Twenty years ago, Brenda Hyde was in the midst of raising four kids. After being unable to find a local children’s store, she realized that she wanted to create a resource for busy moms in the Washington DC area. Today, she is the Editor of one of the largest publications in the Washington DC region - FAMILY Magazine. 

 Describe yourself in three words:
Innovative, Energetic, and involved

What do you consider your greatest professional achievement?
Developing our print magazine into something more than just a magazine – an online community, where moms can find great events and resources for their families. We just want to help make mom’s life easier…we aim to provide something of value that helps the families in our community.

What are your professional goals for the next six months?
To keep innovating and pull together more and better resources for parents…and we want to continue growing.

How does your company stay connected through social media?
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FAMILYMagazine
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyMagDC
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/familymagazine
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/familymagazine

What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?
I would love to be an adventure traveler. I have been scuba diving with sharks (no cages) and went on a photo safari in Africa. I’d love to have a program on adventurous travel for moms!

How do you maintain a work/life balance?

I’m very lucky – what I do at work blends nicely with being a mother and wife. We have a company policy that your family comes first and I model that for my employees. My husband and I have date night every Friday, and if my kids need me at any time, I’m there. I’m getting ready to take my granddaughter on a college tour – family means everything to me.

What websites do you visit every day?
I love the Huffington Post online, the Wall Street Journal, and of course, FAMILY Magazine’s! When I get a chance, I love checking out the local mom bloggers, like Real Housewives of Northern Virginia too! J

What is your favorite drink – and where can you find it in Northern Virginia?
Grey Goose Martini, dry, shaken, not stirred, 3 olives. We love to go to the top of the W Hotel in Washington DC…At sunset, as you sip, you can watch the American flags light up around Washington. It’s just beautiful.

What are your top 3 favorite people/places/things in Northern Virginia?
We LOVE the wine tours in Northern Virginia. There are so many great new wineries in the area - we love Bluemont, Sunset Hills and Barrel Oak Wineries. My favorite way to tour is to go with a bunch of friends and rent a limo!

I also love the Reston Ice Skating Pavilion. My husband and I love to sit and watch as people whiz by us on skates!

If you love art, the Lorton Workhouse is great! One of our graphic artists who has worked with FAMILY Magazine for over 10 years exhibits there! We love supporting local businesses and artists – this place is truly a treasure!

What is your goal for retirement?
Retirement? You mean when we don’t work? Never! I love what I do and working with the magazine. Although, I’d love to take more time to photograph sunsets and relax on the beach!

Do you have any advice for women who would like to start their own company?
Just do it! If you have a passion and you have the skillsets needed, just go for it! You’ll love it and you’ll never “work” another day in your life.