Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Bench

Hi Tara, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

I started a food-focused journey at Utah State University, studying Culinary Arts and Food Service Management. From early on, I knew I wanted a path different from my peers; becoming a chef or caterer didn’t appeal to me.

My big break came with an internship at the Martha Stewart Test Kitchen, and it was a game-changer. I learned so much and was soon hired as a Recipe Developer. I worked my way up the editorial masthead eventually becoming Senior Food Editor for Martha Stewart Living magazine.

I left Martha Stewart a few years later to lead the food content at Ladies’ Home Journal magazine. It was one of my favorite jobs! I loved creating delicious and accessible recipes for the readers, and running the test kitchen. After my time as Food Director at Ladies’ Home Journal, I faced a decision point as the magazine was shutting down. I chose to work independently, focusing on being a food stylist and recipe developer for various clients and brands.

I still wanted to share my recipes and find a way to earn passive income, so I started my blog, TaraTeaspoon.com. This venture wasn’t just about posting recipes; it involved learning the ropes of monetizing a site, mastering SEO, and managing a website.

Throughout my career, I’ve taken on multiple roles: creator, author, publicist, manager, and more. Each experience has been crucial to understanding how to run a successful creative business. I’ve navigated setbacks and celebrated successes, all while maintaining my independence and pursuing my passion for food.

Now, as I continue to develop and grow my brand, I focus on creating delicious, accessible recipes that welcome readers into the wonderful world of cooking, encouraging them to explore and enjoy the culinary arts. Each recipe and story I share reflects a journey filled with persistence, learning, and a profound love for food and gathering people together.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

With over 25 years in the food publishing industry and blogging world I’ve had my share of ups and downs.
Each job pivot came with challenges of course. I think my biggest struggles were really learning to run my own business, learn the ins and outs of hosting a monetized website, and learning to diversify my income as an entrepreneur.
The big struggle as a freelancer and blogger is that there is no steady income. I’ve had to balance taking on client work (content creation and food styling) while growing my own brand and business. I love doing both my own blog work, writing my cookbooks, and the client work, so I wouldn’t want to give up any of it, but it’s a challenging balance to maintain.
There will always be struggles when you have a business that partially depends on other companies’ budgets, the internet algorithms, and sales. But as I create a more diverse platform I can have things to fall back on.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

I am a cookbook author, food stylist, blogger, and food TV personality. I develop recipes for my audience as well as food brands, and create food videos for websites and social media.
Because of my background as a magazine food editor, I specialize in accessible, tested, tried and true recipes that use both classic and trending ingredients and flavors. My recipes and tips make cooking and entertaining enjoyable for home cooks.
I can create recipes that both look good and taste delicious, and my readers and the brands I consult with love that I can develop content that covers any kind of diet or audience. I love making the culinary world accessible to everyone.
I have a passion for teaching, and sharing my love for cooking and helping others improve their cooking skills. I live in New York City and draw inspiration from the city’s rich cultural and culinary scene. This influence makes my recipes diverse and unique, and I can share flavors and techniques from all over the world.
With my professional background in cooking and recipe development I can write recipes that can be recreated with perfection so everyone at home can achieve great results every time!
I believe food brings people together, and my recipes are designed to be easy to make, and shared! I hope everyone can create memorable experiences in the kitchen and around the dining table.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?

I was the only girl in my family growing up, and loved to be by my mom’s side in the kitchen. Dad cooked too, and it was always a highlight to help anyone who would let me mix, measure, stir or bake!
I was the girl who loved arts and crafts and always had a new hobby whether it was sewing clothes, beadwork and jewelry making, or helping my grandpa with woodworking.
My passion for all things creative led me to a hands-on career involving art!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://TaraTeaspoon.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarateaspoon/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tarateaspooninc/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TaraTeaspoonOfficial

Image Credits

Ty Mecham