Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Maddie Coppel. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Maddie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

When In started college in 2019, I told my advisor that I wanted to be a food writer. She told me that the best fit would be studying agricultural communications to get a background in food and sustainability studies, and soon after this conversation, all my professors ended up knowing that writing about food was my end goal.

From interning at Midwestern food companies and assisting with product development and writing recipe-based blog posts about seasonal dishes to studying aboard in Italy under a food and sustainability program, I was certain my passion was food, and I wanted to be able to do all of this and more for a living.

After graduation, I secured my dream job as a food editor for The Blade newspaper in Toledo, Ohio, and have been recipe testing, interviewing chefs and farmers, filming cooking videos, and more ever since. During my interview process, my passion for food was clear, which is what I think landed me this role.

Being steadfast in knowing my goals and where I wanted to end up is how I got to where I am today, and maybe a little luck of course. Taking risks, doing things out of my comfort zone, and staying true to myself are just a few ways I feel I am able to work full-time as a food editor and live out the dreams I’ve had since I was a little girl.

Maddie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Right after graduation from The Ohio State University, I started working as a food editor for The Blade newspaper in Toledo, Ohio. Through patience, experience, and many interviews, I finally got to secure this job and do what I love to do full-time.

In this position, I test recipes every week inspired by seasonal trends, community chefs and home cooks, farmers and regenerative agricultural practices, holidays, and more. I interview local sources to add a layer of depth to my stories, along with producing a monthly video series for The Blade called Meals with Maddie.

I am proud to share stories of the community, along with recipes that speak to the evolvement of the food and beverage industry.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is getting to find new, innovative ways to tell a story about food. Each day, I am challenged to think differently about a story, and get to express myself in my writing, while sharing a story about the food and beverage world at the same time.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I hope to always write about food, since it’s an industry that is always evolving, and there’s always more to share. I want to talk to as many influences as I can in the field, and share stories that haven’t been told before.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.toledoblade.com/meals-with-maddie
• Instagram: @maddiecoppel
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maddie-coppel-7a515919b
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdH-YoVU1kGW3sr0uKueJY65eV57exF0y

Image Credits

Soph Fulk Photography