Meet Amelia Dalgaard | aka Motorhead Mama

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

Hi Amelia, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Doing Motorhead Mama was something I started because I needed an outlet where I could be my authentic self. Not a mom, not someone’s wife, someone’s employee, where I could let my freak flag fly and say all of the snarky things running through my head. Along the way, because Mama is a part of my personality, people started seeing me as a “mommy blogger” and inviting my girls to events. Over time, both of my daughters grew to love these experiences and are now pretty involved in MHM. That was not at all my intention, but it has been a really fulfilling part of this business and has made the work/life balance. journey easier.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started MHM anonymously out of fear. Who wants to hear the crazy things that run through my head when I look at cars? But then, when someone commented, “This can’t be written by a woman; this person knows too much about cars,” I stepped up and owned it.

I never considered myself a car person. Sure, I read Car and Driver and Road & Track as a kid—doesn’t everyone? But because car culture revolves around men talking about grease monkey stuff, I figured I didn’t belong. Now, when I get hired as an “automotive expert,” I think of my 9-year-old self reading my dad’s car magazines under the covers, slightly ashamed, and want to tell her it’s okay. You may be different, but that’s your superpower.

Along the way, I’ve learned that although writing is a solitary practice, it’s not a solitary pursuit. The best thing I ever did was join a writer’s group and befriend other writers.

The other thing is being adaptable and open to new mediums. Sure, I was a TV producer, but I was never comfortable in front of the camera. But when the eyeballs went from blogs to videos, I jumped on board. Now, it’s no big deal, and I love making videos! As for social media, well, I simply couldn’t do what I’m doing without it. Social has allowed me to reach and interact with people all over the world. It’s fantastic!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is my favorite thing! I love showing people my LA.

I’d start by picking them up at LAX (ideally in a convertible –anything by Ferrari or Porsche will do) and telling them it’ll be uphill from there. Then I’d drive them to Superba in Venice to caffeinate because the people/car watching is amazing.

Then, we’d cruise to PCH, up the coast, and head to Malibu. Even if we’re stuck in traffic, it’ll be fun to see all the different people in all kinds of cars, hear the music, and smell everything from salt water to sunblock to secondhand pot smoke. We’d watch the Sunset from the Malibu Pier having cocktails at Malibu Farm. Afterward, we’d head to La Chingona Tacos at Froggies in Topanga and then head. to some music venue because in the canyon, there’s always someone playing.

The next few days, I’d make sure we went to the beach (First Point or El Matador), the Topanga Farmer’s Market, the Petersen Automotive Museum, Super Car Sunday, Brother’s Cousins Tacos, Urth Cafe on Melrose (for the cars), Erewhon (for the people), and my secret automotive hot spot– AutoZone Canoga Park. It’s hot, it’s filthy, and is the greatest cross-section of car culture you could ever imagine.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Well, I wouldn’t BE Motorhead Mama if my friend Amelie (yes, very close to Amelia, but not me) didn’t become fed up with my endless car texts in 2011 and suggested, “Why don’t you start a blog?” After asking, “What’s a blog?” MHM was born! Along the way, I’ve had so much support from the men and women in the industry who genuinely encouraged my edgy, often shocking, approach. Also, just as I was getting ready to take the leap to do this full-time, I told my boss, Davide Berutto, who was wildly supportive. That meant a lot to me. Also, the men and women of the Motor Press Guild are fantastic. I’m particularly proud to have served as that organization’s president for two terms.

Website: https://motorheadmama.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motorheadmama/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLmD09-NJCDu5b0G91Tczdw

Image Credits
The photo of me with the selfie stick was taken by John Faulkner.