer, Lisa enjoyed a very rich and diverse writing career as a journalist. She has written for big names such as The New York Times, The Oakland Tribune, The Los Angeles Times, to name just a few. On top of that, she launched interactive programming and blog networks for HBO’s Sex and the City, Hearst and Rodale magazines, E! Television Online, Knight Ridder Digital, American Lawyer Media, Glam Media and the list goes on.

Lisa’s obligations as a mother and a wife are not stopping her from shining so bright in the social sphere. Here’s her magical formula: I still believe balance is baloney. Do what you love, the laundry is secondary.

I couldn’t agree more, Lisa. I just have a small request: Am I allowed to replace ‘laundry’ with ‘dishes’?

In the last Social Divas post, there was so much glamor and outstanding accomplishments. This time, I am seeing so much authenticity and humanness. But one thing I know for certain, I was equally inspired by both of them.

I hope you enjoyed reading this post as much as I enjoyed writing it. I can’t wait to know your thoughts about today’s divas. And hey, is there any fave diva(s) of yours you want to see in future posts? Just name them and let Garious do the work!