Who is Edible Nashville and what should we know about you?
We are a food magazine about people–their celebrations, traditions, and heritage. And how people, Nashvilllians, connect with one another. In a word: community. Food brings us all together. After a full career in publishing, I started Edible Nashville myself in 2014, with the goal of connecting Middle-Tennesseans to their local food system, hence each other. A big priority of mine is to show folks how to cook seasonally. I am a professional cook (and a Registered Dietitian by training). My kitchen (and garden) are my happy places.
What has been the most valuable aspect of your Chamber membership?
I have loved being one of the storytellers for the Intro Nashville program and have made many connections as a result. I also loved the member orientation and the way the chamber connects small businesses. Admittedly, I need to be better about attending all the great meetings there are.
Can you share a significant lesson you have learned as a business leader?
Listen to and learn from everyone. Be kind. Be authentic.
How do you manage and maintain a positive company culture?
Honesty, hard work, and perseverance combined with a little moxie and a love for what I do.
Are there new markets or demographics you are targeting?
We hit a younger demographic through social media and, of course, the magazine, but we are trying to reach more with our farm dinner events.
What is unique about your business that makes you stand out?
We are a beautiful print magazine that delivers real content. We adhere to the old-fashioned magazine standards whereby editorial and advertising are “church and state.” In other words, we are not “pay to play,” but produce real editorial based on our mission of connecting readers to the local food community. In most magazines, the advertiser can pay for editorial. This unfortunate circumstance happened when the digital age started 25 years ago and print advertising went away. We believe in delivering information that is not biased or bought by advertisers. (But of course we love our advertising partners too.)
How do you stay informed about industry trends and changes?
I “live, eat and breathe” food, farming, cooking and people. I’ve also been in this business for more than 30 years.
What’s the biggest goal for your multiple businesses in 2024?
Edible Nashville has numerous “legs:” our farm dinner events, our print magazine and our digital content. We are in the process of growing our farm dinners to a larger audience, and growing collaborations and partnerships that bring great food content to Tennesseans. Our upcoming Spring Farm Dinner is May 3 & 4 at McKinney Farm in Leiper’s Fork. Info and tickets HERE.
How do you stay involved in the community?
I do a lot of speaking to organizations around town. I am a firm believer in paying it forward to the next generation, and as a result, I work with students in different ways. We are also committed to giving back to nonprofits and helping with food equity issues and education, and are frequently involved in these initiatives. Again, food is community and we build that in all ways.
What differentiates your business from your competition?
Well there really isn’t another food publication in town that focuses solely on connecting folks to food, farmers, chefs, and local artisans. We are the food source in Nashville, committed to a better, greener community and planet. I also think you’d be hard-pressed to find another publication with the heart and soul of Edible. My opinion, of course 🙂 We are committed to bringing a high-quality, beautiful, truthful, authentic, (and tasty) experience to locals, whether in print, events or social media.
