We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sara Walkenbach. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sara below.
Hi Sara, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I’ve harbored a passion for culinary experimentation since childhood. It all began when my sister and I would eagerly leaf through our mom’s Betty Crocker cookbook after school, whipping up delicious crepes filled with cherry pie filling. Fast forward to adulthood, when my sister became my chosen roommate, and our culinary adventures only intensified. One memorable mishap involved a chili recipe where my enthusiasm led to a disastrously spicy outcome, courtesy of an entire can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
Amidst the turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic, like many, I found myself reflecting on life’s purpose. Questions about job security, personal happiness, and career fulfillment swirled in my mind. It took a global crisis for me to truly confront these inquiries, and in doing so, I rediscovered my unwavering love for cooking.
Encouragement from my sisters and sister-in-law sparked the idea of starting a blog—an unfamiliar concept at first. However, after delving into research, I realized it could be the perfect outlet for me. Not only would it allow me to provide for my family while remaining in the workforce, but it also presented an opportunity to pursue my passion with minimal risk. With their support, I took the leap and purchased my domain, Freckle Face Foodie, in September 2020, setting forth on a journey to share my culinary adventures with the world.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As I’ve mentioned, my passion for creating food runs deep. There’s an indescribable satisfaction in sitting down to a meal that you’ve crafted yourself, one that tantalizes the taste buds with its incredible flavor. Even when following a recipe, there’s a sense of accomplishment in bringing it to life. At my blog, Freckle Face Foodie, I specialize in crafting wholesome recipes that not only taste great but also leave you feeling nourished.
Over the past five years, I’ve become increasingly attuned to how different foods affect my body. While I don’t have any specific food allergies, I’ve noticed that heavily processed foods tend to leave me feeling less than optimal. In response, I’ve embarked on a mission to create and share healthy recipes that promote overall well-being for both myself and my family.
In my culinary endeavors, I prioritize ingredients that are minimally processed, steering clear of highly refined white flour and sugar. Instead, I opt for whole wheat, almond, or gluten-free flours, along with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Fresh herbs, vinegars, cheese, and citrus are my go-to flavor enhancers, adding depth and vibrancy to every dish.
As a mother, I understand the challenge of finding snacks and breakfast options that are both nutritious and appealing to kids. That’s why I’ve curated a selection of snack recipes on FreckleFaceFoodie.com that my children adore, including various energy balls that come together in just 15 minutes, as well as my ever-popular Banana Breakfast Cookies.
Salads may not always elicit excitement, but I’m here to change that perception. At Freckle Face Foodie, I’ve developed salad recipes that rival those found in restaurants, using simple pantry staples and homemade dressings that come together in mere minutes. It’s no wonder my friends affectionately refer to me as the “Salad Queen.”
In today’s fast-paced world, time is a precious commodity. Through my blog, I aspire to offer quick and healthy recipes that empower others to feel their best, even on the busiest of days. Whether you’re seeking a nutritious meal for yourself or your family, Freckle Face Foodie is here to inspire and nourish.
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?
Once I set my mind on a goal, I stick to it with determination. Even if the journey takes unexpected turns, I never let setbacks deter me or cause me to abandon my aspirations. Having an accountability partner is key to keeping me focused and accountable. They play a crucial role, offering unwavering support by checking in on my progress and cheering me on through tough times and triumphs alike.
Additionally, I’ve found tremendous value in adopting a focused approach to my weekly tasks. Amidst the multitude of responsibilities associated with managing my blog, family, and career I often struggle with feelings of overwhelm. However, I’ve developed a strategy to combat this by prioritizing the top three tasks that will have the most significant impact on advancing my goals. Whenever I find myself veering off course, I make a conscious effort to redirect my attention to these key objectives.
As a working mother, it’s hard to find those pockets of time. Recognizing this ongoing challenge, I’ve implemented a dedicated hour every Sunday to plan my week ahead. This planning session encompasses coordinating my children’s activities, running errands, attending to work-related commitments, and allocating specific blocks of time for blog-related tasks. This has been crucial for me this year, as my goal is to focus on the SEO side of my blog, which is not my favorite. However, I know it needs to get done to broaden the reach of my recipes. The excitement of getting back into the kitchen and sharing my love of cooking with more people keeps me going, pushing me to keep moving forward and making strides every day.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I’m always on the lookout for exciting collaborations with brands that align with my passion for healthy, wholesome food. I thrive on the opportunity to experiment with new products in the kitchen and unleash my creativity. If you’re a food-related brand focused on promoting wellness and you’re interested in partnering with me, feel free to reach out at [email protected]. Let’s create something delicious together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.frecklefacefoodie.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freckle.face.foodie.kc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frecklefacefoodiekc/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/frecklefacefoodie/
