A Cleveland "Momfluencer" Shares Parenting Hacks and Family Experiences with Northeast Ohio

Growing up, Leah Vidaurre always wanted to be a teacher. She recalls memories of “playing school” with her siblings as a child, and she eventually traded that basement setup for a real classroom. Over a 10-year career, she taught English in China, then math and science in Peru. Now, back on Cleveland’s West Side where she was raised, she still teaches, but the classroom looks a bit different.

Instead of fourth graders, she’s mentoring four women. And instead of science, it’s a course she’s created called Momfluencer Tools, where she imparts her experience of being both a mother and a content creator — a life she’s juggled since starting her social media platform in 2022.

When Vidaurre’s teaching tenure in Peru bled into the COVID-19 pandemic, her solace was found online, instructing virtually during the country’s lockdown. She learned the art of engagement behind a screen, and even after quitting her job and moving back to Ohio to raise her first child, she continued discovering ways to make that craft her livelihood.

“I had some issues breastfeeding, so I used a pump. And scrolling social media was my guilty pleasure while pumping. But I realized I was watching videos that were more informational about being a first-time mom,” she explains, “like, ‘What milestones are my kids supposed to have?’ and ‘How do I freeze my breast milk?’ While I was watching these videos, I thought, I have experience as a teacher, I taught online for a while. I know how to do technology. So I started posting videos, and I thought by sharing my experience that maybe people could find it relatable, or I could build a community.” 


That community has grown to more than 100,000 followers on both TikTok and YouTube and 95,000 on Instagram: her largest class size yet.

“Connecting with other moms on social media and meeting other women, I feel like I have friends all over the world now,” she says.
”I haven't even met them in real life.”

Vidaurre is dedicated to making her content authentic, sharing her personality and posting what she likes rather than strictly following trends. Beyond breastfeeding tips (the niche that made her go viral), her videos have expanded into parenting hacks, nutritional meals for kids and snapshots of her family life. The recent addition of her e-book and online course, Momfluencer Tools, covers both the technical skills of filming and editing videos as an influencer, in addition to advice on how a mom can keep kids out of the content and create her own passion project.

“My tagline is ‘Making Mom Life Easier,’” she says. “Living just for keeping little kids alive is really tough. My end-game is to teach other moms to creatively express themselves and have something of their own while still being at home with the kids.”

Vidaurre says that new moms should expect their lifestyle will change, and while much of that demands time at home, there are many ways to make the routine of life productive for the whole family.

“If you do not get out of the house every day, you're gonna go stir-crazy,” Vidaurre advises. “Even if it's just to go buy a loaf of bread, do something.”

We asked the influencer for her favorite family-friendly spots to visit around Northeast Ohio.

Coe Lake and Wallace Lake Parks
“The beach area at Wallace Lake is great for swimming and feels really safe for kids since the water doesn’t get too deep. You can rent kayaks, or bring your own like we do. There’s a lot of wildlife like ducks, fish and turtles, and the playgrounds at Coe Lake are really fun, especially the zipline. It also has a snack bar and ice cream, so it’s easy to spend the whole day there.” Berea, Coe Lake Park: cityofberea.org, Wallace Lake Park: clevelandmetroparks.com

Cuyahoga County Public Library (Brooklyn Branch)
“I think libraries are one of the most underrated places to take kids. They have story times weekly for all ages, and you can even rent toys — not just books. The librarians are always so kind and helpful. I like to check out books based on what my kids are into or where we’re traveling next. The Brooklyn branch has a really nice indoor play area, which is perfect in the winter.” 7619 Memphis Ave., Brooklyn, 216-398-4600, cuyahogalibrary.org

West Side Market
“We love walking around, tasting samples and picking out fruit. There are even stands with free books, which my kids love. It’s such a classic Cleveland spot.” 1979 W. 25th St., Cleveland, 216-293-9830, westsidemarket.org

Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi
“This is one of our favorite restaurants because there’s hibachi right at the table, and my kids are obsessed with the show. The food is great too, especially the sushi.” 6405 Pearl Road, Parma Heights, 216-268-4498, ichibanparmaheights1.com

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
“We have a membership and go often. On Mondays, it's free if you’re a resident of Cuyahoga County. It’s such a fun way to get outside and walk around while the kids enjoy seeing the animals. They especially love the monkeys and giraffes. It’s a good mix of family time — and a little exercise for me, too.” 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, 216-661-6500, clevelandmetroparks.com/zoo

Geneva-on-the-Lake
“We usually camp here, and it’s become one of our favorite summer traditions. The wineries are beautiful and surprisingly family-friendly, so we can enjoy a nice evening while the kids play.” visitgenevaonthelake.com

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