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welcome, friend!
Does the constant pressure to do more leave you feeling tired, overwhelmed, and disconnected from your true purpose? I can relate. The incessant demands on our attention make it a challenge to keep up, let alone nourish ourselves after a busy day. If we’re not careful, the distractions of this world will infiltrate every corner of our lives—especially in the moments that matter most.
That’s why I created Sweet New Roots.
After nearly two decades in a stressful corporate career that left me feeling completely burnt out, I realized I had deeply neglected the most important facets of my physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. My journey through a global pandemic, cross-country move, grief, loss, infertility, and family illness forced me to ask hard questions about my faith and my future.
From Seeds to Sweet New Roots
Everything changed when I set my corporate career aside to focus wholeheartedly on living God’s purpose for my life. I quickly realized that a life well lived isn’t possible unless we learn to embrace true nourishment. For me, that meant giving my body, mind, and soul the sustenance it desperately needed.
By focusing on progress, never perfection, we have the power to flourish—even when the world tells us we shouldn’t, or we’re too busy, or that we don’t deserve to thrive.
Life is not linear, nor is it easy, but amazing things happen when we plant seeds of goodness and kindness as we go about our days.
Think of every decision you make as a seed: eating food that gives your body energy when you’d rather be in the drive-thru, or gathering around the table for a warm bowl of soup and conversation with family instead of eating in front of the TV. Maybe it’s putting your phone away so you can quietly watch the sunrise with a cup of coffee and quiet time, thanking the Lord for another day He has made instead of waking up and immediately turning on the news … or holding the door with a smile for the mama juggling two fussy toddlers and a grocery cart while others pretend not to notice.
This isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about giving just a little more to ourselves and those around us, one small, intentional act at a time. I refer to these acts as seeds … and life is so much more manageable when we sprinkle these seeds of gratitude and kindness into our days. God loves us so very much, and He wants us to extend that love to ourselves and others.
When we do, chaos is slowly replaced with peace. One by one, those seeds take hold in our lives and the lives of those around us. They become the sweet new roots that keep us grounded in God’s truth and grace, and we find ourselves nourished—for His purpose.
Three Core Pillars
Simple, nourishing recipes
You won’t find recipes based on the latest trendy diets or those that cut out entire food groups. My plant-forward recipes are centered on unprocessed, whole foods. Some are so simple I feel like a cheater calling them recipes!
wellness resources
I spent much of my career working in healthcare communications, and I’m fascinated by the science behind how our choices impact our bodies and minds. I love merging this with a Biblical perspective.
faith-based encouragement
I am only my best self when I am wholly leaning on the Lord. This section of the website leans heavily on scripture, straight from God’s Word. I don’t veer too far off track, but I’ll share my personal perspective on occasion. I hope you will be encouraged by what you read here.
and now, just as you accepted christ jesus as your lord, you must continue to follow him. let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
colossians 2:6-7 NLT
Professional Experience & Education
communications
For the nearly two decades prior to founding Sweet New Roots, I worked as a professional writer, editor and client relationship manager for public corporations and private sector organizations, primarily in healthcare and higher education.
I’ve had the pleasure of writing on behalf of c-suite executives, university deans, marketing and communications leaders and executive advisory board members for Fortune 100 companies, among many others.
published works
My work as a professional writer and former journalist has appeared in numerous publications. I have also served as a copy editor for an international news agency, several international in-flight magazines as well as two published books.
My bylines and photography have appeared in Magnolia Journal, Southern Living, Asian Geographic, Fort Worth, Texas magazine, The Korea Times and Hope for Women magazine, among others.
Ghostwritten articles on behalf of my clients have appeared in top-tier publications that include AARP, Austin-American Statesman, Austin Medical Times, Chief Learning Officer, D Magazine, Dallas Medical Journal, Enterprise Networking Magazine, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Forbes, Houston Chronicle, and USA Today.
master of business administration/MBA
Dallas Baptist University
bachelor of science, news-editorial journalism
Texas Christian University
plant-based nutrition certificate
Cornell University’s Executive Education Program in Partnership with the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies
A Few of My Former Clients Include:
the professional standards that define sweet new roots
Foundational Integrity: Early Interviews, Storytelling, and Photography
My passion for good work, commitment to journalistic integrity, and background as a professional communicator are the foundational standards that define my work. In the earliest days of this venture, I leveraged my skills as a classically educated journalist to spotlight the dedicated work of ethical artisans, creators, and innovators within the fields of food and farming.
The section that follows represents more than a portfolio; it showcases a commitment to truth and intentionality—the same principles that guide Sweet New Roots today. Below is a selection of original interviews and long-form feature articles, each one representing incredible individuals and their compelling stories, which I had the absolute honor and privilege of capturing.
Featured Articles
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Giving Kitchen: How One Chef’s Legacy is Serving the Needs of Thousands
Following a terminal cancer diagnosis, Atlanta-based chef Ryan Hidinger and his wife, Jen, had a vision to help food service workers in need. A decade later, Ryan’s legacy lives on through Giving Kitchen.
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The Vicks Estate, Farm & Fishery: In Pursuit of an Equitable Future for Black Farmers
Meet Clinton Banks-Vicks, a fifth-generation Georgia farmer reintroducing his community to Southern hospitality and bygone traditions in pursuit of a more equitable future of farming.
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Pizza Grace: Redefining One of America’s Favorite Foods
Award-winning chef Ryan Westover and his wife, Helene Jones, are redefining one of America’s favorite foods with seasonal, local ingredients and better-for-you sourdough paired with a people-first business model.
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The Folk Collaborative: The Hills are Calling
At The Folk Collaborative Orchard, Apothecary and Bakery in McCaysville, Georgia, Luke and Amanda Dilbeck pay homage to the area’s history and keep Appalachian traditions alive.
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Work With Me
Interested in partnering for sponsored posts, content development for your brand or organization, professional photography, recipe development, podcasts or other requests? Please get in touch directly to discuss your projects or request samples of my work.
I don’t accept submissions from unsolicited guest contributors at this time, but I sincerely appreciate your interest.