91. She Didn’t Want the Obvious Career Path, So She Cold-Called Martha Stewart Instead.

Описание: What happens when you refuse to accept the “normal” path everyone expects you to take?

In this episode, Tara shares the real story behind her unconventional and wildly successful, career in food publishing, content creation, and entrepreneurship. With a degree in culinary arts and journalism, Tara knew early on what she didn’t want: long nights in restaurant kitchens and a lifestyle that didn’t align with her vision. Instead of settling, she got clear and then did something bold.

She cold-called test kitchens across the country until one person said yes: Martha Stewart Living.

That single act of courage launched a career that took Tara from intern to recipe developer, food editor, and senior leader inside one of the most prestigious lifestyle brands in the world. Along the way, she learned elite creative skills, navigated intense corporate politics, endured toxic leadership, and ultimately hit a ceiling that forced her to choose growth over comfort.

Rather than quit on herself, Tara pivoted, again and again.

She freelanced, became a food stylist, stepped into leadership at Ladies’ Home Journal, helped modernize a 130-year-old legacy brand, and eventually reinvented herself once more as a cookbook author, food blogger, business owner, and mentor to other creators in an industry that has dramatically changed.

This conversation goes far beyond food.

It’s about:

Getting clear on what you want (and what you don’t)

Having the courage to take imperfect action

Enduring hard seasons without losing your identity

Why persistence beats talent

How failure, repetition, and feedback are the real path to mastery

And why abundance beats competition, even in crowded industries

From 16 failed lemon pound cakes to rebuilding her business in the age of SEO, AI, and massive competition, Tara’s story is a masterclass in clarity, resilience, and lifelong learning.

If you’ve ever thought, “I should have this figured out by now,” this episode will change how you see your journey.