I met Alexandra Caspero’s (MA, RD, CLT, RYT) photography and blog before I actually met her in real life and I was hooked from the start. She takes delicious photos and creates incredible fresh recipes. In addition, her outlook on life of moving past the fear and just going for what one really wants is inspiring and empowering. Read on to learn more about Alexandra’s career path and how you can reach your dreams, too. – Sarah

What attracted you to the field of nutrition and dietetics? Growing up in an Italian household, I’d always been interested in food. In high school, I worked at a weight loss camp for children and was fascinated by the lectures and cooking classes that were offered. From there, I knew I wanted to help others in creating a healthy lifestyle.

Your Job Title? Nutrition Communications Consultant and Owner, Delish Knowledge

Company you are with now? Delish Knowledge. I’m grateful that I was able to build a business from my hobby blog. What started out as a way to share healthy recipes with clients turned into a consulting business where I focus on nutrition communications, recipe development, food photography and speaking.

Website: – www.delishknowledge.com

Social Media:
 – Instagram: @delishknowledge
 – Facebook: Delish Knowledge
 – Twitter: @DelishKnowledge

Describe a typical (or not so typical) day-in-the-work-life for you? I know everyone says this but every day really is different! However, there are a few things I make time for every day, in between the various client meetings, appointments and projects. Most days of the week, I start my day teaching. I’m a group exercise instructor and Registered Yoga Teacher and I really enjoy starting my day in such a community focused way. After arriving home, I typically spend an hour or two catching up on emails from the day before and scheduling social media. From there, I tend to split the day up into writing projects and kitchen projects. My days are very deadline driven. Every Monday I make a list of due dates for the week, depending on the workload I’m juggling anywhere from 5-10 freelance projects at a time. Some days are all-day recipe testing and photography projects while others are spent writing, editing and pitching. After dinner, I catch up on any emails I didn’t get to earlier and make my to-do list for the next day.

How did you get your current job in dietetics? My goal has always been to own my own business. After working in the hospital and community sector, I knew that I craved the flexibility and creativity that working for yourself allows. Looking back, I don’t think I realized that I was slowly building my career out of a side project. I was fortunate to have the opportunity present itself. When my husband and I relocated from California to St. Louis, I quit my full-time job as a University Wellness Director and started working freelance. Thankfully, the connections I had made over the past five years were there when I quit. I was able to start my business and create a successful consulting business a few months later.

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way? I truly believe that you don’t know what you are capable of until you have to do it. Even though I dreamed of my current job for years, it wasn’t until I was forced to leave my full-time job that I gained the courage to just go for it. I’ve learned so much since that point, but it’s an ever-evolving journey. I love what I do, but it took many failed starts and mistakes to get to where I am today. I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned is perseverance. There were (and still are) a lot of “no’s” and closed-doors. Continuing to push through, even on tough days, is key.

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you? I have a quote on my desk that says, “Everything we want is on the other side of fear”. It’s a daily reminder that if I want to continue to evolve, I need to take risks. It’s the scariest and most important part of owning your own business. Whatever your dream or your goal, there’s a certain amount of risk-taking involved. That being said, I believe in calculated risks; having the courage to put yourself out there with a plan to guide you.

Secondly, make connections. Most of the projects I work on now have been as a result of networking, reach out and make time for colleagues.

If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what  would it be? Airline tickets! My husband and I have a world map in the office with pushpins of where we’ve been and future trips we want to take. Our goal is to make it to 6 continents before we turn 40; we’ve got two more to see.

Sarah Koszyk is founder of Family. Food. Fiesta. A family-based wellness program and blog focusing on recipes, family health tips, and videos with kids cooking in the kitchen. She is a Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Coach specializing in sports nutrition and adult and pediatric weight management. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, or LinkedIn.