Turning Food Content Into a Multi-Income Business with Lauren Less

Founder's Message: The Ongoing Evolution of the Creator Economy

Abbey is back on the mic for her Q2 2026 Founder's Message, and she's sharing all of her thoughts, drawbacks, and joys surrounding the evolution of the creator economy over the last 10 years. With lessons learned from Yesteryear, Abbey's Master's Degree research, and Billie Eilish, the overall message is that creators can get through anything because we are resilient, innovative, and well--creative! Enjoy friends 🫶 Show Links * Read Yesteryear [https://www.amazon.com/Yesteryear-Novel-Caro-Claire-Burke/dp/059380421X] and let us know your thoughts asap * Check out the Forbes article Abbey reads from: "Why The Creator Economy's Future is About Unifying Social, Brand, and Talent" [https://www.forbes.com/sites/jasondavis/2026/04/01/the-great-convergence-why-the-creator-economys-future-belongs-to-those-who-unite-social-brand-and-talent/] * Apply to be on Tastemaker Talk [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdtEFSZ3W8tBBB92LNx0LA7J5RfmTylvkdglKthpZWFaEtLQQ/viewform?usp=header]! * Join us in San Antonio to celebrate and support the creators who power the creator economy. Tickets here! [https://eventmobi.com/website/tc2027]

You're a Brand, Baby! with Anastasia Shtompel

Join us as we explore the latest trends in food content marketing with Anastasia Shtompel, Forbes Council Member and former Head of Marketing at a multi-million-dollar company. Hit play to discover how niche audiences, strong visual identity, and strategic collaborations can elevate your content. Anastasia is sharing the need-to-know info to position yourself not only as an influencer, but as a BRAND, baby! Show Links: * Follow Anastasia [http://instagram.com/anastasia_shtompel] for sharp marketing and brand strategy insights. If you’re interested in working with her, you can schedule a call directly. [https://www.anastasiashtompel.com/] * Find Anastasia's IG post from February 3, "Food is the New Status Symbol," HERE! [https://www.instagram.com/p/DUUPHSeEZBk/?img_index=1] * Get your ticket to TC 2027 for more industry-leading conversations [https://eventmobi.com/website/tc2027]

Content, Community, and Culinary School with Alyssa Rivers (The Recipe Critic)

Alyssa Rivers, founder of The Recipe Critic, shares her inspiring journey through culinary school at age 41, overcoming challenges, gaining confidence, and pivoting her food blogging career. Discover her insights on mastering new skills, embracing vulnerability, and building real community in the digital age. Show Links Follow Alyssa on: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/alyssa_therecipecritic] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/TheRecipeCritic] * Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/therecipecritic/] * Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/c/TheRecipeCritic_AlyssaRivers] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@alyssatherecipecritic] And join us for Tastemaker Conference 2027 in San Antonio! [https://eventmobi.com/website/tc2027]

Make Food Content Value-Driven Again with Jack Thomas

Today Abbey sits down with Jack Thomas to explore the future of food content through an ethical lens, covering everything from social commerce and monetization to transparency, sustainability, and the real impact of AI. Jack shares the mission behind ACRE and challenges creators to think deeper about trust, values, and the “optics of local.” Plus, a candid take on industry buzzwords (watch your back “farm-to-table”) and a few exclusive perks for the Tastemaker community. Show Links: * Explore what ACRE has to offer creators like you [https://Acre.social] * Use code TASTEMAKER20 for 20% off all ACRE annual plans. Those who join before June 20 will be eligible to win a FREE stay at the farmstead! * Browse educational resources at WorkPlay XD [https://workplaylxd.com] * Check out Jack's Substack! [https://tobeagoodvermonter.substack.com] * Get your TC 2027 ticket!! [https://eventmobi.com/website/tc2027]

Why Creators Who Treat Their Blogs Like Media Companies Win Long-Term with Shaunda Necole

In this episode of Tastemaker Talk, Shaunda Necole shares her journey of transforming her blogs into a media empire, emphasizing the importance of positioning as a media company, leveraging SEO, and building trust through content. She discusses strategies for creating a recognizable brand, adapting to generative search, and maintaining authentic connections with her audience. Show Links: * thesoulfoodpod.com [http://thesoulfoodpod.com] * shaundnecole.com [http://shaundnecole.com] * Follow Shaunda on socials! @shaundanecole across platforms * Join us in San Antonio for TC 2027! [https://eventmobi.com/website/tc2027]