Reflecting on a Year of Growth: My Evolving Food Blogging Journey Through 2016

As another year unfolds, it’s customary to pause and look back at the path traveled. For me, 2016 wasn’t just another year; it was a transformative period that reshaped my approach to food blogging, photography, and even my understanding of personal and professional growth. What began with a clear, albeit narrow, focus evolved into a more expansive and deeply fulfilling creative endeavor. Join me as we unpack the triumphs, challenges, and invaluable lessons that defined my journey through 2016, setting the stage for an even more exciting future.

The Early Days of 2016: Comfort Zones and Contained Creativity

At the dawn of 2016, my blogging identity was distinctly defined: a haven for strictly food-related content, with a particular emphasis on recipes that could be whipped up in 30 minutes or less. This niche was comfortable, predictable, and aligned with my lifestyle at the time. Beyond the blog, I was actively freelancing for prominent platforms like Paleohacks and Green Blender, and channeling my energy into teaching barre at The Barre Code. Life was good; I was content, finding joy in my work, and aspiring to increase my earnings modestly.

Looking back, while I certainly achieved my monetary goals and continued to love what I did – which is undeniably a positive outcome – I also recognize a certain hesitation. I didn’t actively push myself beyond my established comfort zone. There were no grand projects, no ambitious posting schedules, no radical shifts in content. As I’ve since learned, while contentment is valuable, when you’re steering your own business, stagnation can be a silent adversary. To truly thrive and innovate, a willingness to challenge the familiar is paramount. This realization became a quiet catalyst for the shifts that would subtly, then overtly, begin to unfold.

A Lens on Growth: The Photography Transformation

One area where I did intentionally invest my time and energy was photography, and the results were nothing short of remarkable. Recognizing the visual nature of food blogging, I dedicated countless hours to honing my skills behind the camera. This passion culminated in the creation of my ebook, Food Photography for Bloggers on a Budget, a resource designed to empower budding food photographers. The overwhelming positive feedback from those who purchased it was incredibly validating, affirming the value of sharing practical, detailed photography tips, covering both the do’s and don’ts for beginners.

Throughout the year, my commitment to improving my visual storytelling was unwavering. I embarked on another enriching freelance opportunity, developing recipes for Bizzy Coffee, which further sharpened my food styling and photography expertise. A pivotal moment was attending the Brunchshop hosted by How Sweet Eats, an experience that broadened my perspective and ignited new ideas. I found myself increasingly captivated by darker photography styles, a stark contrast to my usual bright and airy aesthetic. Initially, the technique seemed daunting, almost unattainable.

However, a fundamental lesson emerged: you can’t achieve what you don’t attempt. So, I experimented. I adjusted my lighting, played with shadows, and embraced a moodier aesthetic. And just like that, I was hooked! The learning curve was steep, but the challenge was invigorating. Even now, I feel like I’m constantly learning, which is precisely why I adore photography—it continuously pushes me to grow in the most rewarding ways.

To truly illustrate this transformation, consider the visual evidence:

Here’s a comparison: a photo from November 2015 versus December 2016:

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The difference is striking. While I did upgrade my camera in February 2016, the lens remained the same. This significant visual improvement wasn’t just about new equipment; it was about dedicated practice, understanding light, composition, and a willingness to explore new artistic directions. This commitment to visual excellence became a cornerstone of my evolving blog.

The Blog’s Metamorphosis: Beyond the 30-Minute Mark

Reflecting on the blog’s identity from the beginning of 2016 reveals several profound shifts, marking a departure from its original, narrower focus:

1. A Newfound Passion for Baking, Especially Cakes!

Who knew? Certainly not me! But 2016 unveiled an unexpected and utterly delightful love for baking, particularly cakes. This wasn’t merely a passing fancy; it became a significant creative outlet. While I continue to provide a diverse range of recipes to cater to all tastes, making cakes has become one of my absolute favorite things to create. This newfound passion wasn’t limited to cakes alone; I generally embraced a more robust approach to baking throughout the year. This shift was exciting, but it also meant a reevaluation of my blog’s core premise…

2. Embracing Complexity: Recipes Beyond 30 Minutes

Naturally, with a growing love for baking, the strict “30 minutes or less” mantra became increasingly difficult, and frankly, undesirable, to uphold. A rebrand for the blog is definitely on my radar for the upcoming year, but if I’m being honest, I’ve transformed into what I affectionately call “just a regular food blog.” For a time, my identity fluctuated between “workouts + healthy recipes” and “healthy and quick recipes.” Now, I find myself in a delightful, sometimes strange, mix of healthy and indulgent (because, let’s face it, sometimes you just need mascarpone!).

While “just a regular food blog” might not be the catchiest headline, it perfectly encapsulates the freedom and joy I now find in content creation. I relish the baking process, and most baked goods, by their very nature, require more than 30 minutes. And now that I’ve discovered this profound happiness in baking (still working on truly loving cookies, though!), I simply cannot *not* bake. Even if a single cake takes hours to perfect, the process is incredibly fun and fulfilling—no sarcasm intended!

3. Daring to Go Dark: Experimenting with Photography

My earlier dismissal of dark photography stemmed from a perception of difficulty. However, fueled by my growing confidence in visual storytelling, I decided to dive in. The revelation was surprisingly simple: it’s all about controlling the light. By strategically reducing the amount of ambient light entering the window, I discovered how to achieve those dramatic, mood-rich images that I admired. This experimentation wasn’t just a technical exercise; it was an artistic liberation, allowing me to explore new dimensions of food presentation and match the evolving character of my recipes.

4. My First Blog Ambassadorship: A Milestone Achievement

A significant professional milestone in 2016 was securing my first blog ambassadorship. For those unfamiliar, an ambassadorship signifies a long-term collaboration with a brand, moving beyond single sponsored posts to a sustained partnership. I was incredibly honored when Dave’s Killer Bread (truly, the best bread ever!) invited me to join their program. This partnership allowed me to develop creative recipes featuring their exceptional products, providing invaluable experience in long-term brand collaboration. It was a deeply rewarding experience that I’m immensely proud of, and I certainly hope to pursue similar opportunities in the future.

Invaluable Lessons Learned from 2016: Wisdom for Bloggers and Entrepreneurs

The journey through 2016 offered not just growth, but a wealth of hard-earned wisdom. For anyone navigating the world of blogging or creative entrepreneurship, these lessons proved to be foundational:

1. Set Your Price and Stick To It: Valuing Your Work

Let me be unequivocally clear: stop lowering your prices for brands. This is a crucial lesson I learned after far too long of undervaluing my work, and it’s a practice that serves absolutely no purpose. You have meticulously determined a price for your services because that is what your expertise, time, and creative output are worth. When a brand informs you they cannot meet your rate, the professional response is to graciously decline. Walking away, though sometimes difficult, sends a powerful message. It demonstrates that you are serious about your business, confident in your abilities, and deserving of respect as a professional. Simply state your rate; if it falls outside their budget, express your understanding and your hope for future collaborations. You might be surprised—some brands will even reconsider once they consistently observe the quality and professionalism of your work from afar.

2. Diversify Your Income Streams: Building Financial Resilience

For me, relying solely on blogging for 100% of my income felt inherently precarious. The nature of blogging income—inconsistent, unpredictable, and subject to algorithmic whims—can be a source of significant stress. I am eternally grateful to have cultivated regular freelance opportunities, which provide a reliable monthly income. This financial bedrock allows me to pursue creative projects on the blog without the crushing pressure of constant monetization. Furthermore, my continued love for barre, though I no longer teach as frequently as I did early in 2016, offers another fulfilling side gig. If the unpredictable ebb and flow of blogging revenue ever feels overwhelming, actively seeking out predictable income sources can significantly reduce stress and foster a healthier, more sustainable creative practice.

3. Identify and Master Your “Thing”: Cultivating Expertise

Every blogger or creative individual has a unique set of skills and passions. Whether your strength lies in compelling writing, stunning photography, strategic social media engagement, captivating videography, or something else entirely, identify that “thing” (or a couple of things) that you genuinely enjoy and excel at. Then, dedicate yourself to mastering it. This pursuit will demand hours, days, and weeks of practice, but because it aligns with your passion, it will rarely feel like arduous labor. Once you’ve honed your craft, that expertise becomes a powerful asset. It opens doors to additional opportunities, such as freelance writing, photography, or social media management (as discussed in point #2), providing not only extra income but also robust additions to your professional portfolio.

4. Strategically Utilize Social Media: Connecting and Growing

Ah, social media – a constant challenge, even for self-proclaimed millennials! Recognizing my own struggles with consistent social media management, I made a strategic decision: I hired Jess to assist with my social media presence. This was a game-changer. Our primary focus is on Instagram and Pinterest. Instagram is where I cultivate the most direct engagement with my audience, fostering a vibrant community. Pinterest, on the other hand, is an unparalleled traffic driver, consistently directing visitors to my blog. Both platforms are visually driven, which perfectly aligns with the nature of food blogging. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the myriad tasks of blogging, particularly social media, consider seeking external help, even if it’s just for a few hours a week. It can free up valuable time and mental energy, allowing you to focus on your core creative work.

Exciting Collaborations and the Road Ahead for 2017

Now, for some truly exciting news that ties back to the Brunchshop I mentioned earlier! Last October, Jessica from How Sweet Eats reached out with an incredible proposition: she asked me to help style the photos for her upcoming cookbook! This is, quite literally, a dream come true. I’ve long been a huge admirer of her work, and styling and photographing a cookbook has been a deeply held career aspiration. To have the opportunity to contribute to her second cookbook is something I am anticipating with immense excitement. This collaboration underscores a powerful truth: cultivating both virtual and real-life connections within your industry is incredibly important, as you never know where they might lead.

As for what you can expect from the blog in 2017, I envision a dynamic and diverse landscape of content. You’ll continue to find an abundance of recipes, encompassing both wholesome, healthy options and indulgent, comforting delights. Building on the photography journey of 2016, I also plan to share more photography tutorials, assuming there’s interest from you, my wonderful readers! Additionally, I’m toying with the idea of a weekly post highlighting my favorite finds from around the web, offering a curated dose of inspiration. While I’m not always the best at committing to weekly posts beyond recipes, your feedback is invaluable. If these ideas resonate with you, please let me know, as I’m keen to introduce a bit more variety to the site and cater to your interests.

YAY! I am genuinely thrilled for the year ahead, for the continued growth, and for the exciting new projects on the horizon. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for following along on this journey, through all the months and years. Your support means the world to me; I truly would be nowhere without YOU! Xoxoxo