04-11-2024 Howard Magazine - Flipbook - Page 47
Claire Duarte,
The Columbia Mom
Although she had been using her personal
social media accounts for years, Claire Duarte
recognized the true power of “mommyinfluencing” in 2020 when she decided to create
her own platform. The Columbia Mom, which
in addition to being a website also has accounts
on Instagram, Facebook, and even TikTok.
Duarte, the mom of a 3-year-old and a
5-year-old, said The Columbia Mom started
as her “passion project.”
“It all really came from my passion because
I am a mom,” Duarte said. “So I was like, let
me build a platform around something
that I already do, and that I know and
love.”
On her social media accounts and
website, Duarte shares places she goes
within the county and the state, for date
nights and for fun with her kids. She
said she thrives on new experiences
and meeting new people, so running
the organization is a fun outlet.
However, Duarte’s platform is slightly
different from other mom-influencer pages. She
likes to highlight more mom-centric content,
rather than kid-focused posts typically seen on
some parenting sites.
“I wanted to know what’s a great
date night spot, what’s the best cocktail
in the area, and where is a really fun
outdoor playground to take my kids,”
Duarte said. “I just decided that I
wanted to build a platform around
the things I know and love around
Howard County and beyond.”
Duarte has turned the platform into her
full-time job, while also holding a part-time
job that only requires her to work a few times
a week. This way, she can put most of her time
into what she loves doing — being a mom.
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