Thirteen years ago, I began my journey as a food columnist for the Statesboro Herald. I was just a girl from Georgia with a love for Southern cuisine and a small blog. I felt grateful for my hometown and ready to take a leap.
I want to acknowledge some team members at the Herald—Jim, Jason, Linsay, and Angye—who believed in me. Their support shaped me and helped me find my voice. This column became more than just recipes; it turned into a scrapbook of my life.
Throughout the years, we’ve celebrated together. I shared my experience competing on ABC’s The Taste and launched my YouTube channel. During the uncertainty of 2020, I connected with you by sharing comforting recipes.
But what truly matters to me is the bond I’ve built with this community. Your emails and messages warm my heart. I remember Susan, who thanked me for her first successful batch of biscuits, and Jeb, who felt proud of my representation on national TV.
I often bump into you around town. Whether I’m at Barnes & Noble or simply enjoying tea, someone always tells me, “Hey, I read your column!” Those moments mean the world to me. Thank you for supporting me and trusting me with your family meals.
Thanks to your encouragement, I’ve transformed my brand, Some Kinda Good®. I’ve gone from a local blogger to a competitor on two national cooking shows. I graduated from culinary school with honors, became a five-star private chef, and published two bestselling books.
A quote from Julia Child has guided me: “Find something you’re passionate about, and keep tremendously interested in it.” Taking that advice to heart made my journey even more rewarding. I can now say that notable chefs like Anthony Bourdain have tasted my shrimp and grits.
After 13 years, I hope this column inspires you to chase your dreams and enjoy what you love. Thank you to the Statesboro Herald and to each of you, my dear readers. My apron is on, my kitchen is ready, and I’m excited about what we’ll create next.
For a deeper dive into the impact of local journalism and community engagement, check out this Pew Research Center report on local news in America.
