Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Smith.
Hi Rebecca, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I come from a first-generation immigrant family. My parents are both Ecuadorian. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, where I fell deeply in love with Mexican food and its customs. At 13 years old my family uprooted and moved to Miami, Florida. There, I learned about the rich flavors and upbeat way of life that come with Caribbean culture. Then, I met and married my Jamaican husband, who took me to several different states. We lived in Maryland, Minnesota, and Texas. Through this and our travels, we’ve eaten our way through quite a bit of North America. Food is the thread that ties my life together. No matter where you go, you can find common ground with people over a dish you enjoy or restaurant recommendations. Food is a necessity, so why not make it fun?
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There simply isn’t enough time to go through all of the struggles my husband and I have faced over the years. Just to name a few, we’ve had some health issues/scares, lots of transitions into new communities, the passing of a sibling, and so much more. What I’ve learned is life is going to test you, and no matter how unfair it may seem, your mindset has to be that of an overcomer because other options lead down a dark road. We are believers and know that everything works together for our good.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I like to think of my food page as a fusion of flavors and cultures I’ve experienced throughout my life. What makes my page unique is my desire to make cooking accessible to everyone. It doesn’t have to be this long-overdrawn process or feel like a daunting task. You can feed yourself and your family with delicious recipes in under 30 minutes. Most of my recipes are not laborious or confusing. I try my best to make dishes busy moms, dads, or college students can follow without being overwhelmed.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
This question speaks to a few of the challenges I’ve had to overcome personally. As a child, I was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia. I always struggled in school to read and pay attention. This forced me to learn in other ways. I was better with stories or finding a creative way to make learning accessible for myself. I have 11 years of teaching experience, and I’ve taught all subjects, but for most of my career, I’ve taught math to 4th-6th graders. The odds of my life are sometimes comical because all of these things would usually make a child reserved or embarrassed. But I made up for it with my personality. I was always the brightest, happiest person in the room. I wanted to make sure others felt good when they were around me. So, although I could be a problematic student in class because I talked too much or didn’t pay attention long enough, I was everyone’s friend.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://smithsinbloom.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smithsinbloom/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-smith-9b928a165/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOtGEaaYTO5SlVacA3lpmAA
Image Credits
Alejandra Rodrdriguez
