Woman 2 Watch-Angela McKeller
Angela McKeller, The Kick Back Kook
Angela McKeller is a corporate America girl turned professional “kook” and entrepreneur. This week’s Woman 2 Watch is an internationally acclaimed food blogger, webshow and podcast host and recently published her first “kookbook” Passion on a Plate: Affordable and Easy Gourmet. With appearances on The Food Network with Paula Deen and interviews with some of the leading chefs in the country read below to find out why Angela is a Woman 2 Watch.
FG: When did you first realize you wanted to have a career in food?
AM: I knew that I wanted to have a career in food when I was 4 years old. At that age, I preferred cooking shows to cartoons, was imitating Julia Child’s accent, learning my way around the kitchen with my great-grandmother and my EZ Bake Oven was to me what the canvas was to Picasso!
FG: How did you go about starting your personal chefing business and what services do you offer?
AM: I began my personal “kooking” business by uploading “kooking” shows to YouTube. Fans began asking for cooking classes, a cookbook and by following their lead and suggestions, the dream of “Kick Back and Kook!” became a reality after dreaming for decades! I am fortunate enough to offer a podcast full of cooking advice and a fun and practical cookbook with fun, full color photos and illustrations while saving people time and money. Further, I offer fun, made-to-last aprons and I teach private, in-home cooking classes and corporate team-building events that will teach people in Atlanta, Georgia, how to get the best mileage out of those aprons!
FG: You also host a podcast called “Kick Back and Kook!” how has using mutli-media (the internet, television, radio etc.) effected your business growth?
AM: Understanding that people enjoy processing information in different ways is key to growing a business in this day and time. Some people like videos, others are more aural in nature and enjoy listening to a show while others enjoy browsing photos that tell a thousand words. I simply reach out in every way possible and it speaks to more and more folks everyday. I’m amazed, honestly.
FG: Where do you see cooking and the use of multimedia going?
AM: It’s only going to get bigger and bigger. By interacting with fans via podcasts, facebook, YouTube, Twitter and the like, not only am I reaching more people, but I’m communicating with more people. I listen to what they have to say and grow my business according to their needs.
FG: What was the most difficult challenge you faced when first starting your business?
AM: Figuring how to get from A-Z without jumping to Z too quickly. It’s important to have patience and to trust the process. Simply take things one step at a time, listen to your target market and believe that they will get you to where you need to be.
FG: How many of your business decisions are based on know how vs. your intuition?
AM: In the beginning, it was intuition and fortunately, the error part of my trial and error was never as costly as it could have been. I listen to those around me that have already experienced success, utilize the services of fabulous mentors and when I feel like I’ve done as much research as I can, then I go with my gut. I really listen to my instincts.
FG: What do you consider to be some of the major highlights of your career thus far?
AM: I loved being on The Food Network with Paula Deen. She is hilarious! Working with the photographer, illustrator and graphic artist for my cookbook was incredibly rewarding. Learning food styling from my photographer, Erin Connoly, and design nuances with my graphic designer, Mary Hester of Second Floor Design, really taught me a lot about business and further inspired my creativity. With my podcast, I have really interviewed some stellar guests. It’s been exciting to interview some of the best and trouble shoot problems that I and my listeners have had in the kitchen for years. Recently, I filmed a segment with Marvin Woods with “Georgia Cooks” on Georgia Public Broadcasting and that was a really fantastic experience. I am so grateful for all of the wonderful things that have happened as a result of bonding with the most amazing woman I’ve ever known, my great-grandmother, Mom Buck.
FG: What is a spiritual mantra or philosophy that you live by?
AM: “Without being GREATful, nothing GREAT can come into your life.” ~Rev. Michael Beckwith. I trust that great things will happen because I live with an attitude of gratitude. I wake up every morning, thinking about everything in my life that I am grateful for. This has worked wonders in business and within my personal relationships. I don’t care if it’s a cool spatula, making it to the airport on time or nice weather for walking my Frenchie – I’m SO grateful for everything in my life.
FG: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
AM: No stress; take a deep breath, just breathe and trust yourself. When I trust myself, things go smoothly and I think clearly, leading the way to making wise choices.
FG: What would you tell your younger-self if you knew then what you know now?
AM: If I could tell my “teenage” self one thing, it is to live in the present and that by taking care of the here and now, the future will take care of itself.
Finish this sentence….
FG: Women should stop complaining about_____________ and start ___________________
AM: Women should stop complaining about the way they look and start focusing on what’s inside.
FG: If your life had a soundtrack what would be your top three songs?
AM: This Is The Song That Doesn’t End – Sherry Lewis and Lambchop Because nothing ends, it simply evolves or it stays the same! And I sing this kid’s song all the time. HA!, Eye of the Tiger – Survivor – The name of the band is key and I while I once thought that fame and fortune was the goal, after taking chances and getting back on my feet, I’m now clear that I would never trade my passion for glory! Shiney, Happy People – REM – Another song I love to sing and dance to. I think the best of people, love to go places and I always talk to everyone no matter where I am. If they don’t speak English, I ask them in 4 other languages which they prefer to speak – shiney happy people everywhere!
For more information on Anglea McKeller please visit www.facebook.com/kickbackkook to get updates, great “kooking” tips and recipe ideas! Her “kookbook”, “Passion on a Plate: Afforadable and EASY Gourmet” is available on Amazon.com and available on my website, along with Angela’s aprons, on www.kickbackkkook.com. Anglea’s podcast, “Kick Back and Kook!” is on iTunes for FREE!!
