HISPZ: Tell us about yourself, any relevant journalism experience you have and why you started your blog?
Jai: I’m about to turn 30 soon, mami of one boy and still thinking of the second. J I was born in Brooklyn but my family is from Dominican Republic. I don’t have any journalism experience outside of the blog and the paid postings. I started it because two years ago, there really wasn’t a blog like mine to appeal to the modern multifaceted Latina.
HISPZ: Who is the target audience of your blog and what data can you provide us about the size of your audience?
Jai: My target audience is Latina mothers. That’s why I called it Mami’s Time Out. Because we need a time out as well! And it’s always good to write what you know. I love all things beauty fashion and music. And I love my Latino culture. Right now I’m getting like 500-600 hits a day.
Hispz: What makes your blog unique?
Jai: I think what makes me unique is that I write the way I would be speaking to a friend. I feel people trust my judgment and will try a product if I say I loved it. I’m really proud of that fact because I’m definitely honest when it comes to products. If there’s something I don’t like at all…I just won’t write about it.
HISPZ: Do you have any accompanying Twitter, Facebook or other social media contact information you would like to share?
Jai: Sure my Twitter is @JaiMami, Facebook is http://www.facebook.com/pages/wwwmamistimeoutcom/43555587554
HISPZ: What is your blog’s web address and how frequently do you update your posts?
Jai: My web address is www.mamistimeout.com and I try to write daily five times a week. Right now I’m so busy with school and work and home and the holidays I’m having a hard time committing to those five days.
HISPZ: What is the key contact information for you and or your blog?
Jai: jai (at) mamistimeout.com is the best way to reach me.
HISPZ: What topics are of special interest to your blog and which ones are definitely not?
Jai: I love talking about bargain beauty and fashion. Latin culture, music. Telenovelas from time to time. I haven’t been able to watch any lately to give updates. Anything that has to do with cars, or something the opposite of what you think “diva” means to you would be something not of special interest to me. I like to think of ways for moms to not forget that they are women too. And they can still be hot!
HISPZ: What are the best days and hours to reach you and/or your staff with a specific type of story or interview? What are the worst days/times?
Jai: I pretty much am addicted to my Blackberry so anytime is a good one to email me. I usually respond right away if it’s a short and quick answer. If it’s something that I have to be on my computer, I usually get on a few times a week. Wednesdays are no go.
HISPZ: What are your policies in terms of accepting press kits, photos and/or multimedia video files?
Jai: I’m open with accepting those types of things, however I’m always getting those types of things on my email and I can’t get to them promptly. I just ask for some advance notice or some patience to be able to add it to the blog. And that it definitely fits the blog.
HISPZ: Is there anything you would like to add about your blog or about working with you?
Jai: I’m pretty easy going, I love coming up with new ideas about what to write and trying out new products. I’m hoping that next year will be a great year for the site!
