Read more about Rachel and Impressions at Home:
How long have you been doing what you do and how did you get to be a Food Stylist and Culinary Coach?
As I look back, there have been several key “defining moments” that long ago pointed out my natural gifts of creating beauty, feeding people and building stronger relationships.
I have always loved to cook and entertain. I grew up helping my mother host events. I was always around food and even for the 5th grade invention fair I created the Simple Pie Server; a very similar product is actually on the market today. I should have known then that I was here to make life in the kitchen easier. My mother shares a story about a cookie exchange she was hosting with friends, where there were several beautiful displays of cookies to choose from. As one guest arrived with her cookies tossed in a plastic bin, I asked if I could re-arrange them on a platter, saying to my mother that her cookies would be chosen last if displayed like that and it would hurt her feelings if no one liked her cookies. I did not change her cookies, just placed them neatly and made patterns with them on a platter by changing the presentation of her cookies. She received compliments on her baking all night.
When I was trying to figure out what to do with my life and which college to attend, I struggled to find a good fit. I was blessed that a friend of the family offered to let me come shadow a food shoot at his studio. I will never forget that day -as I watched them assemble perfect foods under the lights, I knew I was in the right place. I entered into culinary school at Le Cordon Bleu, knowing I wanted to be a Food Stylist. I didn’t know how to get into the business at the time but I figured if I was going to work with food, I wanted a classical technical understanding of it.
As I finished school, I started my own catering company to fill in between jobs and began assisting other food stylists to learn the “tricks of the trade.” It was exciting to make works of art out of food. Making pretty food even prettier was easy, but the skill came when making challenging foods do what you want to bring out the appetite appeal. I loved the challenge of turning not so pretty food into a mouthwatering delight.
With catering, I learned how to do more with less and master the art of timing foods for service. With my years as a Food Stylist, I have helped transform a vision into a reality, finding beauty in every food and assisting my clients to let people eat with their eyes.
With people at my house often, I would get questions about how I did certain things and guests would worried as I sat on the couch and enjoyed a glass of wine with them, as they knew they came over for dinner but saw no one cooking. As I began to share a few tips and show what I did, I kept a dinner parties journal that I reviewed for menu ideas. I was drawn to the section called the highlight of the evening. It was page after page filled with memories of the people I spent time with and the special moments that were created by coming together around the table. I was literally in tears with sweet and funny memories that were captured.
Gathering my friends and family around the table is, to me, one of the simplest and most rewarding experiences in life. I love to cook but, for me, it is not really about the food. Don’t get me wrong – I love great food but it doesn’t have to be “the best” food to still get all the benefits. I believe the magic is what is happening around the food. The people that come together, the learning and experiences that are shared- those are the memories that last a lifetime. Not only can food nourish the body, but it has the capacity to heal the heart, lift the soul, and challenge the mind as well. Through food, you can learn about all the essentials: math and science, art and history, culture and humanity.
I have made a commitment to helping others make everyday meals magnificent through classes, hands-on skills, products, videos and multitasking recipes.
I realized that it is my gift to take the ordinary and make it spectacular as well as make very complex recipes taste even better with less steps.
Who are your clients exactly?
As an expert in the food industry, I work primarily as a food stylist. Often when I mention this, I am greeted with an odd facial expression and the question, “What exactly is that?” My usual response is “I make food look pretty for pictures.” Food clients and advertising agencies hire me to pull out the unique mouthwatering qualities of a food product and show it at its very best, so you want eat it (and ultimately buy it). Like most people, you’ve probably purchased a product or menu item you normally wouldn’t, but did so based solely upon how it looked. After all, people eat first with their eyes.
I’ve spent years working with food, not only cooking in my home or developing recipes for corporate clients, but also working under the camera lights for advertising campaigns, packaging, cookbooks, menus and live television. These experiences made me look at food in a whole new way.
Don’t worry- you can create the perfect set in your home as well. I work with people just like you: the first time cook to the experimental foodie. From those who are just learning how to boil water to cooks who need some new skills for sauces or tips on perfecting puff pastry dough. You want to cook and provide wholesome meals for your friends and family but the stress of pulling it all together and finding the time in an already busy schedule is hard. I will show you how to setup up your kitchen to support you, as well as simplify the cooking and entertaining processes to fit your needs, skills and lifestyle. I will share with you the techniques and the best short cuts to making everyday meals magnificent. Together, we will make your kitchen dreams come true.
What if I already am a skilled cook, what else can you offer me?
One of my key strengths is to maximize the effect. By working with a wide variety of people and skill sets, I can meet you where you are at and take your skills to the next level. Working with me, you will acquire more than new skills and recipes. I focus on doing more with less, making kitchen matters simple, practical and accessible while still achieving that “Wow Factor.” Efficiency is key, making your kitchen work harder for you so you can relax and enjoy life more. I bring a fresh perspective to your everyday meals with resources and new concepts that you have never experienced before.
How are you different from other “cooking teachers”?
I am here to set you up for life long success. I realize that even if you say, “I don’t cook” or “I don’t entertain” there are moments in every person’s life where you will be in a situation of hosting others. Whether it is for a birthday party, graduation, baby shower, game night, the in-laws in town, hosting the new boss, impressing a new date or simply bringing an item to share at a party, there are many food and people related gatherings we attend throughout our lives. These moments should be fun, not worried, rushed or stressful. By making the food aspect of these gatherings truly easy, you are available to fully enjoy your life and make lasting memories. I focus on systems to make things simple and adaptable to your personal tastes and style. Once you know the foundation of what works, you can have success every time. With me, you will learn how to adapt to last minute changing situations with ease and grace. You will not just learn a good recipe, you will learn how to be prepared and make food work for your lifestyle.
(Special note: Healthy food is important to me. I do believe in eating as much Real Food as possible. I have taken nutrition courses and keep up to date with “healthy food trends”. With that said I want to be clear that I am not a nutritionist or dietitian. I know enough about food to ask important questions, guide you to healthy options and educate on the basics of nutrition. I do recommend some already prepared foods in specific cases to achieve a desires result in a specific amount of time. I am very clear about my area of expertise (both what it is and what is it not), so in the event that something arises during the course of our work together that requires a different type of expertise when appropriate I will happily refer my clients to an experienced professional who may be able to better serve then in that specific area.)
What type of personality do you work best with and what is expected of me?
The Impressions at Home workshops, products and programs are created for people who are excited and serious about spending more time with the people they say matter most. I work with people to end what I call “the overloaded hosts syndrome” and put an end to “dinner dashers” meaning when you plan a gathering, you are enjoying it as well, having time, energy and money leftover to go with the lasting good memories you just created. Mealtime is simple even if you run fast with consistently changing schedules. Our programs are created for you to put systems in place that will lead you to being the most gracious and put together host with time for you to create stronger relationships.
Being a high achieving, creative learner and relationship oriented person, I am known to work best with other high achieving, creative, willing to learning and relationship focused people who are ready to start making their kitchen and recipes work for them.
Consider what you will be doing with me to be an action-learning course. You will be expected to plan and take consistent action to create the experience you want. No excuses, just a different way of thinking and full support while you achieve these incredibly exciting goals: great food, stronger relationships, and memories that last a lifetime all while preserving your sanity.
***For what type of person are your programs NOT going to work?
Please know I’m very selective in who I work with and I cherry-pick my clients, choosing to (gently) turn away people who aren’t suited for my programs and won’t get the results for which they have signed up for. (It wouldn’t be fair to them.)
The Impressions programs are NOT for those who have absolutely no “extra” time in their lives currently and are not willing to invest in themselves. It has been my experience that people with a scarcity mindset (there is not enough…) do not trust the recommendations that I give them and aren’t able to do the work that I ask of them (most likely because they spend a lot of time and energy worrying about their particular situation).
If you fall within this category, it’s absolutely OK. We’ve all been in times of overload or financial hard times at one point or another. Do yourself (3) favors:
- Take some time to organize and think about where you are and where you want to be. In the long term, what really matters to you and what are the short-term steps you need to get there? Get some money coming in with a full-time or part-time job at the very least, and then call me. This will take the edge off and provide a little more peace of mind. Mostly, it will de-clutter your mind enough to focus on your Impressions at Home assignments and the BIG picture.
- Sign up for the free Impressions at Home tools over email (Click here to subscribe.) (www.impressionsathome.com) The free information will get you started towards your goals until you’re ready to work with me one-on-one.
- Make a point to listen to any free tele-class seminars I offer. These seminar downloads will give you recipes and techniques to support you.
- Doing these three things will really help you get primed for our work. When you’re ready, call me and we’ll get you started. (I’m in no rush and will be here when you need me.)
Another type of person I won’t work with (without exception) is the whiner or the chronic skeptic, as well as individuals who consistently make excuses for not getting their assignments done or challenging every aspect of the program. If you are one of these people, I gently and respectfully ask that you not call and I hope you understand why. We’ll probably just not work well together and I wouldn’t want you to waste your time or money. Is that fair?
What exactly is The Impressions at Home System™ and what does it include?
Being a great cook or host begins with understanding what works best for your lifestyle, what your major struggles are, and what will make your life easier. Then, it means setting yourself up for success with planning that really works and taking serious action on it. Here’s what the complete System gets you to do:
*1. Getting to know The Confident Cook:
We discover what kind of cook you are and how food fits into your lifestyle. Understand the basics of what we need for success, setting up the kitchen so it works best for you. We examine how to make the most out of your time, skills and recipes making room for what’s most important.
*2. Equipment Essentials:
We evaluate your kitchen based on available space, skill and necessity. Find out what kitchen items are not serving you and get the ones that will make your life easier. Know what kind of knife, pan and cutting boards are best for you.
*3. Pantry Party:
Learn how to stock your pantry for success. Know what essentials to keep have on hand to make quick meals and entertain last minute guests.
4. Appetizers in an instant:
Learn simple snacks that are amazing. How to transform pre-made treats into your own custom creations and the key to setting up a stunning buffet.
5. Soups Up:
It’s not just a first course, or simple lunch. Learn how to serve soups as sassy appetizers, sophisticated entrées and even for dessert. You can make homemade soup faster than you think. Try elegant and easy garnish tricks to take your soup to a whole new level.
6. Salads with a Spin:
Salads are more then just greens. By adding color, shape and texture you can add interest to any salad. Learn the trick to homemade dressings and how to clean out your fridge in the process.
7. Entrées and Sauces:
We cover how to make your favorite protein, whether it be chicken, pork, steak, fish or tofu, several different ways. By discovering simple sauce techniques, you can get dinner on the table faster.
8. Make Ahead Meals:
Discover how to cook once, eat twice. Learn how to prepare in advance and package foods for last minute meals. Know how to store items best for long lasting fresh taste.
9. Sweet Nothings:
Dessert has never been so sweet. Know what to have on hand to satisfy a sweet tooth and make guests feel extra special. Master your own homemade signature treat and learn how to make store bought items into custom creations.
10. Beverages:
You don’t need a full bar to host a fun event. You will learn how to create a great bar with the glassware you have. How to gauge quantities for beverages, ice and garnishes. What essential items to stock. The 3 liquors every bar needs so you have something for everyone and what to do when someone may have had a bit too much fun.
11. Creating an Environment:
See how you can make your space work for you and use my tips to set up for success so clean up is a breeze. Learn how to decorate your home by re-purposing the items you already have and what three things you can do to change the feel of a room. (music, lighting, seating).
12. Plan B:
Have no fear- here we will cover what to do when things do not go as planned. You burned it, dropped it, did not measure correctly etc. You can save the day with plan B. You will be ready for last minute extra guests no problem.
Does this really work?
Yes! The result of our work will make your life easier, more fulfilled and you will feel great. Over time and with your dedication, this system works consistently making mealtime and entertaining easy and fun. (See Client Testimonials)
What results can I expect?
You can expect to:
- Hone your skills to get great results and well deserved compliments.
- Set up your kitchen for success so it works for you, not against you.
- Make your own signature recipes that people can’t get enough of.
- Have a mealtime strategy in place so you no longer worry about what’s for dinner.
- Entertain at home for less.
- Have people asking you for your recipes.
- Spend more time with the people you care about.
- Grow stronger relationships and connect with people about what is important.
- Save time while preparing delicious meals.
- Save money and do more with less.
- Keep your sanity and enjoy preparing food for others.
- Work smarter in your kitchen, not harder.
How quickly can I expect results?
Obviously, this depends on how much you put in and how often you apply the information that we give you. That said, virtually all clients see results within the first couple sessions.
You will feel good in a kitchen that is set up in a way that supports you and love receiving compliments from your new signature recipes.
How can I guarantee myself that this will work for me and my lifestyle?
Do all of your assignments and field work. Be totally focused on Client Attraction (although it will feel like it when you see the results). Understand that it’s not a “quick fix,” it’s not magic and it takes up to a year for you to plant all the seeds and for those seeds to grow into the fruit that you can enjoy. All my clients who have diligently applied every step of The Client Attraction System™ have successfully grown their businesses, in much less time than they would have on their own AND have made more money than they’ve made doing what they do.
Rachel, based on everything I’ve read and heard about you, I know you’re the one I want to learn from. What are my options for getting started with you?
Congratulations on making a decision for success! I’m happy to work with you to achieve your goals…
To get started with making your kitchen work for you, creating magnificent everyday meals, entertaining with ease and having more time to spend with the people you enjoy, here are the different programs and products I’ve created for you:
1. We highly recommend that you start with The Confident in The Kitchen or The Effortless Entertainer Program.
- *The Confident in The Kitchen Program: This program includes 5 one on one custom culinary sessions designed specifically to support you in the areas most needed. You will get direct answers and creative solutions to your most concerning kitchen dilemmas. We will create your personal Confident Kitchen Profile and set you up for success.
- *The Effortless Entertainer Program: This program includes 5 one on one custom culinary sessions designed specifically to support you in the areas of entertaining that you most need. You will get direct answers and creative solutions to your most concerning entertaining dilemmas.
- * These two programs include the first three sessions listed and then two topics of your choice
- The Whole Impressions in Home System: Which was outlined above all 12 private sessions. It covers everything you need to be a success in the kitchen. Plus one Bonus Master Class to focus on any specific interest in depth.
- To hear more details and send in your application for my review (I don’t select everyone, Email my team at info@impressionsathome.com for an application.)
OK, I know which program I want. How do we get started?
Great! Did you know that one of the most prominent characteristics of successful people is that they take action? They take educated risks, are decisive, take action, and they move forward towards success faster as a direct result of this. It’s a well-known fact these people make decisions based on their gut instinct. So, that being said, since this feels right for you, then go for it.
Here’s what you do: just click on the info page links above or if you have a question, give my support team a call at 855-806-4116 or email my team at info@impressionsathome.com and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have. I can’t wait to meet you in person or on the phone to get you started on your path to fun meals, truly simple and practical entertaining, with more time to enjoy the people you love most.
I know I need to work with you, yet I am not sure I can afford it given the nature of my situation – what should I do?
I get this question all the time, and I’m happy to respond to it. Yes, to work with me and get results, you must be in a position to be ready, willing and able to make an investment of your time, energy and resources in yourself. I pride myself in helping clients identify the program that is best for them and that includes not over-investing in a program if it is not the right solution given where you are. I enjoy being financially rewarded for the value that I provide, however it does not make me feel good to take money unnecessarily and my integrity requires that I be honest about how clients will be best served in working with me.
Also, let’s start by shifting your mindset from I can’t afford it to how can I afford it? My job is to get you to think in an empowered way about how to move forward and create the life you want, sometimes that means getting creative about how to afford the guidance that you need. While I’m happy to work with clients to help them determine how to pay for a program, I also ask that if you feel you’re ready to work with me that you do some thinking in advance about how you may be able to afford the program and I’d be happy to explore your ideas with you during our initial call to help you get comfortable with making an investment. Think about where you may be leaving money on the table – what can you sell? What skills and abilities do you have that you could offer to others to earn some additional money? Get creative and empower yourself to go after what you want!
If I’m not sure I’m ready to get started, how can I sample your work at a low cost to see if it’s the right solution for me?
A way to sample The Impressions programs is by subscribing to the email newsletter. “Impressions” email newsletter provides you with proven tips, multitasking recipes and simple kitchen strategy to make your life easier. It is a must for anyone who wants to spend quality time with the people they care about, and feel like a star in the kitchen. Subscribe here: www.impressionsathome.com
OK, I’m ready to do this for myself, but I have a couple of additional questions. Can I call you?
Good, sounds like you’re ready to be pulled into your future! Yes, if you have a couple of questions, just email my team at info@impressionsathome.com or call us directly at 855-806-4116 and I will be happy to walk you through the different options to see which one will be the very best for you. I can’t wait to see you succeed and am honored to be the one to create a new future with you. Let’s get going!