Des Moines Moms Blog recognizes that moms wear a lot of hats. You are a mom, wife, friend, diaper changer, nose wiper, meal planner, lost toy finder, the list goes on and on!
This summer we are thrilled to feature some local moms who are thinking outside the box and making a difference in our community through the businesses they own, organizations they are involved with, and work they do.
Kristin Porter is the local mom and food blogger behind the hugely popular website Iowa Girl Eats. You might recognize her from social media or maybe you have made one (or more) of her tasty recipes. Kristin was diagnosed with Celiac Disease after having her first child. Since then she has focused her website on sharing easy and delicious gluten-free recipes.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family
We are a party of four – soon to be five! My husband Ben and I live on the west side of Des Moines with our 4- and 1-year-old sons, and are expecting a baby girl in mid-July. Ben and I both grew up in Des Moines and made our way back home from Minneapolis when we got married in 2008.
What do you consider the biggest challenge of motherhood to be? The biggest joy?
The biggest challenge of motherhood is constantly being selfless. Like most moms, my daily to-do list is 10 miles long, but the needs and wants of my children will always come first. The biggest joy is simply their little faces. I melt into a giant puddle when I look at my boys! Especially when they’re playing nicely together.
How/when did you start Iowa Girl Eats? What was your inspiration?
I started Iowa Girl Eats in 2009. I was a newlywed with a lot of time on my hands that was previously spent wedding planning, and had also started reading a lot of food, health, and fitness blogs. Almost all the blogs were written by women who were my age and in the same stage of life so I thought, “If they can do this, so can I!” So I did. Additionally, I was in a job that I liked but wasn’t extremely fulfilled by, so the blog became an outlet to share and connect with other women on topics I was passionate about. Eventually, it became my full-time job!
What’s the best part about being your own boss?
No corporate meetings, no dress (or shower) code, I set my own hours, and most importantly – I get to stay home with my children while doing something I’m passionate about.
What’s the hardest part about running your own business?
There’s nobody else to pick up the slack. As a small digital business owner, I wear many hats. Writing blog posts makes up a small portion of my job. I’m not only president of IGE but also head of marketing, R&D, accounting, business development, tech support, customer service, social media – you get the idea!
What advice do you have for moms who want to start a business?
Just go for it! The right time to start a small business is literally NEVER. There will always be obstacles in your way, but if you do something small to work toward your dream every single day, imagine where you’ll be 365 days from now.
What is something you wish you had known when you started?
Network, network, network. This is very difficult for me as an introvert, and something I’ll always be uncomfortable doing, but it has lead to opportunities I know would have never come about had I not put myself out there.
What’s the last show you watched, thing you listened to, or book you read?
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah is one of the best books I’ve read in years. I could. not. put. it. DOWN!
If your life had a hashtag, what would it be?
#CRAZY (So original, right?!)
Des Moines Favorites:
Favorite spot for a date night: Wasabi for sushi or any divy bar where my husband and I can belly up and chat for a couple hours (the old Shorty’s comes to mind.) Peace Tree Brewing Co is a fun spot for a rainy afternoon, too.
Best place to take kids: Jester Park Naturescape
Favorite summer activity: Sunday Tunes at Summerset winery (when I’m not pregnant!)
If you could live anywhere, where would it be? It’s hard to beat Des Moines in the summertime, but southern Italy is nice too!
Favorite instagram accounts? @Kayla_Craig (Kayla Craig) – such a gentle soul, plus a wonderful mother and advocate for her children. I am always inspired to be a little more present and patient with my own kids after seeing her posts.
@hotandhealthylife (Heather Osby) – love her relatable posts and nudges to get my butt moving in the fitness department.
@Sophieandlili (Sophie & Lili) – creates THE most amazing digital portraits. I’m asking for one for Christmas!
@Humansofny (Humans of New York) – I constantly wonder as I pass people on the street – “what’s their story?”. This Instagram account dives into that question by asking everyday New Yorkers the who/what/where/when/why of their lives. So interesting.
How/where do you relax? Honestly, I don’t need to go anywhere or do anything – putting the kids to bed, then sitting down to watch trashy reality television on the DVR is the most relaxing way to end my day. (Insert glass of wine when not pregnant!)
Connect with Iowa Girl Eats 
Check out our Des Moines Moms Movers & Shakers series from last summer.
Know a Des Moines mom we should feature? Let us know! Email [email protected] with details and we will be in touch.
