Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsay Ayers.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I first came to Chicago back in 2015 to begin law school at Chicago-Kent College of law. My first few months here were not quite the bliss I anticipated. My first year here was challenging to say the least and as I began to navigate my way out of that tough season, I started journaling. These journals eventually evolved into blogs where I shared the good, the bad, and the ugly of food, faith and everything in between. Originally, The Faith Feast was created to nourish me physically, mentally, and spiritually but with the encouragement of those around me, I began to share my process with others. The faith feast has become a community that is committed to feasting on every aspect of life and making the most out of every season. I did not expect a journey in Chicago to include this creative outlet in addition to my law degree. But you know what they say, God works in mysterious ways!
Has it been a smooth road?
Running this blog has been a journey, to say the least. There have been many highs and lows but mostly highs. Writing, especially about my life, has opened me up to criticism, judgment, and rejection in a way I did not anticipate. Many have unfollowed because of the topics I chose to tackle like race or making excuses. I have had friends who opted out of the journey for various reasons which was a hurt I did not know I could feel. I have learned that when you truly have the guts to go after what you want, people will not always be thrilled for you. They will not wish you well or celebrate you. But because of that lesson, I have learned to celebrate myself and appreciate those around me so much more! So, while this journey has had its struggles, they were not in vain!
Whether it is a side hustle, a blog, a creative outlet or whatever you want to label it… opposition will come. Any time we try to make waves or step out and be our true selves we will face challenges. Some of those challenges will be our own mind tell us that we can’t, shouldn’t or never will. Other challenges will look more like friends leaving you, people judging you, or just flat out ‘no’s’. But in my opinion, when you are really meant to do something and you know that in your bones, you are the only thing that can stop you. My advice to other women would be to decide to do it anyways. Do it afraid, do it without permission, and do it boldly. At the end of the day, you have you to answer. Make yourself proud.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Faith Feast story. Tell us more about the business.
I suppose you could say I wear two hats! I am a recent law school graduate with dreams of becoming an attorney for startups and small businesses. I love the grind that comes with startup life and the fact that you never know what will slide across your desk with that type of work. So, once I pass the bar, I hope to step right into that role and get to work!
The other hat I am most known for is food and faith blogger of The Faith Feast (TFF). I blog about books, food, faith, fitness, and whatever else feels relevant!
Some of the things that TFF is known for is the BOLDER devotional which is designed to help women pray boldly and unashamedly for 40 days straight. It gets intense! TFF is also known for quick and easy recipes- nothing complicated, expensive or out of reach for even the most beginner cook! I truly share what I eat and with my full schedule, I don’t have any other choice but to go quick and easy. And lastly, it is my hope that TFF is known for authenticity. I share my truth – about God, food, fitness, skincare and more. Not to put me on display, but just in case someone needed it that day.
It is hard to put into words how much The Faith Feast means to me. I create content solely for the woman in need. Whether that is in need of encouragement, a specific verse, a recipe or a nudge to get going. I am most proud of the women who message me and say they have grown. There is no greater feeling knowing that something I shared whether it be a personal story or a resource helped them get one step closer to being the woman they want to be. It is truly an honor to serve the amazing Faith Feast community!
Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
I truly have amazing parents. My parents let me dream and dream BIG and then would say “now get to work”. I was blessed to be in a home where I was taught that I pretty much do anything as long as I was willing to work for it. They also let me explore my passions. They supported every single one of my “When I grow up I want to be…” dreams. We were allowed to choose what interested us. In addition to that freedom of choice, my parents also emphasized the importance of our choices. They created space for us to process what our choices would mean for us and the rest of the family and certainly let us feel the consequences (good or bad) of those choices. Now, that I am an adult, I am able to own my decisions – good or bad. I am able to look at my decision to go to law school or start a blog and understand that the hardships and blessings that come out of both are a result of a choice I made. I think a huge part of becoming successful, regardless of how you define it, is being able to take ownership of your decisions. We rarely ever find truly successful and happy people who lack self-awareness. So, I thank my parents for giving me the freedom to choose but never letting me forget that every choice yields a result and that is mine to own.
Pricing:
- Bolder Devo – $3.99
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thefaithfeast.com
- Email: hello@thefaithfeast.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/thefaithfeast
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/thefaithfeast
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/thefaithfeast
Image Credit:
Erin Channell
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
