Kelsey Nixon Delivers the Down to Earth Essentials of Cooking

One of my favorite parts of traveling comes from the incredible people that I meet along the way. Surrounding myself with different points of view and learning from new experiences helps me to grow both professionally and personally. During my trip to the Smucker’s headquarters in Ohio, my path crossed with a fabulous young woman who overflows with personality, a true passion for her work, and a refreshingly young outlook on the joys and challenges that accompany the road to achieving your goals.

Kelsey Nixon, from Kelsey’s Essentials on the Cooking Channel, went from young college student to nationally recognized fan favorite in the blink of an eye. Through hard work and following her true passion, she continues to rise among the ranks of America’s biggest names in cooking.

While working towards a degree in broadcast journalism from Brigham Young University, Kelsey recognized that although she enjoyed television, she did not want to work in the news business. Instead of settling with the path she chose, Kelsey actively pursued her dream through Kelsey’s Kitchen – her own cooking show that she began filming for elective credit. The show quickly became a hit, and Kelsey continued filming using a loan from her parents used to buy the groceries necessary to craft up creative recipes in her small dorm kitchen.

Continuing to follow her heart, Kelsey attended Le Cordon Bleu in Hollywood where she earned a professional culinary arts degree. Following her degree, she received training at The French Culinary Institute and sought out internship opportunities at both Martha Stuart Living and Food Network’s Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee.

Kelsey’s persistence proved worthwhile as she auditioned for The Next Food Network Star three times before being selected. Jumping straight out of culinary school into the six-week filming process, Kelsey openly admitted that if she had known what the show entailed, she most likely would not have gone. Thankfully, the fast-moving process dropped her into the filming without much second-guessing.

Despite the difficult filming process where contestants only received one personal call each week, could not read or watch television, and had to consistently increase their competitive attitudes, Kelsey emerged as the fan favorite. This granted her copious opportunities from freelance recipe development to her new Cooking Channel show –  Kelsey’s Essentials.

Continuing to pursue her passions everyday, Kelsey receives mentoring from Bobby Flay and works closely with producers, recipe development teams, and many others in the industry. Kelsey provides an inspiration to anyone debating taking the risk to follow his or her dreams. For this successful young chef, life comes down to the essentials – your dreams, goals, and passions. She followed her heart and now invites America to join her in the kitchen each and every day.

Disclosure: Stacy DeBroff attended the Smucker’s Blogger Education event on behalf of Mom Central.

Stacy DeBroff

Stacy DeBroff, founder and CEO of Mom Central.com and social and digital consultancy, Influence Central, is a social media strategist, attorney, and best-selling parenting author. A sought-after expert for national media, she trend-spots regularly with national brands and speaks frequently to national and international audiences on a wide range of subjects, including influencer marketing, social media, entrepreneurship, and consumer trends. A passionate cook, gardener, reader, and tennis player, she adores this new chapter of post-college-age parenting.