Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandria Jack.
Hi Alexandria, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I’m Alexandria Jack, food writer, chef publicist, and content creator. I got started in the food industry back in high school raising pigs in my high school FFA. Later I went to the University of Houston and studied Public Relations and Business. While in college, I earned my certification in Corporate Entrepreneurship from the Wolff School of Entrepreneurship. Before finishing college, I knew I wanted to own my own business opposed to working at a company or a traditional pr agency. I graduated in 2019 with my degree, and finally, I was able to put more effort into my business. Even though it took a while for me to find the focus to grow my business, the journey has been well worth it.
I always knew that I wanted to work in the food space because I had a passion for flavors, and I always dreamed of being able to share the gospel of how amazingly diverse and delicious the Houston food scene was. One avenue to fulfill that mission was becoming a food writer. This helped me establish myself as thought leader in the food space and grow relationships with potential clients. After writing for a while, I was asked to be the publicist for a local chef and was able to secure them in a few events. One event was an opportunity to teach a class at a major cooking school, and another was being the featured chef for a cooking demo at a major grocery store. After that, with my second client, I secure them placement with South Beach Wine and Food Festival, one of the largest food festivals in the nation. I also made them the featured cookbook author for Kittch during Black History Month.
Food can tell as story and evoke emotion. And as a digital content creator, my goal is to make my audience experience food though my eyes. One of my favorite reels that I have done has been my #eggporn video. It has gain over 145,000 views and was featured on First We Feast Instagram. I really enjoy showcasing sexy foods in slow motion and food events with food from some of the best chefs.
I have learned that as a business owner you have to not only gain skills but you have to follow your heart. Working in PR is all about connections, growing lasting relationships, and negotiating. Honestly, being able to do those things in the food space has been a very fulfilling experience. One of the best things that I have done was do exactly what I felt lead to do. Despite my business not making sense to almost no one around me, staying true to my vision was key. It was scary for friends and family to see me quit two jobs and grad school, but as soon as I did that, I seen a change in my business for the better. Pushing through fear and stepping out on faith is uncomfortable, but it is what has to be done.
I am an advocate for eating local, supporting local farming, and food insecurity. As a business owner, I believe in having a personal support team that includes friends, family, therapist, mentors, and anything else that will help you thrive!
This year I am looking to take my knowledge on the road by speaking and becoming a thought leader in the culinary space discussing topics that will help chefs find their way through the culinary world.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey as an entrepreneur has not been an easy one, but it has been well worth the ride. One of my biggest challenges has been that I am able to see the vision for others but had a hard time seeing the vision for myself. I am so good at encouraging those to push past the barriers of success by giving ideas or guiding them through their business journey, but my business was still in the dark. I was able to push past this by going within myself and figuring out my needs and wants along with finding a therapist to tackle my limiting beliefs around myself and business. Once I did this, I have put myself out more and realized I am worthy of having a successful business.
Another obstacle was coming to terms with not being able to thrive in all industries. At first, I did PR for any business, but once I niched down to running a food-focused business, it has done wonders for my business. Now I am able to find strong leads in the industry for my clients and build longer-lasting relationships.
Last thing is, no matter how broke or desperate you are, everyone is not your client. If they cannot pay the rate or align with how you work as a business owner, you have to become comfortable with saying NO. I started out being afraid of telling people my rate and allowing people to just tell me what they will pay so that I could make money. Also, just as I invested in myself, I need clients that are willing to invest in theirselves as well.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a food writer, chef publicist, and content creator. I am known for directing people to the best food experiences.
I am most proud of niching down to focus on just food. I have always wanted to have a career in something that I was passionate about, so that it never felt like work. Even when I work long hours, I noticed that I felt fulfilled once I was finished or I was overjoyed when I seen progress.
The thing that sets me apart is that I can make connections with anyone and advocate for my client. Being in PR, you come to understand that my job is all about relationship building, and having quality relationship allow me to advocate for my clients in a way that is unique to me and my business.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
When it comes to finding a mentor, you have to be strategic. I started out taking advice from people that had knew nothing about my industry or my work. Unfortunately, family and friends are not the way to go. They mean well, but usually they don’t have the knowledge to push you forward.
When finding a mentor, look for industry groups or people that will push you along the way. For me, that has been Women in PR. I also invested in their mentorship program, and it has helped me in gaining confidence in my business. My other mentor is “My Fairy Godmother.” Her name is Lynn Page; she has worked in many industries, children’s book author, and is the person that got me started in food writing. She is my mentor that encourages me to keep going.
Finding a mentor team is very important as a business owner.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/dinnerwithalexandria
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandriajack
- Twitter: twitter.com/foodwriteralex
- Other: https://linktr.ee/alexnco
