Meet Monica Caron of Simply in the Flavor

Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Caron.

Monica, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’m a wife, mom and lover a food. Cooking has always been a passion of mine and my friends often ask me for tips on how to navigate the kitchen. My passion for cooking began at a young age, watching my parents polar-opposite cooking styles create the perfect pair in the kitchen. My mom was a no-muss-no-fuss kind of gal, and my dad was busy creating masterpieces that took a lot of tender, love and care. I learned that these two worlds can collide.

After 12 years of living in NYC and working at publishers including Condé Nast, Bloomberg, Travelzoo and Rodale, my family (husband and daughter) packed up and headed back south to our hometown of Atlanta.

Now my focus is getting everyone comfortable in the kitchen – no matter what someone’s skill level may be. Cooking shouldn’t be and doesn’t have to be complicated. I believe in a healthy lifestyle that incorporates full-fat sour cream and bourbon. We only live once, so we might as well eat!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I have been dabbling with Simply in the Flavor for a long time – but mostly as a passion project. Now that I’m fully diving in, I’m sure there will be bumps along the way – especially because the market for meal planning, prep and home cooking is saturated. But I believe my approach is unique. There are no one-size fits all when it comes to my clients. I focus on what their needs, skill level and overall goals are in the kitchen. I’m not here to force a cookie-cutter approach to the kitchen.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I’m a cooking coach. I spend time with my clients, getting to know what their skill level is, what their goals are, and learn how comfortable they are in the kitchen. I then work with my clients to figure out an approach that is best suited for their unique personality and style.

There are no one-size fits all when it comes to cooking, I do believe that no matter what your skill level may be, there is a way to plan, create and cook simple and delicious meals to fuel your body. And enjoy full-fat dairy and cocktails. I believe my approach and no-nonsense style is what sets me apart. I also believe that this should be fun! People get way too serious when it comes to meal planning and prep. This shouldn’t be something that you dread every week – in fact, I believe it can be something you look forward to.

I encourage my clients to pour a glass of wine or a cocktail, pop on a podcast and spend an hour prepping for the week. That time for most of my clients has become their sacred time – people who used to despise being in the kitchen have let me know that they now look forward to their weekly “power hour”.

What were you like growing up?
Haha. This is a great question! I was an awkward kid. Big puffy hair, horribly chapped lips, and more comfortable begging adults to listen to me sing a show tune than I was playing with other kids. I was ALWAYS interested in cooking and food. We ate what our parents ate for dinner – my mom frequently reminded us that she wasn’t a short order cook. I liked everything and anything. My dad put me and my brother through spicy food training when I was 4 and my brother was 7. I had my first taste of escargot at 6. Any time my dad was in the kitchen cooking, I was by his side as a mini-sous chef.

I came out of my awkward shell in 7th grade and became more social, made a good group of friends and became the person who always wanted to host and feed people. To this day nothing gives me greater joy than my house being filled with my favorite people, listening to laughter while I’m in the kitchen preparing food to feed their souls. I know that sounds cheesy, but it’s true!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.simplyintheflavor.com
• Phone: 770.714.5207
• Email: hello@simplyintheflavor.com
• Instagram: @simplyintheflavor
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplyintheflavor/
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/simplyintheflavor/

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