Our NYMM staff recently had the chance to speak with the founder of TastesLovely, a healthy food blog, to learn how she was able to take her passions and turn them into a business!
NYMM: When and why did you start eating paleo/whole30/keto?
Natalie: I began eating Whole30 in 2015 after having my first child. I had to avoid dairy because it was causing him acid reflux. The benefits seemed ideal, although I had doubts that changing my way of eating could really improve my sleep, mood, anxiety and skin.
But I was blown away by how amazing I felt! Tons of energy, even though I was up at night with a new baby. When I did sleep it was the best sleep ever. My anxiety was almost non-existent. I fell in love with this way of eating, and I eat this way about 80 percent of the time now.
NYMM: What inspired you to start your own blog?
Natalie: I started my blog back in 2013 as a fun hobby because I loved cooking and trying new recipes. It was mostly a way for me to keep track of my own recipes. It slowly gained traction, and by 2015, the month my son was born, I was earning the same amount of money that I was at my day job thanks to ads on my site.
NYMM: What does a day-in-the-life of a food blogger look like?
Natalie: A majority of my day is spent being a mom and wife, with work squeezed in during nap time and after the kids go to bed. It’s really important to me that I focus 100 percent on my kids when they’re awake. They’re only young for such a short while, I don’t want to miss any of it!
I do have 1 dedicated 8 hour block of time on Mondays when my mom watches the boys for me. This is when I get all of my recipes photographed, posts written, social media shares scheduled, and respond to any lingering emails and post comments.
NYMM: Who are your inspirations in your life?
Natalie: Of course my mom. She was a stay at home mom too, and I have nothing but fantastic memories of my childhood. I’m so glad I can be home with my boys, but also still contribute to our family financially, and to the clean eating community with my recipes.
NYMM: What advice would you give to other young women looking to start their own business or successful blog?
Natalie: Start right away! Don’t wait until everything is perfect and you’re the master of your art.
Work hard, even though it’s for free. My blog actually COST me money the first 2 years. But I believed in myself, and kept at it, and now all that hard work is paying off.
Say yes to just about everything. The more opportunities and doors you open, the more traction you will gain.
Reach out to others in your field. I’ve curated such a close group of friends whom I’ve met through the food blogging community. We help each other out and share our knowledge. It’s invaluable.
Never compare yourself to others. There’s always going to be someone doing better than you: be happy for them. There’s always going to be someone doing worse than you: help them out.
All images curtesy of TasteLovely
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