Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanea Rakowski.
Hi Shanea, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I didn’t have a strong culinary background other than loving to dine out, plus having a passion for cooking and baking at an early age. I took numerous cooking classes at my hometown of Toronto and abroad. I was always trying to seek out the latest and greatest food trends. I always read cookbooks and travel magazines the way others would devour a novel. Along the way, I enjoyed building friendships with top-tier chefs and followed them in their careers. I was also lucky to start seeing the world from the age of fifteen and hot to foster my love of traveling. Back in the ’80s was a contributor for a publication called “The in World Guide”, so I guess that was my first foray into print media. I became a travel agent for 18 years. Putting my interests of food and travel together as well as a love of art, I began to start sending friends and families lists and reviews for different destinations. Many friends encouraged me to write a blog. I began writing about my passions seven years ago, and ShaneaSavours was born, which encompasses all things I savour, such as food, art, travel, fashion, and culture.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Writing a blog can be challenging but also rewarding, and there are many lessons I have learned from this process. Maintaining a consistent publishing schedule, keeping my readers engaged, and a discipline to write on a regular basis, as well as keep up with a posting schedule. It took time to find my own writing style and voice, and it has evolved overtime. Writing and creating content that is interesting, informative, and valuable to my readers is my top priority., as well as engaging with them., helps me develop new ideas. Dealing with negative feedback is challenging, but I use it to improve my writing skills. I’m still learning how to monetize and promote my blog. Although challenging, my blog has helped me with valuable skills that I can apply to the rest of my life.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What sets me apart from others is my honesty. I write my own personal opinions and unbiased views. A restaurant or hotel does not pay me to promote them. I try to be current and up-to-date, and I try to offer a vast array of restaurants from three Michelin stars to a great neighborhood spot or greasy spoon. Everyone had different taste and budgets, and I try to appeal to all.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I tried to promote restaurants during Covid as they were hard hit. I made lists of all the restaurants doing takeout and delivery. I ordered from them frequently myself and posted about it. I also watched a lot of TV and connected with like-minded individuals, family, and friends by zoom and FaceTime. I had strong supportive relationships with husband, family, and friends, and I tried speaking with people who had a positive outlook on life. Meaningful work and doing something you are passionate about also led to my contentment. The only drawback was my expanding waistline.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Shaneasavours.com
- Instagram: ShaneaSavours
- Facebook: ShaneaSavours
