Today we’d like to introduce you to Margaret Brown. They and their team shared their story with us below:
“Maggie the Substitute Teacher” was born Margaret Appiah in Ghana, West Africa. Her family immigrated to the United States to pursue higher education when she was only a 1-year-old and she grew up in the college town of Athens, Georgia.
As her parents pursued two Ph.D. degrees, Maggie’s active childhood was simple, humble, and loving. Throughout school, Maggie worked hard to earn straight A’s in order to earn her “free time.” Always smiling, she enjoyed band music, sports, and all things school-related before coming home to a close nuclear family.
Maggie’s mom (Nana) was her first example of a productive home life. Nana worked, went to school, and cooked for the family every day. Maggie thought this was just normal. Even if she wanted to play outside, by age 10 she was expected to be in the kitchen with her mom. If Nana was cooking, Maggie was helping. She learned to wash, cook, clean, and enjoy her life, even though her weight problem started young and then still carried through to her adult life.
Tired of yo-yo dieting, Maggie admittedly “gave up” on worrying about the weight, because life was great! She graduated from college, started working, got married, and had two children. With her own family now, she enjoyed repeating what she was taught to do years ago by her mom. As the years went by, the weight problem turned into a health problem Maggie had to address.
After asking a co-worker who lost weight, Maggie learned about the metabolic specialist at https://www.lockedinwellness.com/ and signed up for the program, since she had tried about everything else. The results of Maggie’s food sensitivity test revealed Maggie was eating things every day that her body did not tolerate. This knowledge began the substitutions she uses today.
Maggie has combined her love of cooking and experimenting with the list of natural foods she is approved to eat. She draws on inspiration to create appetizing plates that draw attention from friends on social media. “Did you make that?” “That looks good!” “You need a cookbook!” The pictures turned into videos and a new YouTube “how-to” channel for anybody who likes to eat!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Life is not a smooth road. Not even mine. My mom was her first example of a productive home life. She worked, went to school, and served my dad and family every day, so I thought this was just normal. From early childhood, I understood that family and relationships are the priority, so I learned to wash, cook, clean, and date with intention. By 18, I had a steady boyfriend who I married after college.
Ten years and two kids later, I struggled to keep my marriage together with the demands of corporate America and a modern “woman can do anything” mindset. Unfortunately, the marriage ended in divorce, but my ex-husband and I co-parent two teenage really boys well. I’m proud of that.
Since then, Maggie has done a lot of work to stay feminine in her second relationship. In addition to her online cooking channel, Maggie is passionate about sharing the truth with young women that we can do anything, but not everything, so choose wisely and communicate effectively. Maggie the Substitute Teacher is available online to help resolve and even prevent relationship issues for women who want traditional relationships.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I make Food and Femininity Content on Social Media. I substitute sugar, dairy, and gluten in comfort foods. My channel is a daily live stream of what I’m cooking. I’m proud that my channel is happy, wholesome, and family-friendly. My community is highly engaged and interactive compared to other socials. As the boys grow, this has given me a productive outlet for my creativity.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
There’s an audience for everyone and don’t be afraid to be your quirky self. Everyone grows at their own pace on social media, so don’t try to be trending it’s not authentically you. The internet is forever so I am very intentional about what I post, and what I do not. My children are the priority and nothing is worth losing my reputation for a click. Food is universal and brings us together. I love creating an inclusive space for all.
Pricing:
- $999 Maggie Mastermind course & consults
- $550 Finishing School for the Modern Woman
- $100 Etiquette Summer School for Kids
- $35/month Private Group Coaching Class
- $20 Maggie Favorites Interactive Cookbook
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/maggiethesubstituteteacher
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/maggiethesubstitute/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaggietheSubstituteTeacher
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Maggiethesub
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/user/MargaretBrown
- Other: https://teachablemomentswithmaggie.square.site/
Image Credits
Katlyne Hill Photography and Anselme Studios
