Tastemaker Talk

Today Abbey sits down with Jack Thomas to explore the future of food content through an ethical lens, covering everything from social commerce and monetization to transparency, sustainability, and the real impact of AI. Jack shares the mission behind ACRE and challenges creators to think deeper about trust, values, and the “optics of local.” Plus, a candid take on industry buzzwords (watch your back “farm-to-table”) and a few exclusive perks for the Tastemaker community.Show Links:Explore what ACRE has to offer creators like youUse code TASTEMAKER20 for 20% off all ACRE annual plans. Those who join before June 20 will be eligible to win a FREE stay at the farmstead!Browse educational resources at WorkPlay XDCheck out Jack's Substack!Get your TC 2027 ticket!!

In this episode of Tastemaker Talk, Shaunda Necole shares her journey of transforming her blogs into a media empire, emphasizing the importance of positioning as a media company, leveraging SEO, and building trust through content. She discusses strategies for creating a recognizable brand, adapting to generative search, and maintaining authentic connections with her audience.Show Links:thesoulfoodpod.comshaundnecole.comFollow Shaunda on socials! @shaundanecole across platforms Join us in San Antonio for TC 2027!

Kelli Quinn is the VP of Product, Customer Success, and People Ops at VEOX Inc, and she's also a longtime photographer. Today she's joining Abbey to talk about where creativity meets technology. From her journey into the AI space to practical ways creatives can use it without losing their voice, this episode is all about staying adaptable, thinking for yourself, and using tech as a tool to unlock your best life.Show Links⁠Visit Kelli's site⁠⁠Follow Kelli on IG⁠Explore the Tastemaker Tunes playlist (shoutout Step Up franchise 😝)⁠Learn more at TC 2027!⁠

Ready to move beyond relying on one income stream? In today's episode, Lauren Less sits down with Chandice to talk about building a multi-income creator business. We're covering brand deals, social commerce, blogging, email lists, and how to grow without burning out.Show Links⁠Find Lauren on Substack⁠Follow Lauren on ⁠IG⁠ and ⁠TikTok⁠⁠Visit Lauren's blog⁠⁠Join us in San Antonio for TC27!⁠

Today Abbey is catching up with Laura Scherb, a food photographer and creator behind Page and Plate! Laura is sharing how she transitioned from food blogging to professional photography over the past decade, highlighting her evolution of creative style along the way. Because we can't get enough, we're also exploring Substack together, with Laura explaining how she uses it to share recipes behind a paywall while alternating with photo essays and behind-the-scenes content every other week. Tune in and then get crafty!Show LinksFollow along on the Page and Plate Substack!Follow Laura on InstagramVisit Laura's websiteJoin us for TC 2027 in San Antonio for more conversations like this one!