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Alison Roman is an author, chef and digital creator known for her unfiltered and honest approach to food, lifestyle and storytelling.
She has successfully carved her way in a media landscape that often favors formulaic approaches, taking charge of her content and connecting deeply with her audience.
She celebrated cookbooks to a popular newsletterengaging to YouTube presence and podcastRoman has a gift for bringing people into her kitchen and, more recently, him brick and mortar grocery store.
Each platform Roman explores is an extension of her creative journey, in which she constantly learns, adapts and stays true to her own unique style.
After presenting several shows on television, Roman quickly discovered the limitations of network media. Traditional shows felt burdened with bureaucracy, which prompted him to seek an alternative space where he could express himself authentically.
YouTube became the answer. For him, it's the “people's Netflix” – a democratic platform where the creator has complete control. Publication of its contents in to YouTube allowed Roman to bypass bureaucracy and bring her ideas directly to audiences, sharing her love of food and meaningful connection.
“At a certain point, I was like, I'm going to do it myself,” she says Shawn Walchef e Cali BBQ Media. “A tool like YouTube is very useful because it makes it very easy for people to understand it.”
Podcastinghowever, it has presented its own set of challenges. In 2023, Roman began Advice wanted with Alison Romandiving into a new medium that required a change in her approach to hosting. Although she's a natural in front of a YouTube camera, podcasting requires a different kind of energy and focus.
“Podcasting is hard,” she admits. “I don't fancy myself a podcaster…but it's something I enjoy doing.”
Related: This food network staple feeds his passion for the fast-paced restaurant life in just 3 days a month
Opening a brick and mortar store
Roman's latest project took him offline and into the physical world: She opened up First blooma grocery store in Bloomville, New York. Opening the store it was a long time dream, but the experience meant a lot more to him than just running a business.
First Bloom was a way to fill a physical space with her creative energy and provide an unforgettable experience for her audience beyond what they see on a screen.
Roman brings a unique blend of creativity, resilience and authenticity to everything she does. From her hands-on approach to content creation to the immersive experiences she fosters at First Bloom, Roman continues to blur the lines between digital and physical spaces, connecting with people in ways that feel both personal and lasting.
“I don't want to live on the Internet,” says Roman. “I don't want to live in a transient (world). I don't want to live where things come and go in a day. I want to do things and I want to have a real physical experience.”
Related: How this Michelin star chef overcame loss and adversity to achieve stardom
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