How I Became a Content Creator and Started a Kitchenware Brand

This post is sponsored by Cox Communications, but all opinions expressed in this article are my own. More information on their tv and internet services can be found here.

If you asked me five years ago where I’d be in five years, I would have never guessed I’d be a content creator, recipe developer and own a kitchenware brand. Starting a business while working and having a toddler have definitely been the hardest and best years of my life! I began working in the creative food industry at home from my laptop with the help of Cox Communications high speed internet. Whether I’m creating a recipe, editing photos, writing a blog or managing my shop – my work is powered by Cox Communications.

How I started working in the creative food industry

So how did I end up here? I’ve always been a “foodie.” I grew up in an Italian family where food is love. Some of my best childhood memories are in the kitchen watching my mom and nana cook. When I was in college studying Biopsychology and Pre-med I became fascinated with the connection between nutrition and the brain. How everything we eat affects our body and mind. After graduating college I worked in the medical field. I became a Nationally Certified Emergency Medical Technician, worked on an ambulance, at the hospital in the emergency room, in various private practices, and as a research writer. My plan was to apply to graduate school to be a Physician Assistant.

Then something amazing happened. I found out I was pregnant with my daughter. Graduate school went on hold. When she was 6-months old I applied for a writing position at a medical nutrition company. The company’s mission was incredible. To help people with medical conditions thrive through plant-based nutritional formulas. I witnessed first-hand how a plant-based diet can drastically change lives. After working there I knew this was what I wanted to dedicate my life to.

How I went plant-based

I was vegetarian for a number of years growing up and in college. After reading numerous articles about dairy I also went dairy-free. I plan to write an article on this topic, but what I always recommend is do your own research. Read articles online, buy books and watch documentaries. That way you can make an informed decision about your diet and health.

Everyones diet is different, but showing others you don’t need to sacrifice flavor for health is extremely rewarding. I love creating wholesome plant-based meals that are both nourishing and delicious. It’s fun cooking a classic favorite, but making it dairy-free, meat-free, and sometimes even gluten-free! My motivation is to fill my diet with as many plants as possible. I tell people know matter what your diet looks like, just start there. Eat more plants.

How I became a content creator

I’ve been involved in creative fields for as long as I can remember. I started acting as a child and always loved learning as much as I could about photography (that’s for another blog!) While working as a writer I began sharing plant-based recipes and lifestyle here on my blog and social media. I took photos not for compensation, but because I love photography and enjoy the editing process. I shared authentically and put in a lot of work for free. Partnerships started coming in and soon I was creating content for brands full time – taking photos, editing campaigns and writing. Since I run my business from home I need fast, secure and reliable wifi. Cox high speed internet checked all the boxes plus includes advanced tech support and unlimited data. A work day for me includes emails, recipe research, buying ingredients, cooking, testing recipes, taking photos, videos, editing, writing, and sharing. Then of course, cleaning the kitchen!

How I started shooting food photography

I began taking food photos in my kitchen to go along with my recipes. As more partnerships came in I needed to expand. Eventually I created a small home studio where I can use external lighting and any background I desire. I also experimented with outdoor food photography, which I love! Luckily I’m able to create content anywhere around the house because I have Cox Panoramic Wifi that provides wall-to-wall coverage. It provides the same fast connection nearly everywhere inside and outside our home. I’m able to work in my office, kitchen, studio, outdoors or anywhere I need. It also powers all my devices at once so I can easily upload photos from my computer to my phone and post them in minutes. Their Panoramic Wifi has an upgrade commitment to make sure I always have the newest software and equipment updates to keep my wifi at its best.

Running my business from home

My daughter Olive loves helping me in the kitchen! I believe teaching her to cook is one of the best tools I can give her. I’m beyond grateful to work from home and be with my daughter, but this has it’s own set of challenges. I get distracted by house tasks and of course my sweet toddler! Fortunately when her Dad’s home I can head to a coffee shop to edit photos or write. Some coffee shops don’t offer internet or it’s very slow, but my Cox internet plan includes wifi on the go! I’m able to connect to any of the Cox wifi hotspots for fast, reliable internet anywhere. Plus I save on cellular data when I’m away from home.

How I started my kitchenware store

I love enhancing my food photography with pretty and functional kitchenware pieces. I found myself searching for kitchenware at various stores to solve one simple constraint; creative kitchenware made from quality materials. That’s how my kitchenware store was born. At Olea Kitchen we offer distinctive kitchenware made of premium materials. I wanted everyone to be able to discover thoughtfully-designed kitchen goods all in one place. Olea Kitchen took me a year to plan and execute. I finally launched Spring of 2021! I run my store through Shopify and work with private suppliers. It’s been incredible running a business I’m so passionate about. I feel good running an online business using Cox Communications because their internet service includes advanced network security that protects my store from security breaches. I know my customers information has an extra level of protection.

Having multiple work-from-home businesses can be stressful, but it’s also extremely rewarding. I adore sharing recipes and teaching others how they can benefit from eating more plants. That’s why this year I’m getting certified in plant-based nutrition at Cornell University! Their online program is run by Dr. T Campbell. He teaches evidence-based health and nutrition and has delivered hundreds of lectures worldwide. He’s a developer of national and international nutrition policies and an author of 300+ research papers. Dr. T Campbell has been interviewed in multiple health documentaries including Forks Over Knives, Eating You Alive, Food Matters, and PlantPure Nation.

I’m looking forward to enhancing my knowledge in nutrition science with some of the leading plant-based experts. When I finish the program I’ll be able to offer personal plant-based nutrition coaching and more. I’m excited for this next chapter, and so thankful for everyone who has inspired or supported me along the way.

Xx- Britt