Life & Work with Melissa Williams

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Williams.  

Hi Melissa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hi, thanks for having me. I started Persnickety Plates in 2009 as a hobby after I was done wedding planning. While planning, I started a wedding website and once we were married, I needed something to fill that creative void. I had always loved cooking and baking so I started a food blog to chronicle the recipes I was making. I never realized anyone else would read it! 

It remained a consistent hobby until I monetized in 2013. At that time, I thought it would be amazing if I could just make enough to cover my car payment. Once I hit that goal, I realized I could build it into something more. 

From 2014-2021, I was a full-time Marketing Director by day, food blogger by night and weekends, and mama 24/7. My site grew to a point that I was able to comfortably leave my corporate job in 2019…but I didn’t actually do it until July 2021. Leaving a stable job with benefits to dive full time into entrepreneurship was a big leap but looking back, it was one I should have made years ago. 

Now, my site reaches millions of readers each year, my recipes are made in homes around the world, and I am doing something I absolutely love. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve had many setbacks over the years. Some happy challenges (starting a family & raising young children), some not (health issues, algorithm changes, a global pandemic). As a business owner that relies largely on social media that can change on a whim, you have to be able to pivot and stay the course. If something isn’t working, change it. If something is working, it likely won’t forever so be ready to switch up your strategy. Being able to adapt to obstacles is integral to success. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a food blogger, I specialize in family friend recipes with everyday ingredients. As much as I love to bake, it is my slow cooker recipes that I am most known for. People love their crockpots! 

There are many sources for recipes but I pride myself on having tried and true dishes that have been given the seal of approval from family and friends. I am honored when people invite my recipes into their kitchens. 

My oatmeal raisin cookies and “better than box mix” brownies are personal favorites. 

We’d love to hear about what you think about risk-taking?
I am generally not a risk-taker. I am a very typical Type A, firstborn, rule-following planner, which is why it took me so long to quit my day job and go all-in to my site. I liked the security and benefits that my 9-5 provided. However, I couldn’t continue to physically and mentally do both. Once my husband pointed out that pursuing my site was betting on myself, I realized I would take that bet anytime. 

Contact Info:

• Email: melissa@persnicketyplates.com
• Website: https://www.persnicketyplates.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/melissa_pplates
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PersnicketyPlates
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/PPlates
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@pplates

Image Credits
Melissa Douglas
Melissa Williams