Emily, an entrepreneur and creator, has built a brand focused on simplifying life for busy individuals, particularly women managing family and career demands. Her latest project, The Simplified Cookbook, combines her passion for simplicity with her desire to make everyday tasks, like cooking, easier and more enjoyable.
In this interview, Emily shares the inspiration behind the cookbook, the challenges she faced, and how balancing work and family life has shaped her journey.
From Struggles to Solutions: The Birth of The Simplified Cookbook
Emily never imagined writing a cookbook. For years, cooking felt overwhelming, despite her success in other areas of life. “I couldn’t find the joy in it,” she admits. “It was just a big pain in my head every evening.” With a family that ate multiple times a day, Emily needed a quicker, more enjoyable way to prepare meals.
She found the answer in simplicity. Realizing that there was a gap in the market for a cookbook targeting people who don’t love spending hours in the kitchen but still want to make great meals, Emily pitched the idea to her publisher. Their response was, “What if it was you who wrote it?” Two years later, The Simplified Cookbook was born, featuring recipes with six ingredients or fewer, minimal prep, and clear instructions.
A Family-Focused Approach to Cooking
One standout recipe in the book is Emily’s sheet pan fajitas, which reflects her approach to easy, nutritious cooking. “It’s a fun meal,” she says. “My kids love assembling it themselves, and it’s a great way to sneak in vegetables like bell peppers.” The recipe is quick, easy to clean up, and promotes family involvement—just one pan, one knife, and a meal that brings people together.
Emily’s goal is to make mealtimes about connection, not stress. “It’s about simplifying the process so you can focus on the family experience,” she explains.
Defining Career Moments
Looking back, Emily identifies key career milestones. One of the most significant came in 2015 when her Simplified Planner won the Best New Product award at the National Stationery Show. “I sobbed,” she recalls, overwhelmed by the recognition. This, along with her feature in Forbes, helped transform her brand from a personal project into a thriving business.
Another turning point was the launch of her #1 parenting Substack in the U.S., which allowed her to connect with readers beyond the kitchen. “Spreading my wings beyond just ‘simplified’ has been pivotal for me as a person.”
Advice for Women Balancing Family and Career
Balancing entrepreneurship with family, Emily offers insightful advice: “Balance doesn’t exist,” she says. “I’m constantly shifting my weight between work and family.” She likens it to riding a bike—adjusting to maintain balance but never achieving perfection. “You can’t do everything at once,” she adds. “But you can have it all, just not at the same time.”
Looking Ahead
Emily looks forward to expanding her kitchen line and continuing to simplify cooking for busy families. She’s also eager to explore new creative outlets. “I want to write more about being a mom and a woman,” she says. “But for now, I think the first thing I’ll do is take a nap!”
Through her journey as a mom, writer, and entrepreneur, Emily’s story demonstrates the power of simplicity, balance, and staying true to one’s passions. Whether in the kitchen or her career, she inspires women to navigate life’s challenges with grace and practicality.
“Balance doesn’t exist. I’m constantly shifting my weight between work and family, adjusting to maintain balance.”