founder & ceo
Right about the time that the first food bloggers were beginning to realize that their hobby might actually be a job, CookIt’s Founder + CEO quit her job. It was the lure of content – creative recipes, beautiful photography – that drove her to do it. Laurie had long worked in food magazines, but the digital space called. As she saw it, bloggers were the future of food content, replacing costly and time-consuming photo shoots and test kitchens with their one-stop-shop business model. Everything she’d learned working at Bon Appetit, Fine Cooking and Better Homes & Gardens over the course of three decades became the tools and experience she used to start up a business focused on helping bloggers become successful content businesses.
Fast forward to 2015. Over the years, Laurie had built a consulting business, working with dozens of food bloggers to help them draft a brand story, identify their target audience, create a content plan and strategize their brand growth. Many of them went on to become successful businesses, and brands began reaching out to them, offering to partner. When those bloggers came back, seeking advice about how to talk to the brands, how to set rates, how to review contracts, Laurie knew it was time to shift from consulting to management.
Long story short, CookIt Media was born out of the goal to help influencers create strong businesses and build authentic partnerships with brands that value the creator’s authority and connection with their audience. That part of the story has never changed and never will.
If you’ve ever wondered what the journey from print media editor-in-chief to influencer marketing/talent agency CEO looks like, our founder Laurie Buckle joined the Next in Creator Media podcast to share her story. 🎙️
Tune in for insights on empowering food creators, building brand/influencer collaborations and diversifying revenue streams, along with her thinking on why food content is increasingly becoming intertwined with lifestyle content (hint: food is no longer just sustenance it’s a reflection of personal values and lifestyle choices).
When Lori Harvey drops a “😍😍😍” on a re-creation of her @erewhon Vanilla Matcha Smoothie, you might as well consider it a stamp of approval! 🌟 #CookItCrew member @mymanabites packed this smoothie with superfoods for glowing skin, strong nails, and healthy hair!
We’ve heard the question floating around: Do you really NEED to sign with a talent agency? 👀 Well, if you’re a content creator or an influencer, aligning yourself with a management team can transform your career. While we can only speak for ourselves, we know you’ll benefit right from the start. What do we mean by that? Here are some examples of ways CookIt Media can and has accomplished as soon as we bring new talent onto our roster! 🤝
1️⃣ Less Admin, More Creating: We handle contracts, invoices, and payments so you can focus on what you love—creating amazing content.
2️⃣ Industry Insights & Resources: We provide education, resources and connections to help you gain access to people and opportunities you may have never imagined.
3️⃣ Beyond Brand Partnerships: Think big! We can help you land cookbook deals, licensed products, and even TV opportunities.
4️⃣ Revenue Growth & Goal Support: We actively work to build partnerships, increase your revenue, and help you hit those big career milestones.
5️⃣ Career Management: From a jam-packed inbox to a packed schedule, we help you juggle it all without missing out on great opportunities.
6️⃣ Strategy & Growth Guidance: With expert advice, we’ll help you sharpen your strategy and elevate your brand even further.
If this sounds good to you, send us a DM or visit the contact page on our website so we can get talking! 💛
In case you missed it: #TeamCookIt headed to San Diego for the first-ever CrEATor Live event by @attendcreator, in partnership with @sdfoodwine! #TeamCookIt’s @lauriebuck and @molls.benton joined the “Securing Your First Agent: When, Why, and How” panel, sharing valuable insights.
Several #CookItCrew members also joined panels! Their incredible achievements continue to inspire us, and we’re excited for all the upcoming projects and collaborations on the horizon between our team and talent!
Join #TeamCookIt in San Diego at the first annual @attendcreator where @lauriebuck will be moderating the Securing Your First Agent: When, Why, and How panel taking place on Friday, Nov 8th!
Creator Live, in partnership with @sdfoodwine, offers master classes, panels, workshops, and cookbook signings—the perfect place to connect, create, and grow your brand!
Link in Instagram story to grab your tickets! 🔗
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