talent inquiry

This past weekend, our Founder & CEO @lauriebuck attended @cherrybombe’s Jubilee in Los Angeles, a celebration devoted to women in food. From restaurants to cookbooks, bakers to winemakers, every conversation and every bite reflected the creativity and drive of this community.

Icons were everywhere, including @nancysilverton, who kicked off the weekend with a backyard gathering at her home, @mollybaz, @chefmelissaking, @suzannegoin, and @kerrybombe, women whose talent and vision have helped shape today’s food culture.

What stood out most was the spirit of the Jubilee itself: inspiring, generous, and truly “the Bombe.”

When you work with talent as driven and creative as the ones on our roster, showing up for them isn’t a question, it’s a priority! Yesterday, @lauriebuck and @molls.benton from Team CookIt joined Meg of @ainttooproudtomeg at the @saltworthstudio, where Meg is deep in the middle of a new, can’t-say-too-much-yet kind of project. (Spoiler: it’s big, and it’s going to be SO good.) 👀

It’s not unusual for us to hop on a plane, walk a trade show floor, or spend a day behind the scenes - whatever it takes to support the talent we work with. Because when you’re a talent building something new, having a team that believes in your vision, has the resources to support it, and is willing to show up for it makes all the difference. 🧡

Let’s recap last week! 🎤 When Ferrara invited creators to pull back the curtain on their work, two of our CookIt talent, Caterina of @thecookingmawma and Katie of @bitsbitesblog, stepped up to the mic. Alongside Jen White, they spoke to marketing teams from across Ferrara’s candy brands, not with jargon or marketing-speak, but with the lived experience of building audiences, creating content, and turning influence into impact.

They shared stories of campaigns that worked, where a brand’s brief felt like a springboard instead of a cage. They spoke about trust and how a creator’s voice is their currency. They reminded the room that when you give influencers the freedom to create in their own style, you don’t just get content. You get connection.

There were practical takeaways too:
• Long-term partnerships almost always outperform one-off posts.
• Clear briefs matter, but micromanaging stifles creativity.
• Rates are not guesswork; they reflect reach, engagement, and the craft behind the content.
• A healthy mix of sponsored and organic content keeps audiences engaged and trusting.
• Authenticity is more than a buzzword. It is knowing when multiple brand features make sense and when they do not.

They discussed where their audiences live (Instagram, hands down) and why influencer marketing is not “the next thing.” It is THE thing.

By the end of the session, the conversation had moved far beyond questions and answers. It became a clear picture of what it really takes to succeed as a creator today, combining creativity, strategy, and business acumen. What stood out most was how much stronger brand-creator partnerships become when they are built on trust, mutual respect, and a shared vision.

As Ferrara’s Valeria put it: “Their presence made the session truly inspiring, enjoyable, and insightful — filled with valuable takeaways and fresh perspectives for our marketing team!”

After days of walking the convention floor with some of the creators on our roster (getting to know them beyond the emails and Zooms!), it felt right to close things out at Veroni’s 100-Year Anniversary party in NYC! 🥂

What started as a few conversations quickly turned into future ideas. It was a chance to step out of the daily hustle, celebrate the work we’ve been doing together, and show up - fully - for the people we represent, to connect on a deeper level.

As an agency, we believe in being there. In person, when possible. On the ground. At the table. On the plane if that’s what it takes. Support doesn’t stop at strategy and management - it follows through in the room, at the event, and in those small moments in between. 💛

It’s National Mac & Cheese Day, and we’re bringing the comfort with 15 mac & cheese recipes from the talent on our roster! 🧀 From classic to spicy, vegan, baked, and beyond - there’s something for everyone. 😋

01. Buffalo Mac & Cheese by @melissajorealrecipes
02. Cheesy Chicken Taco Mac by @cookinginthemidwest
03. Creamy Cottage Cheese Mac n’ Cheese by @sara.haven
04. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese by @erinliveswhole
05. Cowboy Burger Mac and Cheese by @tfimb
06. Mac n Cheese Egg Rolls by @platesbykody
07. Mac & Cheese Carbonara Pizza by @thecookingmawma x @currentbackyard
08. Mac & Cheese Toppings Bar by @ainttooproudtomeg
09. Mac and Cheese by @grillin_with_dad
10. Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese @mymanabites x @carnationmilks
11. Pizza Mac and Cheese by @alfskitchen_
12. Pumpkin Mac and Cheese by @playswellwithbutter
13. One Pot Mac and Cheese by @cooking_with_rocco
14. Mac and Cheese Foam by @noflakeysalt
15. Vegan Cauliflower Mac and Cheese by @therealfooddietitians

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