Four Years In The Game: Reflecting on a Transformative Blogging Journey and the Unforgettable Year of 2020

It’s truly hard to believe, but I’ve officially logged four incredible years in the blogging world. What started as a passion project has blossomed into a thriving business and a significant part of my identity. I’m no longer the wide-eyed rookie, and perhaps that makes me an “old head” in this fast-paced digital landscape! Each year brings its own set of lessons, challenges, and triumphs, and I cherish the opportunity to reflect on this journey.

This particular annual reflection took me a solid three months to finally carve out the time for writing, a testament to how busy life and business have become. But here we are, ready to dive into a year that was, without a doubt, one of the most challenging yet profoundly transformative periods I’ve ever experienced: 2020.

For many, 2020 will forever be etched in memory as a year of immense hardship and uncertainty. Personally, it was a year of continuous motion, both literal and metaphorical. I navigated through unprecedented challenges and adversity, not because I sought them, but because I simply don’t know any other way to live than to keep pushing forward.

When I list the pivotal events that unfolded within those twelve months—a global pandemic, the widespread Black Lives Matter protests, the sale of my beloved home, and the purchase of a brand new one—it’s almost unbelievable that these monumental shifts all occurred within the same calendar year. It felt like the longest year, yet simultaneously, it flew by in a blur of intense activity. Truly, 2020 was a year for the ages.

I am writing this post on International Women’s Day 2021, a fitting occasion to begin my reflection on the preceding year, especially considering how a particular incident unfolded on this very day in 2020.

White Food Bloggers and The Honey Pot Incident

On International Women’s Day 2020, a significant and troubling story emerged that highlighted racial disparities and privilege within the business world, even extending to my own sphere of influence. A Black-owned business called Honey Pot, which specializes in plant-derived feminine care products, became the target of a coordinated boycott. The catalyst? A Target advertisement featuring the brand’s owner, Beatrice Dixon, who eloquently expressed her mission: “The reason why it’s so important for Honey Pot to do well is so that the next Black girl that comes up with a great idea, she can have a better opportunity. That means a lot to me.”

You can watch the ad here to understand the context. The ad’s message, intended to inspire and uplift, inexplicably sparked outrage among some white women. They flooded Honey Pot’s product pages with negative one-star reviews, accusing the company of racism and discrimination against white individuals, arguing that skin color shouldn’t be a factor in business success, and deeming the ad “inappropriate.”

It’s a stark reminder of how easily some individuals can twist a message of empowerment into a narrative centered on their own perceived victimhood. Isn’t it often the case that certain white women manage to make everything about themselves?

I immediately shared this disheartening story on my Instagram Stories, expressing my utter disdain for such behavior. This was in early March, just before the full scale of the pandemic hit, and I was still attending my local gym studio for daily workouts. I posted the story on my way to the gym, and by the time I left, my DMs were overflowing.

Most messages were from white women who expressed shock and disbelief at the actions of their counterparts. Some offered genuinely insightful statements of support. Others, however, made statements they believed were helpful but clearly indicated a need for further education on racial dynamics. For instance, some proclaimed their support for “all women getting more opportunities,” a sentiment reminiscent of the “All Lives Matter” retort to “Black Lives Matter.”

I made it unequivocally clear on my Stories: Black women gaining more access to opportunities has absolutely nothing to do with white women. Period. This resonated, and the white women who truly sought to understand grasped the distinction.

Later that night, reflecting on the day’s events, a deep anger set in. While I had received numerous messages from white women who *personally* wanted to support the issue, I realized I hadn’t received a single message from any white woman food blogger—my peers, my professional network—despite knowing they had viewed my Stories. I checked. And so, I called them out. This was the first of many instances where I challenged white women in the food industry to do better and acknowledge their privilege.

Interestingly, I did receive a message from a white male blogger, expressing his strong disapproval of the situation. That truly struck a chord, further solidifying my observation: too often, white women continue with business as usual, seemingly oblivious or indifferent, thanks to the inherent privilege they often benefit from.

A World Transformed: A Global Pandemic

After weeks of obsessive news consumption and swirling rumors about an impending global crisis, the world as we knew it ground to a halt. On March 11, 2020, a worldwide pandemic was officially declared, followed by widespread shutdowns of non-essential businesses. Even now, thinking back to that day sends shivers down my spine.

For weeks leading up to this, I had been closely following news outlets and sharing every piece of information I gathered on my Instagram. There were whispers of the NCAA Tournament being canceled, talk of “lockdowns,” and an unsettling sense of foreboding. I distinctly remember posting about the possibility of no March Madness that year, and people thought I was absolutely insane! I urged everyone to prepare their emergency funds, asking, “What if you can’t work? Are you prepared?” Again, many dismissed my concerns as overreactions.

What I didn’t fully grasp at the time was that there would be precious little time to prepare. Life accelerated at an unimaginable pace. On the day the pandemic was announced, I was having a perfectly normal day. As someone who already worked from home, I began my morning with a Peloton workout, then transitioned to work, and later decided to squeeze in another Peloton ride.

It was during that 30-minute ride that everything changed. As soon as it ended, I learned that chaos had erupted. The NBA announced the suspension of its season, Rudy Gobert tested positive for the virus after mockingly touching several microphones, and even beloved actor Tom Hanks had contracted “the ‘Rona”! The gravity of the situation hit me instantly.

I knew we were in for serious trouble. My immediate plan was to head to Costco the next day to stock up on food. Toilet paper didn’t even cross my mind; I bought it regularly from Costco and assumed I had enough for several weeks. (Like many, I naively thought this pandemic would only last a few weeks.)

The next morning, I was the first person parked at Costco, arriving an hour early with my laptop to work. Within 30 minutes, a crowd began to form. I exited my car and joined the rapidly growing line. None of us were masked; there was no mandate yet. I was predominantly surrounded by senior citizens, which was typical for a weekday morning at Costco. It was Thursday, and most people were still at work as the full shutdown hadn’t been widely announced.

When Costco’s massive garage-style doors finally opened, those senior citizens took off running. I was absolutely baffled! But what did I do? I ran too! I had come for food, but I instinctively followed them. Where were they headed? Straight for the toilet paper and paper towel aisles.

To my dismay, the shelves were already bare. I had been foolish to think Costco would be immune to such shortages. They weren’t. My anxiety surged, and I quickly pivoted, loading my cart with fresh meat and frozen vegetables, incredibly grateful that I had purchased a deep freezer in the summer of 2019. From Costco, I went directly to Trader Joe’s, stocking up on dry goods and, of course, plenty of wine. I returned home, and as we all know, the rest is history. I pretty much never left my house again for an entire year.

Navigating the Storm: How the Pandemic Affected Business

The initial days of the pandemic brought widespread panic, and the business world was no exception. We all anticipated a severe downturn in display ad revenue, and for several weeks, those fears proved accurate. Surprisingly, I remained relatively calm during this period. Thanks to a robust emergency fund and comfortable savings, I knew I was financially prepared to weather any storm that might arise.

However, a couple of weeks after the shutdown announcements, an unexpected surge began. Traffic to my website started to soar. With more people confined to their homes, cooking became a necessity and a newfound hobby. Many were searching for easy, accessible recipes to make with pantry staples. This increased audience engagement and site traffic effectively offset any lost earnings from reduced ad spending.

Recognizing this unique opportunity, I strategically pivoted my focus to nurturing my audience. I dedicated myself to creating and highlighting simple, pantry-friendly recipes. I cooked almost daily on my Instagram Stories, connecting with my community in a very authentic way. In truth, I was thoroughly enjoying this creative period.

With more time on my hands and a captive audience, I felt that the quality of my work significantly improved. I focused intensely on making sure every recipe was foolproof, ensuring that even a novice cook could follow it from start to finish without confusion. I triple-checked every tip and instruction, reviewing them with fresh eyes, constantly asking myself, “Can someone make this even if they don’t know basic cooking fundamentals like how to boil water?”

A fun, albeit surprising, fact learned during the pandemic was just how many people lacked basic cooking skills, even simple tasks like boiling water or eggs! My inbox and DMs were flooded with questions. Grocery stores were experiencing unprecedented shortages, and everyone was desperate for substitutes and alternative ingredients. And, of course, many still struggled with fundamental culinary techniques.

It truly was the best of times and the worst of times. Managing the sheer volume of questions from hundreds of anxious home cooks was incredibly demanding. Yet, it also felt like an essential role to undertake. More eyes were on my work than ever before, elevating my platform. It was a clear mandate: I had to go hard or go home (where I was already staying 24/7 anyway!).

During a period when countless small businesses struggled or even folded, 2020 unexpectedly became my best year yet in terms of business growth and reach. That’s a very bittersweet pill to swallow, acknowledging success amidst such global suffering.

The Rise of the Air Fryer: A Culinary Game Changer

I had been an ardent air frying enthusiast for three years, long before it became a mainstream kitchen appliance. In those early days, people often thought I was crazy for extolling its virtues! Few truly understood its potential, but I instinctively knew air fryers were revolutionary, and I was determined to master them. As someone who loves fried food but had given up deep-frying at home due to the lingering smell and the impact on my waistline, the moment I discovered the air fryer, I was completely sold.

Throughout 2019, interest in air frying began to pick up some speed, but nothing compared to the explosion of popularity in 2020. It was as if everyone collectively woke up during lockdown and declared, “We’re stuck at home, and we desperately need an air fryer!”

I knew something significant was happening when even people in my personal life started buying air fryers and asking for tips. I was thrilled by the increased interest, but also, understandably, overwhelmed. The influx of new air fryer owners brought with it a deluge of questions.

To assist this growing community, I created comprehensive guides like How to Use an Air Fryer and How to Clean an Air Fryer, which address the most frequently asked questions. The surge in air fryer adoption also led to a significant increase in sales of my cookbook, The Super Easy Air Fryer Cookbook!

By 2021, cookbook sales had reached a huge milestone, a direct result of all those questions and the growing demand. Investing time and effort into answering every query proved to be 100% worth it, solidifying my position as an authority in the air frying niche and bringing my expertise to a wider audience.

George Floyd, Black Lives Matter, and the Call for Justice

The murder of George Floyd in May 2020 utterly broke me. On top of the anxieties and uncertainties surrounding the global pandemic, to witness another Black man brutally killed in broad daylight by a white police officer was an unbearable weight. I was tired. I was pissed. I was broken. The emotional toll was immense, and the raw pain reverberated through the Black community and beyond.

The widespread shutdowns and forced isolation of the pandemic inadvertently created a space for many people to finally open their eyes and confront the systemic injustices prevalent in the world. Yet, I say this with a grain of salt, as it became clear that many still chose to keep their eyes shut to the harsh realities faced by Black individuals.

The Black Lives Matter protests that erupted in response to George Floyd’s murder felt different from previous movements. This was not our first time marching for justice, and sadly, it won’t be our last. But this time, there was an undeniable shift in the public discourse. People were actively calling out racist behavior and systemic inaction from every direction, and I was among those voices, demanding better because I was simply exhausted by the status quo.

I am utterly sick of the “just be kind,” “life is candy and rainbows” mentality that often attempts to sugarcoat profound racial inequality. I am sick of certain white women clinging to excuses about wanting to make their businesses and social media “safe spaces” when safety for Black individuals is a daily struggle. What a profound privilege it is to carry on with business as usual, to exist in a “safe space,” while Black people are dying in the streets at the hands of those meant to protect them.

During this period, I publicly challenged my white counterparts in the food blogging industry and beyond, urging them to examine their complicity and actively work towards change. Many were called out. Some have since demonstrated genuine growth and a commitment to doing better. Others have not. And that, unfortunately, is a reflection of life and the ongoing fight for true equity.

The Power of Community: My Blogger Friends

At the beginning of 2020, I made a conscious effort to connect with a small, like-minded group of Black bloggers through virtual meetings. When the pandemic hit, these meetings became a weekly necessity, and we continue this tradition to this day. I am profoundly thankful for this incredible community and eagerly anticipate our regular chats.

I hadn’t fully realized how much I truly needed this connection. No one else in my personal life, however supportive, can entirely grasp the nuances and demands of my work. They don’t fully comprehend the immense effort, creativity, and strategic thinking that goes into building and maintaining a successful online platform. But within this group, we understand each other completely.

Having this circle of powerful and empathetic women was particularly invaluable during the height of the George Floyd protests and the Black Lives Matter movement. Their shared experiences, understanding, and unwavering support provided an emotional anchor during an incredibly turbulent and painful time. I honestly cannot imagine how I would have navigated that period without the camaraderie and solidarity of this group of friends.

A New Chapter: Relocating During Unprecedented Times

In 2019, I made the decision to sell my existing home and purchase a new one. My primary motivations were the desire for an open-concept kitchen and significantly more natural light. My previous kitchen was closed off and often dark, making it incredibly challenging to film “talking head” videos or create the kind of bright, inviting culinary content I envisioned.

When the pandemic struck, my initial assumption was that the housing market would collapse, allowing me to purchase a new home at a steal. I was spectacularly wrong. Despite the economy spiraling into recession territory, the demand for homes unexpectedly surged through the roof. The pandemic, with its mandates for remote work and increased time spent at home, prompted countless people to re-evaluate their living situations. Many realized they desperately needed more space, a better layout, or simply a change of scenery.

In Kansas City, the average time a home spent on the market plummeted to a mere five days. Houses were selling almost instantly, often with multiple offers. I was shocked and quickly adjusted my strategy from seeking a bargain to simply finding a property that met my core requirements: abundant natural light and an open kitchen. That became the singular focus amidst a frenzied market.

In addition to finding a new place, I also had my current home to sell. Property values in my neighborhood had increased considerably, so I was looking forward to the proceeds from the sale. However, the entire process, encompassing both the buying and selling transactions, proved to be an absolute nightmare.

Without delving into every frustrating detail, I encountered multiple issues with work performed by contractors—issues that were entirely due to their negligence. These contractors had to return to both properties repeatedly to rectify problems they themselves had created. Hello, anxiety! I was already on edge due to the pandemic, and the repeated interactions with strangers (masked, of course) for repairs I shouldn’t have needed was a source of immense stress. I desperately wanted to minimize close contact with anyone outside my immediate bubble.

Anyone who has bought or sold a home knows that timing is everything, and for both transactions, I faced critical issues that needed to be ironed out literally hours before closing. The stress and anxiety were relentless, lingering until the very moment I finally signed the last papers to close both deals. Of course, in hindsight, it was all undeniably worth it. I absolutely adore my new home, the bright and open kitchen, and especially the dedicated home gym I created in the basement. It represents a significant step forward, both personally and professionally.

The Backbone of Success: My Dedicated Team

My continued growth and success with Stay Snatched would be impossible without the dedicated team of wonderful women who support me. Early in 2020, I made the difficult decision to let go of my general assistant, for similar reasons as her predecessor: a persistent failure to meet deadlines and an increasing reliance on excuses. This went on for a month or two until I found the perfect replacement.

I ultimately hired one of my Instagram followers, and I couldn’t be happier with that decision. As I write this, a year after she joined, our collaboration is stronger than ever. I mentioned earlier my intense focus on news surrounding the pandemic, particularly the NCAA Tournament. While posting about these developments, my now-assistant and I exchanged messages, and in casual conversation, she mentioned she had been furloughed due to the shutdown. A light bulb immediately went off for me.

I’ve listened to countless podcasts and heard numerous success stories about hiring individuals who are already genuine fans of your work. She was already intimately familiar with my recipes, my cooking style, my niche focus, and she knew my voice and personality from watching my Stories daily. It was, and continues to be, an incredibly synergistic fit.

She adeptly handles a wide range of tasks, including Facebook Page scheduling, managing my Facebook Groups, creating and scheduling Pinterest images, drafting email newsletters, and tackling various ad hoc projects. When I say she is a lifesaver, I mean it wholeheartedly. Her efficiency and understanding of my brand allow me to focus on the higher-level strategic aspects of my business.

Beyond her, I’ve had a phenomenal video editor since 2019. She is truly exceptional. When I first brought her on, the plan was for her to edit one video per week while I handled the other one or two. Over the years, that dynamic has evolved significantly; she now edits virtually every video. She’s not only better at it than I am, but also incredibly fast, freeing up countless hours for me.

I also have a specialist dedicated exclusively to Pinterest scheduling and strategy. This strategic outsourcing has been instrumental in allowing me to scale and grow my business exponentially. My philosophy is clear: if it doesn’t require my unique expertise, I’m ready to outsource it.

The Elusive Vacation and Finding Rest

Thanks to the pandemic, I’m not entirely sure I remember what the word “vacation” truly means anymore! My last official, genuine vacation was in January 2020 when I escaped the Kansas City winter for over a week in Costa Rica. It was absolutely fabulous, a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

My last time boarding an airplane was in February 2020, for an unforgettable trip to attend the Chiefs Super Bowl. Spoiler alert: WE WON! I had an incredible time, completely unaware that this would be my final trip before the global health crisis brought travel to a grinding halt.

I do distinctly recall the Coronavirus already being a notable concern at that time. As I boarded my flight to Miami for the Super Bowl, I observed a couple of people wearing masks. I even remember feeling a fleeting thought that perhaps I should have one too, despite the media and official health organizations at the time advising that masks were unnecessary for the general public. My goodness, how far we’ve come in our understanding!

As was my normal practice, I diligently wiped down my seat and tray table on the plane with disinfectant wipes. This time, however, no one gave me a strange look; they finally understood the inherent need for cleanliness in public spaces.

I did not travel again in 2020. However, I did take a substantial 5-6 week break over the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s holiday season. During this period, I intentionally refrained from creating any new recipes. I continued to post to my Instagram feed, but most of those posts had been thoughtfully scheduled in advance. I also kept up with my Instagram Stories, which typically feel more natural and less like “work” for me. It was a much-needed period of downtime, a respite from the constant demands of content creation. It was nice, but in the truest sense of the word, it wasn’t a vacation.

Lessons Learned: What I Would Have Done Differently

To reflect on this, I had to consult my “Goals Book” from 2020 to revisit what specific lessons I had documented. The primary business-related insight I recorded was this: people will inevitably try to copy your ideas and work. While there isn’t much one can do to entirely prevent this, this realization has fundamentally altered how I approach my business and intellectual property. I now move differently, with a greater emphasis on protecting my unique contributions.

More importantly, I’ve come to understand that while others may steal an idea, they will never deliver it with my unique flair, my distinctive “sauce.” My authenticity, my voice, and my specific approach are irreplaceable, and that confidence allows me to continue innovating and leading rather than constantly looking over my shoulder.

Celebrating Milestones and Major Wins

Through it all, I remain the same authentic individual. Every time I write these annual reflection posts, I emphasize how incredibly proud I am of staying true to myself. I simply cannot be anything other than real. My authenticity is precisely what draws many people to my brand, and conversely, it likely repels just as many. And I’m perfectly fine with that.

I will always be a direct, no-nonsense woman who fiercely loves hip hop music, enjoys a good mimosa, and isn’t afraid to use a few curse words when the moment calls for it. I’m not going anywhere, and I’m not changing for anyone. After spending the majority of my life code-switching and walking on eggshells, constantly comparing myself to others and trying to fit into molds that weren’t mine, I am unequivocally done with that. I am never going back.

The single largest win of 2020 was undoubtedly the remarkable growth of my business. The increased visibility for my work led to a significantly larger audience, opening doors to more long-term partnership opportunities and, perhaps most importantly, a profound improvement in my mental health. I love Stay Snatched as if it were my own child; watching this business flourish and achieve such success has provided immeasurable fulfillment for my soul.

Looking Ahead: Future Plans for Stay Snatched

As I look to the future, my primary goal is simple: to keep winning. I want to maintain the incredible momentum I’ve built and continue on this trajectory of sustainable growth. I don’t feel any pressure to constantly invent new things or chase after “the next big thing” in the ever-evolving digital landscape. My focus remains on consistently doing what I know works best for my audience and my brand.

I am ready for Year 5, armed with invaluable lessons, a dedicated team, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. The journey continues, and I’m excited for what’s next.