RTDM: Kristen Wile
Kristen Wile
Editor & Founder, Unpretentious Palate
Charlotte, NC
We want to get to know you! Where you came from, where you've been and how you're living your dream?
I grew up outside of Albany, New York eating Northern versions of meat-and-threes. I hated the cold, and only applied for colleges south of New York state. I went to American University in Washington, D.C. and fell in love with journalism. I got a job at The Washington Post, and fell in love with it even more. As traditional media has struggled and clickbait flourished, I've long dreamed of finding a business that allows me to do journalism on a more sustainable platform. And I think I'm on my way!
How do you define success?
Feeling fulfilled at home, at work, and in your community
What did it take to make your dream happen and when did you know you had arrived?
I had a vision, but felt that my vision wasn't supported in my former job. It took me realizing I could never achieve what I wanted in my job to realize I had to go out on my own and make it happen!
What are you most proud of? Go ahead, boast a little!
People often say that readers will never pay for journalism. Yet my subscribers say otherwise; they are proof that ethical, well-researched stories are valuable, and they prefer to pay for it than let advertisers influence what they're reading.
What was your biggest obstacle/fear and what was your turning point?
My biggest fear was giving up a well-respected job as editor of a city magazine to go out and try and start my own publication, one which could fail. My turning point was considering that someone else may launch a digital publication focusing on restaurants first. If someone was going to succeed at it, I wanted it to be me.
What’s the best advice you’d give to a younger you?
Don't feel like you need an answer when people ask you your five- or 10-year plans. I never would have imagined being where I am today then, not even two years ago.
How do you stay motivated and purposeful when you feel overwhelmed?
I'm not a perfectionist, but I'm an over-achiever. I try to sit back and consider what I've accomplished so far and be grateful, instead of looking at how far I still have to go.
Tell us a time when a perceived failure was actually a blessing in disguise or served you in a surprising way.
Every time I publish a typo, it's embarrassing. But it's also a reminder to slow down and make sure you do things right, a reminder I often need in the hustle of deadlines and news.
What is your favorite vice/guilty pleasure/strange habit? Come on now, we all have them!
I love watching WWE wrestling! It's so high-drama and entertaining, but without the stress that comes from watching something scary or intense. And they make it obvious who the good and bad guys are, so you don't even really need to think.
What's the smartest investment you’ve made for yourself?
Therapy! When I started my business, I would wake up in nightmares that reflected feeling out of control. Through therapy, I've come to face those fears while awake so my sleep is more sound.
Share 1-2 books you've given as gifts:
Wine. All the Time. by Marissa Ross (a great introduction to wine!) and Corduroy for kids. I think it's a good reminder to be good to one another!
What have you learned to say no to?
Events! Writing about food comes with a lot of invites to media events, and for a while, I felt like I had to go to all of them. But I was sacrificing my closest personal relationships; I wasn't saving any time for the people that mattered most. I've set a limit on how many nights a week I attend events now.
Who is a Risk Taker Dream Maker that's inspired you?
Laura Graff
Follow Kristen:
www.unpretentiouspalate.com
Instagram: @unpretentiouspalate
facebook: @unpretentiouspalate
twitter: @UPpalate
