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

Sydnee, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

When I became a single mom at 21, life felt overwhelming, and I knew I needed to prioritize my health for both myself and my daughter. I turned to Instagram as a creative outlet, posting simple smoothie photos to stay motivated. What started as a personal project quickly grew into something bigger, a passion for food photography, storytelling, and community.
As I experimented with recipes and content, I realized how much I loved sharing food in a way that felt approachable and inspiring. That unexpected start on Instagram led me to a path I never imagined, blending my love for food with storytelling in a way that connects with people every day.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Sydnee Cooke, recipe developer, content creator, and brand strategist behind @waystocooke. What began as sharing food photos on social media evolved into a full-scale brand, shaping not only my career in digital content but also my expertise in branding and marketing across industries.
Through my platform, I develop recipes that balance healthy-ish and indulgent, proving that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. Beyond content creation, my background in brand marketing allows me to merge creativity with strategy, helping businesses connect authentically with their audiences. I’ve collaborated with brands to develop impactful campaigns, blending storytelling with data-driven marketing to build lasting engagement.
My work has been recognized regionally and beyond, including being honored by the Ohio State House of Representatives for marketing innovation. Social media not only launched my career but also shaped my approach to branding, teaching me how to build trust, create meaningful connections, and develop strategies that drive real impact.
I love what I do…whether it’s crafting a recipe, telling a story, or helping brands bring their vision to life in a way that resonates.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

When I first started building my audience on social media, I had to shift my perspective on what “social” media really means. It’s not about posting and waiting for people to come to you, it’s about showing up for others. Engaging with other creators in your niche or industry is key. If you’re looking to grow your audience, you need to get intentional about building genuine relationships. People often think one viral video will magically make their account take off, but that’s a “me, me, me” mindset. The truth is, growth happens when you focus on what you can do for others.
Start by commenting thoughtfully on other people’s posts, celebrating their wins, and becoming part of the conversation. When I found my foodie community and started engaging with intention… building off of their successes and creating connections, my account skyrocketed. It wasn’t overnight, but it was authentic, and that’s what made it stick. Social media growth is a slow burn, not a quick fix.
Another critical part of the process is testing. You have to be willing to experiment, try different ways of shooting content, test out lighting, angles, posting times, formats, and even your tone. It’s all about finding the formula that works for your content. Get inspired by others, but don’t be afraid to adapt and evolve. Social media is ever-changing, and the creators who thrive are the ones who embrace that change.
And here’s a tip I swear by: don’t be afraid to repost your content. So much time and energy go into creating, and the reality is that not everyone in your audience saw it the first time. Reusing content can breathe new life into your work and save you from burnout. Reposting is one of the smartest ways to extend the reach of your efforts while giving yourself space to recharge and create something new.
The most important thing? Stay consistent, keep learning, and be patient. The magic happens when you’re genuinely passionate about your content, connected to your community, and open to trying new things. Social media is a tool for connection, and if you use it with authenticity and intention, it will work in your favor.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

For the longest time, I felt like I was playing catch-up. I had a baby at 21 while still in undergrad, finished school in a nontraditional way, and missed out on experiences my peers were having. I didn’t have a clear career path, and while I was figuring things out, it felt like everyone around me was hitting the milestones society tells us we’re supposed to reach, graduating on time, getting married, settling down. Meanwhile, I was just trying to make sense of what I actually wanted.
For years, I let that insecurity linger, like I had fallen behind in some imaginary race. But the more I lived, the more I realized, there is no “right” order to anything. Life isn’t a straight path; it’s a series of moments, choices, and unexpected turns. The idea that we’re supposed to follow a set timeline is not only unrealistic but also completely made up.
Now, I embrace where I am without comparing it to where I thought I should be. Because the truth is, I was never behind… I was just on my path. And that’s exactly where I’m meant to be.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.waystocooke.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waystocooke
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/waystocooke
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/waystocooke/?external_page=LPC.Immersive&external_control=ViewProfileLink&external_app_instance=bf992ede-17b8-42d5-b6c3-7d6cfd9f6bfc&external_page_instance=58f3c63b-f3e4-4034-b45c-12ab7902c33d&experiment=displayLinkedInDataPrebind