Ever since I decided to leave my "regular" job and start a private practice this year, I knew that developing this little ol' blog of mine was high on the priority list. From developing my photography skills to networking with other bloggers and learning how to monetize the site while maintaining integrity, I knew I wanted to make this blog more than a hobby. I looked at all sorts of blogging conferences, but everything I found was either geared for a different type of blogger or was crazy expensive and not so realistic for a household whose net income was basically cut in half. It was looking like I would have to wait for another year.
That is, until I heard about Blog Brulee, an invitation-only conference in Vermont for dietitians and other healthy food bloggers. I was thrilled beyond words to receive an invitation and of course accepted! September 12-14th I'll be spending the weekend with nineteen other dietitian bloggers at Smuggler's Notch in Vermont. It's partially sponsored by some awesome companies, like Cabot (dibs on all the cheese), Kashi and Boyden Valley Winery.
There are some fantastic speaker's lined up, including the RD's behind some of my favorite blogs -Anne Mauney of fANNEtastic Food, EA Stewart of The Spicy RD, Regan Jones of Healthy Aperture and Deanna Segrave-Daly of Teaspoon of Spice. I'm especially excited to learn about food photography, since I've read lots of books and blog posts on the topic, but I definitely learn best by doing it. I'm also excited to learn more about working with brands, since that's always something I find a bit intimidating!
Most of all, I'm can't wait to meet other dietitians with similar aspirations. Going through school and my dietetics internship, it often felt like my only career option was to work in a hospital. I felt so lucky to find one of the few hospital based outpatient nutrition jobs. Starting my blog and (virtually) meeting so many dietitians who have created successful and unique careers in the field was so inspiring, and a major motivation in my decision to start a private practice. I can't wait to meet and learn from other dietitians with so much experience in media and marketing.
I can't wait to tell y'all about about the weekend and to develop my site based on what I've learned! Lots of exciting things coming up for this little blog in the next few months and I can't wait to share with you all!
Yes, yes, yes!! I felt that same way as a dietetic intern and new RD. And back in those days, there was no blogosphere to connect in. I love how our "little world" is growing and connecting :D Can't wait to meet you soon!
ReplyDeleteIt really is amazing to think of all the connections I've made through blogging! And so excited to make even more at Blog Brulee! Thanks so much for your hard work putting it together!
DeleteWHOOT! I totally remember those days as an intern where hospital/clinical seemed like the only option (it's kind of sad that it still seems that way in some internships.) Anywhoo, we are so excited to meet you and have you be part of our first Blog Brulee event :)
ReplyDeleteSo grateful there are people like you who've shown me how many options are out there! Excited for September!
DeleteWow, congratulations! That sounds very exciting and exactly like an event I would love to attend as well! I highly admire you wanting to pursue a career in dietetics that's not working in a hospital--that's actually why I didn't do a dietetic internship myself after graduating because I was afraid I'd be stuck in a hospital. I am REALLY uncomfortable in any hospital setting, so I knew I didn't want to make myself miserable.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kaylin! It's sad that so many people are turned off from a career in dietetics because of the thought of getting stuck in clinical. Clinical dietetics is tough, rewarding and clinical dietitians deserve so much more respect than they often get, BUT I don't think it's what most nutrition students think of when then first decided they wanted to become a dietitian. Sounds like you're a perfect example of that! Best of luck to you!
DeleteThank you, Rachael. I agree! Clinical dietitians should get a lot more respect! And thank you, I appreciate it. I'm pursuing a career (job searching currently) hopefully working with PR, social media, advertising, marketing, and communications of a business--hopefully a nutrition or health related business! That's my dream anyways. Best of luck to you as well. :)
DeleteI'm so excited to be participating and look forward to meeting you in two weeks!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to meet you there! Love the name of your blog as I really could eat an avocado a day (or 5!).
ReplyDeleteSame here! Can't wait!
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