From Baking Projects to Blogging Success: Cultivating Community, Creativity, and a Thriving Online Presence
photo credit: Jennifer Holt of Walt Disney World
My journey into the vibrant world of blogging began quite simply two summers ago, rooted in a shared passion for baking with my daughters. What started as a delightful baking project quickly blossomed into something far more profound and expansive. It evolved from a simple online diary of our culinary adventures into a multifaceted platform for creative expression, community building, and even a fulfilling career path. This evolution has been one of the most unexpected and rewarding experiences of my life, demonstrating the incredible power of sharing one’s passions online.
Beyond merely sharing recipes and personal anecdotes, blogging has opened up an entirely new dimension of friendships and connections. This online sphere has introduced me to an incredible community of individuals, some of whom are fellow food bloggers, while many others are cherished readers like you. Our interactions span various digital landscapes: some connections thrive directly here on my website, others prefer the dynamic engagement of Facebook, while platforms like Google Plus and even Twitter (which I’m still learning to navigate!) serve as avenues for sharing and discussion. Instagram, though I confess to still feeling a bit lost on it, remains a constant source of inspiration as I adore seeing everyone’s latest captivating photos and creative updates.
Two years prior to starting this blog, I had stepped away from a very public-facing career. Unbeknownst to me at the time, there was a void, a social space yearning to be filled. Blogging became that unexpected, yet perfect, solution. It provided a new avenue for social interaction, for connecting with people, and for engaging with the world in a meaningful way. Now, blogging isn’t just a hobby; it’s intricately woven into the fabric of my daily life. It has become my “job” – though I hesitate to use that term in its traditional sense – my secondary purpose, gracefully complementing my primary role as a dedicated, always-available mother to my three wonderful children, a role I cherish above all else.
Indeed, blogging has the potential to be a genuine career, a rewarding pursuit if you choose to make it one. But let me clarify: I don’t mean a monotonous, dread-filled “oh no, it’s Monday, time for work” kind of job. Instead, it’s the exhilarating “IT’S MONDAY! Time to connect with my audience, experiment with a wonderful new recipe, and push the boundaries of my photography skills.” It’s a profession fueled by passion, creativity, and constant learning. And, if I’m fortunate, it allows me to generate income while pursuing what I love. This is why you’ll see advertisements thoughtfully placed on my site, and why I occasionally share sponsored posts. These elements are crucial for sustaining this platform, helping to cover the costs of my insatiable chocolate supply (a vital ingredient!), along with essential expenses like internet services, website hosting, photography equipment, and countless other operational necessities. It’s a testament to the fact that turning a passion into a profession requires dedication and strategic planning, including thoughtful monetization strategies that respect both my audience and my creative work.
For anyone considering embarking on their own blogging adventure, I offer a crucial piece of advice: carefully deliberate on your blog’s name. This seemingly simple decision carries significant weight, impacting your brand identity, SEO, and overall reach. When I first started, unaware of the intricacies of social media platforms, I hadn’t considered the potential for name conflicts. After numerous attempts and searches, my Facebook page ultimately became Chocolate, Chocolate and more Chocolate. While it’s a sweet name, it’s quite a mouthful and I’m somewhat “stuck” with it for that platform. Fortunately, for the website itself, I was able to streamline it to simply “and more.” This distinction highlights the importance of consistency and foresight when naming your digital presence, especially across different social media channels and your main website domain, as flexibility can be a major asset for future content expansion and brand evolution.
The name “And More” truly encapsulates the expansive nature of my blog today. While it certainly started with a focus on delightful chocolate recipes, it has grown to encompass a much broader spectrum of content. You’ll find recipes that aren’t chocolate-centric, or even sweet at all, alongside posts that extend far beyond the culinary realm. For instance, did you know I have a passion for sewing? My girls and I had a wonderful time making these easy Hobo Bags just last year, and sharing that creative process was incredibly rewarding. This diversification allows me to share more aspects of my life and interests, providing a richer experience for my readers and keeping my content fresh and exciting. It demonstrates that a blog doesn’t have to be strictly confined to a single niche; it can evolve and reflect the multifaceted interests of its creator, ultimately leading to a more engaging and personal platform.
Now, almost two years into this incredible blogging journey, I’ve finally taken the step to formally categorize my “and more” content. This dedicated section will serve as the perfect home for all those wonderful ideas, projects, and personal reflections that might not neatly fit into my traditional recipe categories but are too important, too inspiring, or simply too fun not to share with you, my valued readers. This categorization not only helps organize the diverse content for easier navigation but also signals my commitment to continually expanding the scope of this blog, ensuring there’s always something new and exciting for everyone to discover. It’s about creating a holistic space that celebrates creativity, learning, and the joys of everyday life, whether through a delicious dessert or a crafty DIY project.
One of the most transformative experiences in my blogging career was attending the **Food Blog Forum**, my very first “real blog conference.” Held at the enchanting Walt Disney World – truly the most magical place on earth – it offered an unparalleled opportunity to blend family fun with professional development. A helpful tip for anyone visiting Disney: the incredibly friendly cast members are always happy to capture your family photos with your own camera or phone, even if they’re simultaneously taking photos they hope to sell you! I spent an entire glorious Friday enjoying the parks with my family, soaking in the magic, before heading off to the welcome reception that evening. My nerves were certainly jangling; I worried about not knowing anyone. However, I soon remembered that several fellow bloggers I admired would be attending, and the conference’s vibrant Facebook Group had already fostered a great sense of community with lots of chatter and helpful tips shared. It wasn’t long before my fears dissipated. My youngest daughter’s “Bloggy BFF,” Roxana of Roxana’s Home Baking, was there and, bless her heart, found me almost immediately! Her warm welcome instantly made me feel at ease, setting a wonderful tone for the rest of the conference and highlighting the power of online connections transitioning into real-life friendships.
The culinary experience at the Food Blog Forum was nothing short of incredible. Each meal was a work of art, meticulously prepared and beautifully presented. Just imagine – they even adorned our dishes with delicate, edible flowers, transforming every plate into a feast for both the eyes and the palate. This attention to detail not only showcased exceptional culinary skill but also served as a constant reminder of the creativity and passion that defines the food blogging world. It was a true inspiration to see how food could be elevated to such an artistic level, reinforcing the importance of presentation in my own recipe development and food photography.
Beyond the exquisite food and inspiring setting, the core value of the conference lay in its educational and networking opportunities. The speakers were incredibly generous, sharing a wealth of invaluable information on everything from advanced photography techniques and SEO strategies to social media best practices and effective blog monetization tactics. Their insights were practical, actionable, and truly empowering for bloggers at all stages. The “swag” bags were indeed overwhelming in the best possible way, brimming with fantastic products and samples from various sponsors, which was incredibly exciting. However, for me, the true highlight and lasting impact of the Food Blog Forum was undeniably the people. It was about finally getting to meet, in person, all those wonderful ladies (and a few gentlemen!) with whom I had chatted online, exchanged ideas, collaborated on projects, solved technical dilemmas, and had come to consider genuine friends in the vast expanse of the internet. The power of these face-to-face interactions, solidifying virtual connections, was truly profound.
Reflecting on the conference, I have to admit that my photos were, regrettably, terrible. It was a valuable lesson learned, and I’ve vowed that next time, I’ll definitely bring my “big girl camera” to capture the moments with the professional quality they deserve. Nevertheless, the memories created and the connections forged remain vivid and cherished. It was an absolute pleasure to say hello to and share moments with some incredible talents in the food blogging community. Here are just a few of the wonderful people I had the honor of meeting:
Sharing laughs and insights with Liz from That Skinny Chick can Bake, Karly from Buns in my Oven, myself, and the wonderfully creative Kim from Cravings of a Lunatic.
A fantastic group including Jessica from A Kitchen Addiction, Christie from Food Done Light, Kristen from Frugal Antics of a Harried Homemaker, myself, Tanya of Lemons for Lulu, and Karyn of Pint Sized Baker and Dieter’s Downfall.
This lovely and inspiring lady is Jenni of Pastry Chef Online, whose expertise in baking is simply outstanding.
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And the delightful Julie of The Little Kitchen, whose blog is a constant source of inspiration.
Despite being a smaller conference with around 100 dedicated food bloggers, I regrettably didn’t get the chance to meet even half of the attendees. The energy was high, and there was so much to learn and so many connections to make. This experience has only solidified my belief in the immense value of such gatherings for personal growth, professional development, and community building within the blogging sphere. Attending the Food Blog Forum was truly a rewarding investment in my passion and my blog’s future. I am already determined to make it a priority to attend next time, not only to reconnect with familiar faces but also to make a concerted effort to meet the remaining wonderful bloggers and expand my network further. It’s an experience that genuinely fosters growth, camaraderie, and a deeper love for the art of food blogging, and I eagerly anticipate the next opportunity.