Conversations with the Inspiring Emilie Hebert

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emilie Hebert.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Emilie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started my blog in August 2015 at the beginning of my sophomore year of college. I was in school for public relations and wanted a creative outlet to share my love of cooking plant-based food. I also had developed social media and blogging skills from working for a full-time blogger, so I wanted to practice those skills with my own blog. I honestly started just for fun – I wasn’t thinking of making money off of it. Months and years of practicing food photography, learning about SEO, and keeping up with social media algorithms made me a better blogger. 2017 was the first year the business made a 6-figure revenue – and we’ve done that every year since then. I’ve worked with brands like Quaker, Pompeian, and the National Peanut Board. I’ve launched online courses. I’ve gone on paid brand trips. This business has allowed me to get my master’s degree in nutrition debt-free and buy my first home. Starting my blog almost five years ago was the best decision I ever made.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Oh, definitely not. HA. If any entrepreneur tells you their journey has been struggle-free, they are straight up lying. Since I started my blog, I’ve been a full-time student – first in undergrad, and now in my master’s program. It’s been hard balancing work, school, being a homeowner, and my personal life.

Working for yourself will always come with some amount of anxiety, especially around finances. You don’t get a check every two weeks. You don’t get insurance through your employer. If you or someone you’re paying isn’t working, money isn’t coming in. You have to keep up with trends and changes in Google and social media to stay ahead in this industry.

I’ve struggled with imposter syndrome, too. It has gotten better the longer it’s been and the older I get, but it still hits hard sometimes. Sometimes you can’t help but compare yourself to other bloggers who look like they are doing better, making more money, and coming up with more creative ideas. But you learn to be confident in what you are doing.

My advice to other women – it’s hard, don’t get me wrong, but it’s so rewarding. I’m not one to say that everyone has to make their hobby/passion their job (I don’t think that’s possible, and it’s not always accessible), but if you want to do something – do it. Do it even if you never make a cent from it – as long as it makes you happy. And if you start a business but eventually fall out of love with what you’re doing – reassess, evaluate your options, and be open to change.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I create plant-based recipes that every type of eater can enjoy. I am personally vegan, and all the recipes on my site are vegan as well, but I don’t expect everyone who comes across my blog to go vegan. I take a pretty relaxed approached to veganism – if I can inspire someone to just eat one plant-based meal per day, I’ve done my job. I think the best way to get people to eat more plants is to make plant-based food delicious. I specialize in creating plant-based versions of the foods we all know and love – Cajun red beans & rice (I’m from Louisiana, baked ziti, enchiladas, etc. I’m also studying to become a registered dietitian. People know me for my down-to-earth, commonsense, approachable nutrition advice. I will never tell someone to cut out food or food groups unnecessarily. I believe in good nutrition that also prioritizes your mental, emotional, and social health.

Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
My mom. She has been through some hard stuff, but she always made sure my brother and I had everything we needed. My mom is not an anxious or nervous person, and I’m the complete opposite. She teaches me to breathe and not worry so much and live in the present. Elizabeth Warren. That woman is so intelligent, so passionate, and so dedicated to the good of others.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.emilieeats.com
• Email: emilie@emilieeats.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilieeats/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilieeats/
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/emilieeats/
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/emilieeats/

Image Credit:
Emilie Hebert

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