Today we’d like to introduce you to Fiona Coxe.
Fiona, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Food has always been a major influence in my life. As a small child, I’d dream up restaurants I’d own and put together extravagant menus (chock full of chicken nuggets and mac and cheese). Once I moved out on my own, I had the opportunity to really start experimenting and began A Boston Food Diary to chronicle my adventures. That little blog led me on some amazing adventures, the opportunity to appear in several TV shows, countless incredible meals, and some fascinating journeys – including a trip to Sonoma to visit the Jordan Winery.
That trip began my voyage into the incredible world of wine. I now hold a level three advanced certification in wine and spirits through the Wine and Spirit Education Trust and I spend my weekends touring Boston through my wine glass as a Wine Ambassador for City Wine Tours.
I am lucky enough to be a Realtor in the greater Boston metro area as well which has given me the incredible opportunity combine all of my passions, to delve into some of the best kitchens in the city, and introduce new comers to the best spots for a nibble or a glass of wine.
I like to think of those first aromas that waft to your nose from your glass of wine, to be just like opening the door to a home – both give incredible clues of what lies ahead and entice you to explore further!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
What do we all say – that if your job is your passion you’ll never work a day? I have always found that to be true. I started A Boston Food Diary in 2008 as a way to escape by (at the time) boring office day job. It gave me a creative release and allowed me to spend so much more of my day thinking about the topics that truly appealed to me. As it grew more successful and I found more opportunities for it, I did struggle to always find time to hold both, or as time went on and I added City Wine Tours to the docket- all three.
Following the passion, however, following my heart into the incredible world of food and wine – that was a no-brainer.
The only advice that I have is age-old – follow your passion. If you are truly passionate about the topic – whatever it is- food, wine, fashion, design, etc. – then success will follow. The greatest missteps Ive seen is where people aren’t genuine to their passions but instead follow a trend.
What should we know about your business? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My writing has always been known for being extremely detailed. One of the reasons I started A Boston Food Diary was to extend my meals as long as possible (yup – I’m that girl. I need to savor). I wanted to enjoy every bite – and the best way I could think to do that was to write down every detail of the meal – the ingredients I could taste, why they worked, what didn’t work, the contrasts of textures… anything that I could pick out.
I’ve found the same in my work with wine – wine tells a story from the moment you choose the bottle. The label, the year the grapes were harvested – they set you up for what is to come. From there, it becomes a journey of the senses- the colors and clarity of the wine, the scents and then the mouthfeel, the tastes, the acidity… every aspect tells you something about the grapes that made their way into that bottle. It tells the story of the year, the farmer, the hardships, the successes – all if you’re paying attention.
I love telling these stories – every last detail is important.
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
Be genuine – it’s the only advice I have. Whether you’re searching for your niche or looking for a mentor – be genuine with your passion and who you are. It will all come into place.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.abostonfooddiary.com
- Email: fiona@unitboston.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/fmcoxe
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fcoxe
- Twitter: @bostonfooddiary
- Other: http://www.unitboston.com/agents/46825-Fiona-Coxe
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