a brunchshop weekend!
BRUNCHSHOP WAS SO MUCH FUN!
My mind is blown that it’s already over. We had the most lovely morning and there is nothing like spending time with other creatives who just… GET it.
12 people for the workshop was PERFECT. It was intimate enough to get to know one another, spend some one-on-one time chatting about blogs and business and entrepreneurship and not feel overwhelmed.
In a nutshell, we spent the morning talking about finding your own genuine style and branding yourself, determining your passion and how to use blogging as a launchpad, building an engaged audience and getting through creative ruts along with creating content that inspires.
The DeLallo space was so ideal for this event. You’ve seen the kitchen before in the videos I’ve done with DeLallo and it is super open, bright and a food photographer’s (or kitchen lover’s) dream.
We had the most delicious yogurt parfait bar with yogurt from Naturi and tons of granola from my friend Nicole at Blissful Eats. Guys, I haven’t even told you about this yogurt yet but it’s a local Pittsburgh company, it’s grass fed and it’s RIDICULOUSLY delicious.
Also, they have a coffee flavor. I cannot. It’s to die for. (P.S. so is the lemon. so is the pure!)
I’ve raved about Nicole’s granola now (it’s what I used on this oatmeal latte) and it’s definitely the kind that you never want to stop eating. After we had our podcast interview, she was so generous and sent us tons of granola for brunchshop. Such a hit.
Also, obviously, tons of croissants and muffins (um, hi, peanut butter filled chocolate) and delicious pastries from the bakery in DeLallo and champagne and mimosas galore.
After I rambled for what seemed like a billion hours (god I’m so wordy), we had an avocado toast bar (yes, with my favorite ever tangy peppers, ah!) and a style-your-own cheeseboard bar for practice, tips and of course, well, eating.
I was so super spazzed about brunchshop and had to keep reminding myself that it was only four hours. FOUR. I knew it would go quickly but wasn’t prepared just for how quickly our time together went. It flew.
I’ll definitely hire a photographer next time (!!!) because our group was just so… enagaged and wonderful and BUSY chatting and learning and sharing and asking that the conversation flowed and I didn’t even notice anyone on their phones. Four hours is a short time to talk about turning your dreams into reality, and while I should have figured out the photo issue before we began so I could better document this, knowing that those four hours were chock full of valuable info, sharing ideas and being real about what it takes makes me so happy.
[I do have to give a HUGE shoutout to Alexa, who did run around and take almost all of the photos in this post and so graciously is allowing me to use them.]
I just told Eddie tonight – this weekend re-energized me. It’s no secret that I really love my job, am insanely passionate about what I do everyday and feel so lucky to do it. But I’ve struggled with finding a working balance since having Max. I’m so flawed with the all-or-nothing attitude and it’s been a change to not be able to “literally” give my ALL to just this one thing anymore. You know?
Sharing the things I’m most passionate about with a group of people who is equally as passionate? It’s fabulous. So stay tuned… there will be more!
[Super gigantic thanks to DeLallo for allowing us to use their incredible space, I heart them and all of their food. You can find them on instagram, facebook and snapchat at delallofoods. You can find Naturi on instagram and facebook, as well as Blissful Eats on instagram and facebook too!]
26 Comments on “a brunchshop weekend!”
I’m so fascinated by how you went from reading blogs as an “escape” during a horrible day job to creating your own and making a successful career out of it. I’d love to go to a workshop of yours even just to hear how you figured out your brand, how to authentically connect to people, basically everything you described from this workshop. I’m about to leave a job I originally thought would have been my dream job, but which I now dread and feel no passion for. Anyway, I’m excited to leave it and to start fresh, even though I have no idea what will come of it. I hope to be able to find my fit with something new like you’ve done over the years with your blog and writing! I’ve read and loved your site for years now! Thanks so much for sharing what you do :)
caitlin! thank you so much! that’s exactly what we talked about this weekend. i love to talk about it because if i can do it, truly anyone can. congrats on making the tough decision to leave that job!! i hope you find something you love and if you want to chat about it, send me an email!
it’s so cool to chat with you through comments! I don’t often comment but I know I should more cause I read all the time! it’s not even that I want to start a blog or my own business or anything like that (at least not right now), but what is especially awesome to me is how you seemed to feel so confident taking your own career in your hands, leaving the “traditional” day job that you never wanted but that is so easy to accidentally fall into, and even just knew what your passions were enough to dive right into making them tangible work. I definitely fall into that fear sometimes of what my family thinks of me leaving a “steady” job for something less conventional and all that, which it sounds like you have maybe experienced based on the podcasts I’ve heard. anyway, I live outside of Philly, so really not THAT far from Pittsburgh, and I have family there so someday I’ll make the trip and sign up for a workshop of yours :)
sorry I’m so wordy, but thanks so much, Jess! you’re awesome :)
It makes a difference when we like-minded people get together and energize each other. I just returned from a small conference and it was great to talk to awesome friends and bounce ideas off each other with people who really do “get it” :)
Nice post
You’re the BEST!! Thank you for including blissful eats! Wish I could have come because it sounded so fun!!
Glad it was a success. I cannot wait to hear more about it.
What an awesome weekend! It sounds like you had a really great time.
It looks like Brunchshop was a blast! Congratulations!
Wow! I’m from Pittsburgh and am disappointed to have missed your awesome workshop, but I am going to keep an eye out for information on your next one. Your style and photography are inspirational!
8th You have making money online system of your PC .T—82.. It is part time work suitable of everyone. Earned $5k easily .You try lot of time spend of your work you can more earn than $5k.
8th You have making money online system of your PC .T—82.. It is part time work suitable of everyone. Earned $5k easily .You try lot of time spend of your work you can more earn than $5k.
Home-Jobs90.TK
I am so grateful/lucky to have attended this workshop! You are an inspiration (and guys, she is just as sweet/enthusiastic in person as you’re probably imagining), and it was wonderful to hear your story in more depth and to get a sense of your process. I left with a renewed sense of purpose and had some clarity on what my goals are and how to make them happen. It was all so worth the drive from Philly! I’d do it again in a second!
Thank you so much for an amazing day! I felt so motivated and inspired by hearing your story, and it was just the impetus I needed to feel ready to kick things up a notch in my business. Plus, those grilled artichokes and that lemon yogurt are beyond amazing (not together, of course…) and I wish I could just LIVE in that kitchen.
This was such an awesome event! I agree; it totally re-energized me too! Being around all of these like-minded people really did it!
hey girl great post! love ya
So glad the brunch was a success! I wish I could attend one but alas, I live too far. You obviously put a lot of work into making the event a resounding success, and for that you should be proud.
I just want to say that as a long time reader, I love going to your site every day and finding new and interesting posts, whether it’s on food or life. I’m so glad you haven’t let this site just turn to hell like I’ve unfortunately seen a lot of lately. Hope you keep on with this for a long time! :)
I can imagine how exciting this brunchshop would have been with so many pleasing delights. Each dish in the post looked better than the other. Great effort!!
Just reading this post is inspirational! :) Brunchshop was sold out when I tried to sign up, but I completely understand why it was such a small and intimate event – there’s only one of you and having intimate one-on-one conversations is so much more valuable and meaningful. I’m eager to find out about the next event because I will be there!
Would have LOVED to go! I’d love to put the request out there for you to do one in San Francisco!
Kari
http://www.sweetteasweetie.com
oh man. So wish I could’ve experienced this in person! If you host another one in the future I must must MUST jump on a flight and get there. Especially if there are chocolate muffins filled with peanut butter. Actually, I’d come regardless of the muffins served. AHH I find you so epic. Congrats on the Brunchshop!!!
Naturi is the best! I love that they don’t overload any of their yogurts with sugar. The chickory and coffee is my favorite flavor, I buy it every time I see it :) I will definitely have to try the lemon now too.
8th You have making money online system of your PC .F….11.. It is part time work suitable of everyone. Earned $6k easily .You try lot of time spend of your work you can more earn than $6k.
http://www.Home-Jobs90.TK
GAH! This brunchshop is so genius. And kudos to you for breaking out of the blogging mold. I think you are onto something! Cheers!
I know I would have loved attending this Jessica! Sometimes I feel lost in big blogging conferences, so I appreciate your small group setting. I listened to your chopped podcast and found it inspiring because my life path is similar to yours… I left my career 5 years ago and haven’t looked back. Thank you for sharing and inspiring me! I adore your work and appreciate your support of the blogging community! Looking forward to the ‘more’!
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