Meet Trailblazer Mackenzie Burgess

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mackenzie Burgess.

Mackenzie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve always loved cooking, creative art forms, and entrepreneurship ever since I was a young girl. Today, I’ve combined these passions into my own food and nutrition blog called “Cheerful Choices”.

What really sparked my interest in recipe development was working at local farmers markets. I was often given the task to create yummy recipes from the available ingredients at the market. The recipes I created were simple, healthy, and inspiring to market goers.

From there, studying nutrition at Colorado State University opened my eyes to how food affects our everyday lives. When we start to acknowledge the true impact that it has for our health and well-being—it’s pretty powerful stuff. This is why recipe development is one of my favorite parts about the field. I have the ability to help make healthy food more approachable for others.

People encouraged me to publish my recipes online, so I thought… why not! I started my blog a little over one year ago. I’ve learned so much about nutrition, entrepreneurship, and myself over this time period. I’ve been very fortunate to be able to work under Stephanie McKercher, a registered dietitian, who blogs at gratefulgrazer.com. She’s taught me so much about photography, social media, and turning a blog into a business.

Has it been a smooth road?
I struggled a lot in the beginning phases of starting my blog with trying to teach myself everything. Since it was just me and I was determined to not hire out, I had to learn it all—website development, SEO, food photography, videography, social media scheduling, sponsored posts, graphic design, branding…you name it. It was overwhelming at the time but I look back now and think about all that I’ve learned and how much my skill set has grown.

The main thing I would say for someone thinking about starting is… just start. I’ve found out you learn and find your niche best by just doing it. Then you really get to see what works and what doesn’t.

We’d love to hear more about Cheerful Choices.
I blog at cheerfulchoices.com where I post my original, healthy recipes and write informative nutrition articles. My recipes are focused on catering to dietary preferences and using up food already on hand with customizable ingredients “of your choice”– hence the name Cheerful Choices! I also work with certain food brands that fit my niche and develop healthy recipes with their products.

I am very proud to be on the road to becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). Unlike many self-proclaimed nutritionists, RDNs are the true experts on nutrition because they complete an accredited education, internship and examination demonstrating the ability to provide ethical nutrition information. Once I am credentialed as a registered dietitian, I will likely start my own private practice alongside my blog where I can help counsel people on nutrition.

So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
Women are some of the most powerful visionaries. And as an entrepreneur, I’ve always believed: if you can dream it, you can do it. With enough passion and hard work, I believe you can make your own opportunities arise.

Hard work really has to be powered by knowledge though. I love listening to podcasts when I’m driving as an easy way to learn. Some of my favorites are The Food Blogger Pro Podcast and The Goal Digger Podcast. For those trying to start their own business or expand their skill set in general, I would also highly recommend taking affordable classes from Udemy or Skillshare. I’ve learned a lot from these platforms.

Contact Info:

• Website: cheerfulchoices.com
• Phone: 7197613267
• Email: mackenzie@cheerfulchoices.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheerfulchoices/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheerfulchoicesblog/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/mackykb
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/CheerfulChoicesBlog/

Image Credit:
Mackenzie Burgess

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