Ally Taylor, Vancouver based food writer and blogger at All in Moderation considers herself lucky to be born and raised in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia. Since the very beginning, Ally has had a passion for food and developed her palate and culinary skills through formal training at the Art Institute of Vancouver. While food and a healthy lifestyle are her passion, this writer works in the corporate world and aims to promote a healthy gourmet lifestyle for other 9 to 5 er’s.
Your Name: Ally Taylor
Blog Name: All in Moderation
Title: Blogger / Owner
Education: BBA Marketing & Human Resources, Culinary Certificate from the Art Institute of Vancouver
Age: 30
Location: Vancouver, BC
Describe your most recent blog success and tell us about your next big goal. – My most recent blog success was representing All in Moderation at the Vancouver International Wine Festival for the 4th year in a row! What’s up next? I’m celebrating my 4th blogging birthday this March. I cannot believe it’s already been 4 years!
How would you define success? – The 3 F’s – Financials, Fun, and Freedom!
Give us the ‘inside scoop’ – what does a day in your business life look like? – Working a full time job, finding inspiration on Pinterest, spinning or taking a yoga class, cooking or baking, tasting, recipe writing, wine drinking, blogging. Most of my day happens after 5pm when I leave the office. But most of my recipes are already created before I get home. I think about food all day. In between meetings, on the skytrain, during coffee breaks, while sweating in a class, you name it! When I get home, I start creating.
What types of customers are in your business ‘pink book’ and who are you looking to connect with? – I’m looking to connect with 1) the “scattered” individual working a 9 – 5 job and finding it difficult to cook a great meal post work; 2) the person stopping at a grocery store after work for pre-made meals instead of grabbing a chicken breast and some fresh veggies; 3) the person who thinks cooking is too difficult when simplicity is actually the key to satisfaction.
If you were not doing this job, what is your plan B? Are you still chasing your dream job? – I would love All in Moderation to be my one and only, but I know I still have far to go. The chase is always on, and I like it that way. It keeps me motivated.
Do you think it’s important to love what you do, or make good money? – Love, passion – this blog makes me almost no money, but I don’t think I’ll ever quit. Will it make me some money? One day, maybe, but even then it will be the love for it.
Is running your own blog as glamorous as it sounds? – Glamorous, no. Fun and tasty, yes! My boyfriend and I eat well. Does it take a little more than most people, sure – but that’s where the passion comes into play.
What inspired you to start your own blog? What made you decide to take the leap? – Honestly, boredom. I was single and most of my friends were not. Going home to an empty apartment was much more thrilling when I had something to occupy my time. I was also in my mid-twenties, and ready for a change. I wanted to have an outlet that helped me take a little more control of my life and have more direction.
Where did you get your education? Tell us about this experience. – From when I was a kid, all I can remember was wanting to go to culinary school and be a restaurant owner. I was told when I was finishing high school that I wouldn’t go anywhere without a degree, and if I completed that, I may get a little more support in getting into culinary school. I graduated from Bishop’s University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a double major in marketing and human resources, and promptly applied to culinary school. I think the university experience made my longing for a culinary career even more tempting as I knew I had some knowledge to take it further. I no longer want to open my own restaurant, but I would love to create some sort of food empire on my own terms.
What was your first job after college/ university? – Serving, hosting, expediting, working in the kitchen a bit. You name it, I did it all.
What are your tips for setting yourself apart in the workplace? –
Always smile. Pay attention to your surroundings to stay one step ahead. Never stop learning. Read. Stay current with trends, events, etc. Be in the know, and never be complacent.
How do you achieve work/ life balance? How do you unplug? – I go to the gym 6 days a week and take regular bubble baths to relax. I add candles and music when I really want to unplug!
What are your plans for expansion? – I plan to publish a cook book in the future. I have around 300 unique recipes and I would love to share them in a more formalized way outside of my blog.
What is your favourite travel hot spot? – I recently took a trip with my sister through Colombia. It’s such a beautiful country. I would really recommend a trip to South America if you get a chance to get away from it all.
Can you offer any advice for new graduates looking for a job or new entrepreneurs? – It’s not easy, but it is so gratifying when you put your mind to something and see some progress. Waking up and seeing an email from one of my readers is one of the best feelings I’ve ever experienced. Look for little bits of gratification; very few people get life changers all in one day. It’s the little things that make life absolutely fantastic and lead to something big.
Website: www.allinmoderation.ca
Blog: www.allinmoderation.ca
Social Media Links: IG: ally_in_moderation TW: @allinmod
FB: facebook.com/allyinmoderation
