Meet Ellyn Lerner

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ellyn Lerner a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ellyn, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I found my purpose through a journey that began with a simple desire to explore and share my experiences with my children. When my youngest was just one year old, I started the page Santa Monica Kids. My initial goal was to get outside with him and expose him to the various parks and libraries around Santa Monica. As we visited these places, I shared our experiences with friends, who often remarked that they had never heard of many of these locations. This feedback inspired me to start recording videos and sharing them on Instagram.

Before moving to Los Angeles, I was an optometrist in Chicago. The transition to a new city and a new role as a mother led me to discover a deeper purpose: being present for my kids and contributing to my community. This realization was the driving force behind Santa Monica Kids. Despite moving to Playa Vista, I remain dedicated to showcasing the fun activities, parks, libraries, and museums that Los Angeles has to offer.

My commitment to the community extends beyond social media. I am actively involved in local organizations, serving on the board of the Friends of Playa Vista School, our elementary school booster club, and the Playa Vista Moms Group. These roles allow me to support and engage with other families in the area, further solidifying my purpose of fostering a connected and vibrant community.

Through this journey, I have found that my purpose is not just about sharing information but about creating a sense of community and belonging for families in our city.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

As the creator of Santa Monica Kids, I review and showcase fun, family-friendly activities around the Los Angeles area. Our focus is on exploring and sharing experiences at various local attractions, including parks, farmers markets, kids’ classes, play gyms, libraries, and much more. It’s a free online resource.

What I find most exciting about this endeavor is the opportunity to help families discover hidden gems in our vibrant city. There’s a special joy in seeing a child’s eyes light up at a new playground or watching parents bond with their little ones during a community event we’ve recommended.

One aspect that sets our brand apart is our commitment to authentic, first-hand experiences. Every location we feature, every activity we recommend, has been personally visited and vetted by my family. This ensures that our followers receive genuine, reliable information they can trust when planning their outings.

I’d like our readers to know that Santa Monica Kids isn’t just about sharing information – it’s about building a community. We’re passionate about fostering connections between families and helping parents create lasting memories with their children. Our content aims to inspire families to step out of their comfort zones, explore their city, and make the most of the incredible resources Los Angeles has to offer.

I’m excited to announce our first annual Santa Monica Kids Summer Luau, taking place on Saturday, July 20, at Club Joyful in Venice. This free event is a celebration of our vibrant community and an opportunity for local families to come together for a day of fun and connection.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my journey with Santa Monica Kids, I believe the three most impactful qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge were:

1. Curiosity and a willingness to explore: My desire to discover new places and experiences with my children was the initial spark that led to the creation of Santa Monica Kids. This curiosity drove me to continually seek out new family-friendly locations and activities.
2. Community engagement and networking: Building relationships within the community, both online and offline, has been crucial. This includes connecting with other parents, local businesses, and community organizations.
3. Adaptability and resilience: As we moved from Santa Monica to Playa Vista, I had to adapt our content and focus while maintaining our core mission. This flexibility has been key to our continued growth and relevance.

For those who are early in their journey, here’s my advice on how to develop or improve these qualities:

1. Cultivate curiosity: Make it a habit to try new things regularly, even if they’re outside your comfort zone.
2. Build your network and engage with your community: Attend local events and introduce yourself to people.
3. Embrace change as an opportunity for growth rather than a setback: Be open to feedback and willing to adjust your approach based on what you learn.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

We are always open to new partnerships and collaborations with businesses and brands that align with our values and mission. Specifically, we’re looking for family-friendly organizations. Our primary focus is on providing valuable information and experiences for families in the Los Angeles area. We’re interested in partnering with businesses that offer products, services, or experiences suitable for children and parents alike.
We’re also looking for businesses that are deeply rooted in the community. We value organizations that are present in the local community and contribute positively to its growth and well-being.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Danny Moulton

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