Meet Julie Harrington, RD, who created her dream job. She works in private practice and is an influential blogger. Read on to learn how she gets paid to write, make delicious recipes, take food photos, and host corporate wellness programs and community events. Life is good when you love what you do. – Sarah

What attracted you to the field of nutrition and dietetics? Growing up, I was always in the kitchen. I actually went through a phase where I wanted to be a pastry chef because I loved decorating cakes (I still do!). While also being very active in sports, I noticed how food really affected sports performance and overall health. My curiosity drove me into the nutrition and dietetic field, but I always wanted to do a little more. While I loved learning about nutrition, I wanted to translate this knowledge into something relatable to everyone – food! I decided to start my journey to becoming a RD at Johnson & Wales University, majoring in Culinary Nutrition, where I took all my nutrition courses as well as culinary classes. It was the perfect mix!

Your Job Title? Culinary Nutrition Communications Consultant (for RDelicious Kitchen) Culinary Nutrition Programs Coordinator (for Living Plate)

Company you are with now? I currently work independently as Julie Harrington Consulting LLC through my blog RDelicious Kitchen. I also work at Living Plate, a private practice.

Website:
http://www.rdeliciouskitchen.com

Social Media:
– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RDeliciousKitchen
– Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rdeliciouskitchen/
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/RD_kitchen
– Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rd_kitchen/
– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieharrington8/

Describe a typical (or not so typical) day-in-the-work-life for you? Like many would say, I don’t think there is ever really a typical day. The entrepreneurial life is fairly new for me coming from a corporate setting. When I am doing work for my consulting business, I could be developing new recipes on my blog or for other companies, taking photos, developing videos, freelance writing, hosting grocery store tours, and providing personal chef services.

As the culinary nutrition programs coordinator at Living Plate, I teach cooking classes, conduct corporate wellness programs, host community events, manage their social media and work on the first ever revenue generating RD-curated digital meal plans. We recently completed a research pilot – Coping with Cancer in the Kitchen 6 week series. It was an incredibly rewarding experience taking the stress out of food to help participants work towards achieving optimal health through food during their treatment.

The key to juggling everything is organization!

How did you get your current job in dietetics? I created it myself! My hobby eventually turned into my business.

I started my blog as a hobby during my dietetic internship. After my dietetic internship, I worked as a Supermarket RD for 3 years. During that time, my blog began to grow more into a business and I took the leap of faith and decided to leave my full-time job to pursue my consulting business.

I also became connected with Living Plate, a private practice, from one of my classmates from my dietetic internship. They were in need of someone to teach their cooking classes and it has turned into so much more. I am now their culinary nutrition programs coordinator.

I love the combination of both jobs, as they are very fulfilling having the opportunity to do a little of everything that I truly enjoy.

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way? I think my consistent determination is how I got here today. When I am passionate and have a goal about something, I won’t stop until I get there. While I am probably the most unorganized person outside of work, my work life is super type A organized. Since I juggle so many things at the same time, organization is key! That was definitely a learning curve for me. I also like to think my creativity is a skill that has lead me to success.

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you? “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life” This quote really speaks to me.

The best advice I can give is to follow your passion and take risks. Don’t let anyone hold you back from growing in your career.

The entrepreneurial RD community is so supportive. Joining the Nutrition Entrepreneur DPG group has been a wealth of knowledge.

If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what would it be? Puppies! As a dog-lover this was the first answer that came to my mind, but I also would love to be paid to travel the world learning about different world cuisines.

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.