Well, here is yet another lady I met through my writing buddy. Melonie is in the social media department at Home Educating Family. Remember, I’m now an editorial assistant in the reviews department. My writing buddy introduced us because she thought we had a lot in common, and we do! Good thing the three of us don’t work in an actual office together. We’d probably get into a lot of trouble. And now here is Melonie in her own words…
My name is Melonie Kennedy. I’m a military wife, homeschooling mom, and the executive editor of American Virtue Magazine. I also do freelance work for companies such as Home Educating Family Magazine and Homestead Originals.
American Virtue actually encompasses several business areas. American Virtue Magazine is a bimonthly publication about all things American. We seek to educate & encourage our readers by providing edifying resources that will allow others to better themselves, their families, and their communities. We believe that this will aid American citizens who, like us, want to rebuild the greatness of our country by building bridges and learning from others by focusing on our commonalities, instead of our differences. That’s the best part of my job: with this endeavor, I get to learn right along with our contributors and readers!
Our first e-newsletter will be sent out September 2011; our first magazine issue is slated for January 2012. Interested readers can sign up for the free e-newsletter at our website or our blog; we are also on Facebook and Twitter. The e-news will be the best way to stay up to date on all our happenings, but those who want to get to know us on a more personal level can connect more closely with us on the social sites.
American Virtue also has an education division which will be growing along with the magazine; this arena will allow us to share further resources with others via e-books and other options and give us the ability to help other families with small businesses. Our initial e-book releases will occur quarterly throughout 2012. Over time we will offer a growing number of products; our overall goal is to provide families with tangible resources as well as opportunities for “book learning”.
Any Many Hats Mommy readers who operate small businesses, especially those offering Made in the USA products, are invited to get in touch with me directly via our sites. Helping build small American business is a huge focus for us. We do offer some product review opportunities and are open to cross-promotion agreements; we also offer special advertising rates to small- and veteran-owned businesses.
Technically, as a military “brat” and military spouse, my area of expertise is MOVING! I can’t really show you how fast I can unpack a box though. *grin*
Research is a big love for me personally, as are words. The one thing I would encourage you to do, if you want to affect change in any area – from a small habit you need to break to starting your own business or cutting your budget in half – is to research, research, research! Don’t be afraid to glean the best of the information from a variety of sources and dump the rest. Be open to learning from everyone; I’ve had amazing opportunities to meet amazing people from incredibly diverse backgrounds, thanks to the military lifestyle. Homeschooling my children has taught me to be open to resources no matter what label they have on them or who provides them.
Don’t limit yourself to people and viewpoints who only match your own. Learn from everyone you encounter, but be ready to use your personal discernment to choose what is right for you and your family. You’ll be able to advocate with passion and knowledge for whatever issues and causes face you from day to day; you’ll also have the joy that comes from building bridges within your community by creating friendships and understanding.
Make sure you take Melonie up on her offer to help you build your business through American Virtue Magazine, and sign up for her monthly newsletter while you’re there!
Many Hats Mommy 
September 14, 2011 at 8:27 AM
Thank you so much for this opportunity to share with your readers, Jenny! And you are SO right – we’d be nothing but trouble in the same “real” office. *chuckle* But oh, the fun we’d have getting INTO that trouble. 😉