Meet Leigh Jordan Tamara Schneider

We recently connected with Leigh Jordan Tamara Schneider and have shared our conversation below.

Leigh Jordan, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Leigh and I met back in middle school here in Lexington and have been best friends ever since, except for a 10-year period where we lost touch. Leigh’s journey to finding her purpose is truly inspiring. After obtaining her CPA degree and working for the world’s largest auto maker, she realized that the corporate grind wasn’t fulfilling her creative side. She taught herself graphic design and founded IDEAist Designs, specializing in logo and brand creation, computer art illustration, and website development. When our podcast got picked up by KISS96.9FM, Leigh leveraged her skills as the Digital Operations Director for LM Communications. Her talents are endless, and I’m grateful to have her as my friend.

As for me, over the past seven years, I embarked on a journey to rediscover my passions. Inspired by Jen Sincero’s “You’re a Bad A**,” I quit my job as a court reporter, became a certified Pilates instructor, and co-owned Shine Pilates Lex. When Leigh and I started KY Taste Buds, we realized we needed more fun, stronger friendships with other women, and a creative outlet. Embracing these objectives, we launched the Ky Taste Buds blog in 2017 and later our podcast, “Brunch with the Buds.” Our journey took us from KISS96.9FM to hosting “Live From Chevy Chase” on FOX56, proving that you never know where life will take you. We invite you to join us on this journey, have fun, and be inspired to explore and taste all life has to offer!

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Kentucky Taste Buds is a vibrant platform founded by lifelong friends Leigh Jordan and Tamara Schneider, who met in middle school in Lexington, Kentucky. Our journey started with a shared desire to add more fun, creativity, and meaningful connections to our lives, especially as we navigated the transition of our children and going off to college and divorces.

Kentucky Taste Buds supports the idea that life is meant to be enjoyed to the fullest. We believe in the power of female friendships, creativity, and adventure. Our mission is to explore the beautiful Bluegrass State, engage in exciting experiences, and share our journey with others through our blog, podcast, and TV show.

Our adventure began with the Ky Taste Buds blog in 2017, followed by the launch of our podcast, “Brunch with the Buds”. Our passion and dedication led us to KISS96.9FM, where we hosted a morning show until January 2023. Now, we have taken our show to the small screen with FOX56’s lifestyle program, Live From Chevy Chase.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. Embracing Creativity:

Our journey from corporate jobs to blog, radio and TV highlight the importance of nurturing your creative side. By dedicating time and effort to developing our skills, we were able to transition into a fulfilling career that aligns with our passions.

Advice: For those early in their journey, find ways to explore and develop your creative talents. Take classes, engage in hobbies, or even teach yourself new skills through online resources. Allow yourself the freedom to experiment and make mistakes, as this is often where true creativity flourishes.

2. Valuing Friendship and Community:
Our realization of the importance of spending time with girlfriends underscores the value of strong, supportive relationships. Women’s friendships provide emotional support and can significantly enhance our well-being.

Advice: Cultivate and invest in your friendships. Make time for regular get-togethers, support each other’s endeavors, and don’t be afraid to lean on your friends for advice and encouragement. Building a strong community around you can provide a network of support that is invaluable throughout your journey.

3. Pursuing Purpose and Passion:
Our decision to leave our careers was driven by a desire to live more purposefully and enjoy life. Finding work that resonates with your passions can transform your life.

Advice: Reflect on what truly brings you joy and satisfaction. Don’t be afraid to make bold moves to align your career with your passions. Seek out opportunities that allow you to use your unique talents and gifts. Remember, it’s never too late to make a change that leads to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

Final Thoughts

As we embarked on the Ky Taste Buds blog and our subsequent ventures, we were motivated by a desire to have fun, connect with others, and express our creativity. We hope our journey inspires you to embrace your own path with enthusiasm and determination. Come be a Bud, explore the world, and taste all it has to offer!

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

Growing the popularity and brand of Kentucky Taste Buds has not been without its challenges. Navigating the crowded digital space, we’ve had to find unique ways to stand out amid a sea of content creators. Competing with established influencers and larger media platforms has required us to constantly innovate and engage our audience with fresh, relatable, and high-quality content. Additionally, balancing our busy personal lives with the demands of running a blog, podcast, and TV show has tested our time management and organizational skills.

To overcome these challenges, we can focus on building a stronger online presence by leveraging social media platforms more effectively, engaging with our audience through interactive content, and collaborating with other influencers and local businesses to expand our reach. Hosting live events, workshops, and meet-and-greets can also help solidify our brand and create a deeper connection with our community. Moreover, continuously refining our content strategy based on audience feedback and staying true to our authentic selves will ensure that we maintain a loyal following and attract new fans who resonate with our journey and values.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Leigh Jordan

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