Meet Karie Engels

We were lucky to catch up with Karie Engels recently and have shared our conversation below.

Karie, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Impostor syndrome is a tricky thing, and I’m not sure anyone ever completely gets over it. It’s not that I doubt my decisions in my professional life; it’s more about questioning my own skills from time to time. Even though I’m confident in my abilities and know I’m good at my job, there’s this little voice of doubt that pops up every now and then, and I can’t quite pin down where it comes from. It’s like it sneaks up on me when I least expect it. A good friend of mine, who’s an excellent chef, once gave me a piece of advice that stuck with me. He said, “You can do this. You can do anything. Don’t you know who you are?” Whenever I start to feel that nagging doubt, I remember his words. I take a moment to look back at all I’ve achieved over the years, and it helps me realize that I am indeed qualified and capable of doing what I do. It’s a simple, yet powerful way to put things in perspective.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
In the ever-evolving world of writing and content creation, my passion thrives on the dynamic nature of the field. Just when I feel I have charted my course, the horizon widens, revealing new opportunities and leading to exciting expansions within the Basil & Salt family.

Basil & Salt Magazine, which is part of the lifestyle genre, sprouted from the humble beginnings of a simple Facebook page. It was a venture embarked upon spontaneously, a leap into the unknown. I seized the opportunity with both hands, steering it from a mere social media presence to a flourishing blog, and eventually to its current incarnation as a digital and print magazine. This transformation was not an overnight miracle but a labor of love spanning several years. In the early days, I honed my craft writing for local publications like the Examiner, Connoisseur Magazine, Comcast Xfinity, and CBS Seattle. Now, my creative energies are channeled into producing engaging content for Basil & Salt, as well as crafting recipes and pieces for Gibson Wine Company and Farm Fresh Northwest Delivery. This work is not just a job; it’s a passion that I see only growing in scope and scale.

In a burst of inspiration last year, I ventured into new territory by securing a ROKU channel for Basil & Salt. This expansion marks our foray into a broader lifestyle domain. We’re actively seeking content creators to enrich our new lifestyle channel, which goes beyond mere recipes. The essence of our channel lies in the art of living well – be it through DIY projects, travel escapades, the delicate crafts of candlemaking and soapmaking, the art of mixology, or the nuances of interior design and landscaping. Our aim is to encapsulate everything that transforms a house into a cherished home and turns a vacation into a magical experience.

While these ventures are at the forefront, there are a few more projects in the pipeline that we’re keeping under wraps for now, as we focus our energies on nurturing the publication and the channel. The journey has been incredible so far, and the future looks even more promising.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, I can pinpoint three pivotal attributes that have been instrumental to my success: perseverance, an unquenchable thirst for adventure, and a profound willingness to embrace failure.

Perseverance is the bedrock of any endeavor. It’s about steadfastness in the face of adversity. When an initial attempt doesn’t yield the desired results, surrender is not an option. Instead, it’s about reshaping, refining, and reimagining your vision. It’s a process of continuous nurturing, watching your creation gradually blossom and take form.

A thirst for adventure is equally crucial. This isn’t just about having ambitions; it’s about being eager to see them flourish. The true allure of any adventure lies in its unpredictability. While it’s important to have a plan and a goal, flexibility is key. Being open to change, ready to pivot when necessary, is what transforms a mere journey into an exhilarating adventure.

And then there’s the willingness to fail – perhaps the most critical quality of all. The reality is that not every plan will unfold as neatly as it appears on paper. Accepting this possibility from the outset is vital. When faced with setbacks, it’s essential to be ready to tread an alternative path, or to metaphorically throw your ideas back into the box, give them a good shake, and then lay them out afresh. Failure doesn’t inherently mean that the ideas were flawed; sometimes, they might just need to be rearranged. It’s this readiness to reassemble and reforge one’s path that often paves the way to true innovation and success.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?
As Basil & Salt continues to flourish, the power of collaboration becomes increasingly central to our journey. The beauty of collaboration lies in the diversity of ideas it brings to the table. When we blend our vision with that of brands, creators, partners, and visionaries, the resulting synergy not only broadens our horizons but also adds a profound depth to our endeavors. This depth isn’t just about expanding our scope; it’s about enriching our journey with multifaceted perspectives and insights.

In seeking collaborators, I’m drawn to individuals who possess a keen business acumen, a clear and forward-thinking vision, and a commitment to teamwork. Collaboration is not just about bringing together different entities; it’s about creating a harmonious blend where each party enhances the other. We value partners who understand the mutual benefits of such collaborations and who are eager to embark on this journey with us.

If you’re reading this and see a potential for collaboration, know that you could be a valuable part of our growth. We’re looking for people who are not just in it for the immediate gains but are willing to invest in a relationship that grows, evolves, and benefits all involved. Reach out, and let’s explore how we can create something extraordinary together. I can be reached at [email protected].

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