Meet Valerie Brown | Mom & Theme Park Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Valerie Brown and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Valerie, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
The most important thing I’ve done for my toddler daughter is to give her mindful attention. By that I mean attention without distractions.

It’s so easy, especially working in the realm of social media, to get caught up consistently being on an electronic device.

By giving her as much time as possible without distractions, I show her how much I value her as a human being, how relationships in the real world should look like, and how to model different behaviors I want her to emulate – compassion, kindness, and empathy.

(I’ve also noticed the more time I spend with her intentionally, it improves her mood and lessens the tantrums, which I feel is a win-win all around!)

This all in turns was the catalyst to why I started my brand. I wanted to show parents that they can give their kiddos mindful attention while making memories at theme parks. I try to include tips to help the family’s day go smoothly so more time can be spent enjoying each other and having the fun.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In a nutshell, I create theme park tips on social media for families wanting to make memories and spend close time together.

The one thing I’m most proud of is how much I’ve learned about social media, with absolutely zero background in marketing, social media, or business. It’s been so fun to be doing something creative that I love while also learning a new skill. I’ve always loved learning.

Now, success is arbitrary, but I feel my success is in part due to me sharing the relatable bits of parenthood. I don’t try to be perfect. I won’t have perfect hair, a perfect day, or always have the perfect child so often portrayed in social media. Instead, I show that even when trying to make memories in the theme parks with kids, it can be crazy but the beautiful togetherness is what makes it worth it. I feel others relate to that. People relate more to my kid’s meltdown on Main Street at Disneyland than the mom with kids who have perfectly groomed hair.

While I have had so much fun growing and learning, It hasn’t been easy getting to where I am. I can thank everyone I shouted out earlier for pushing me to keep going.

It can take a toll on you dealing with the negativity that can be found on social media. I just focus on my overall goals and just continue serve those who find my brand useful. It’s why I started my page to begin with, to help other families.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love San Diego! We have such a beautiful city that is unparalleled. It would be hard to choose activities for a week…

The first place I would take a visitor is to Balboa Park. I love the history in its story and how there is always something fun going. Plus the free Sunday organ concerts are the best. Who wouldn’t want free music? After the organ concert, lunch at The Prado is a must.

Obviously, being the theme park gal, Legoland or SeaWorld would have to be on the list. We’d ride rides, grab the granny apple fries or a churro. You can’t go wrong.

One morning we’d have to grab coffee from Cafeina Cafe. I don’t know what they do but I haven’t found a better cold brew in San Diego. Plus, I love how they are deeply rooted in their community and give back. Pair that with pan dulce from Su Pan and it’s perfection.

If visitors have kids, a few of the museums around are a must. For preschool and toddlers, the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum is supreme. For elementary aged kids and older, The Fleet. Catching a blockbuster movie (or a documentary) on the Imax screen would seal the deal

Beachwise, Coronado is my favorite. It’s a walkable island and the Hotel Del is great for photos and exploring. Pizza at the Ferry Landing while looking over the cityscape is an excellent choice.

I honestly could go on and on, but those are my typical “go-tos”

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are a few people who have helped mold my story, but the first person to shape me into the human I am today is my mom.

Having to care for my younger brother with special needs, raising us alone (at times) due to my dad’s deployments, she always had “stuff on her plate” but she always was mindful of giving us individual intention. Even if it was just dancing to the Barney end credit song, she made me feel special, important, and valued.

Now, as a mother myself, I reflect on those moments and why they are so meaningful and it circles back to the mindful attention she gave us. I try to emulate that and share that gift to other families.

Secondly, I want to shout-out a group of my friends who are also in the theme park community. They really encouraged me and basically forced me to keep doing what I’m doing when I wanted to give up in the early days. Their creativity continues to inspire me and always leaves me in awe.

Lastly, my good friend Jen who is a superhero of a mom and is very intentional with her time with her boys. She’s always reminding me motherhood is crazy, but in the best of ways.

Instagram: @myadventureval

Other: Email: myadventureval@gmail.com