#MomCrush Monday Series: Meet Emma Leventer, Entrepreneur & Former Buzzfeed Tasty Producer

1.) You’re a busy mom, food-blogger, course instructor and entrepreneur. How do you stay organized?

Oh, juggling being a mom, food blogger, course instructor, and entrepreneur keeps me on my toes! But honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Being busy brings out the best in me. So, how do I stay organized? Well, I’ve got a sweet and simple trick up my sleeve.

I swear by my to-do and ta-da lists. You might be wondering, “What’s a ta-da list?” Well, it’s basically a celebration of accomplishments, big and small. I mean, every task deserves a high-five, right? So, I write down all the things I need to do and prioritize them on my to-do list. It helps me stay focused and not miss a beat.

But here’s the fun part: my ta-da list! Whenever I tick something off my to-do list, I give myself a little pat on the back. Signed a new client? Time to treat myself to a drink! Unloaded the dishwasher? Hello, chocolate break! Checked in with a friend? Cue the mini dance party! I believe in celebrating every win, no matter how small.

So, in a nutshell, staying organized in my crazy life involves my trusty to-do lists to keep me on track and set limits, but it’s also about celebrating those wins through my ta-da lists. It keeps me motivated, happy, and ready to take on whatever comes my way!

2.)  You’ve created content for many brands, such as Buzzfeed Tasty, Amazon, KitchenAid, Nutribullet, and more. How did you get started doing this?

Sophomore year of college changed my life.

My best friend in college asked me to help revamp her boss’ social media presence. When she asked me if I knew how to make “food top-down” videos, I lied between my teeth and said, “Of course I do.”

Shoot, I thought. I don’t know how to make videos! I created my own crash course and studied YouTube videos for 2 weeks. I played with natural light in my apartment until I became a quick, make-shift expert. Finding angles that made smoothies look most appetizing, I shot roughly 10 videos a week on the floor, all while trying to keep up with my classes. Somehow, it worked, and her boss was ecstatic. Did I just create a new skill set for myself?

I kept up with the new job of content creation alongside academics. Slowly, I became known as “Inspired Foody” on campus — answering random people’s messages about what they should buy at the grocery store, where to go on a date, or how to simply cook chicken (remember, we were just college kids who didn’t know anything yet). Over time, making these recipe videos and taking food photography became my creative outlet.

Then the real work began. I took on restaurant and food product clients for free to build up my experience and portfolio. I was going to class, keeping up with a social life, and filming in between. The more I continued, the more I realized that there was a market for food content (pun intended).

Fast forward to graduation, when I realized that many of my peers were following the same corporate paths but were unsure as to why. I knew I just needed to follow my passion. However, I also needed a consistent income. So I started out at a boutique marketing agency where I learned the ins and outs of branding and strategizing a company from the ground up. A year into it, I found myself seriously weighed down, overworked, and exhausted. So I did something crazy. With less than 8k followers on Instagram, just a few hundred views a month on Inspired Foody, and my portfolio of free work, I quit my full-time marketing gig.

But I made a plan. I knew that making money was important — a girl’s gotta eat, right? I gave myself 3 months to prove that my company could make it. I sent some cold emails, polished my site, and took some risks. With my ambition and commitment, it took just about 3 weeks.

I signed some of my dream clients (i.e. BuzzFeed and Prince Street Pizza) and focused on my craft. I said ‘yes’ to every project thrown my way. I founded a production company called Cuiscene Studio (a play on words). Now I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

3.) What can you share with our readers about running your own business? What tips do you have for our readers if they’ve been thinking about becoming their own boss and hesitate because they are busy moms?

When it comes to running your own business as a busy mom, there are a few things I’d like to share with your readers. First and foremost, your baby always comes first, and that’s how it should be. You don’t have to choose between being a great mom and a successful business owner. It’s just like having multiple kids – you can’t show favoritism because it’ll affect both sides.

My tip is to dedicate specific time that you know you can give to your business and start, even if it’s on a small scale. The key is to have a true passion for what you’re doing. Don’t start a business just because you think it’s the right thing to do. Believe in yourself and your abilities. When you have that genuine passion, it will drive you forward and help you overcome any obstacles that come your way.

Remember, as a busy mom and an entrepreneur, asking for help is crucial. You can’t do it all on your own. Just like the advice you probably received when you were pregnant – don’t be afraid to ask for help! Surround yourself with a support network and delegate tasks when necessary. Focus on becoming an expert in your craft and lean on others for assistance in areas where they excel. This way, you can maintain your expertise while benefiting from the collective strengths of those around you.

In summary, don’t feel like you have to choose between being a great mom and running your own business. Dedicate specific time to your business, start with a true passion, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. By believing in yourself, managing your time effectively, and building a support network, you can thrive as both a busy mom and a successful business owner.

4.) Can you share two of your favorite summer recipes?

My chicken jamettes is my go-to chicken recipe for the summer because it is so versatile. You can cook it in the oven or on your grill outside AND you can use the sauce for drumettes, wings, chicken pieces like breast or thighs, and cover an entire chicken… The world of chicken is your oyster! The foundation is there for you to play with. 

My asparagus lasagne has now become a staple in my home. It’s the number 1 requested recipe every week. Not only is it a twist on your classic red lasagne dish, but it has a refreshing kick to it with the hints of lemon and mint. Don’t knock it until you try it. My family loves this recipe and I know you will too. 

5.) What is your favorite song lyric? Why?

My favorite song lyric is from “Freeze” by Kygo: “Let me save this perfect memory.” This lyric holds a special place in my heart, not only because it’s the song my husband and I played on repeat during my pregnancy, but also because it speaks to the essence of life itself.

Every moment we experience is precious and unique, and it’s important to cherish and preserve those perfect memories. This sentiment resonates deeply with me, especially as I reflect on the journey of becoming a mother against all odds due to my health conditions. The birth of my daughter is a testament to the power of capturing and saving those irreplaceable moments.

In my work as a food photographer and videographer, I have the privilege of freezing moments in time through captivating imagery and videos. I get to document the beauty and artistry of food, preserving its essence and creating lasting memories.

This lyric serves as a reminder to appreciate the beauty in every moment, to hold onto the memories that bring us joy, and to recognize the significance of the connections we make along the way.