Three Alumni from the School of Communications — Amy Hamilton, Britney Fronk and Lindsay Steele — Give an Inside Look into Creating Content with Food Blogger Tara Bench
Tara Bench, former BYU student and founder of Tara Teaspoon, found success in the release of her first cookbook, “Live Life Deliciously,” in 2020. On September 6, 2022, she released her second cookbook, “Delicious Gatherings.” Bench expressed that her biggest excitement in the new release is “getting these recipes that she loves so much into other people’s hands and kitchens.”
Over the past five years, Bench has taken several BYU communications students under her wing. Three BYU communications alumni are still on her team today. Amy Hamilton, Britney Fronk and Lindsay Steele shared their experiences working with Bench and reflected on how their time at BYU prepared them for their roles.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
AMY HAMILTON | BROADCAST JOURNALISM 2020
What are some of your daily responsibilities as part of this team?
I am Tara's social media manager, so I actively post on her Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn and engage with her followers and partnered brands. Instagram takes up the biggest chunk of my time every day. Whether it's creating and posting reels, responding to DMs or engaging with comments, Instagram keeps me on my toes.
How has your education at BYU prepared you for this job?
Through the journalism program, I became both a stronger writer and video editor — both of which are vital to my job. Plus, I lean on my creativity, which I also strengthened and developed at BYU.
What classes best prepared you for this specific job?
My writing classes and social media class (where I met my co-worker, Lindsay!) best prepared me for this job.
What is your favorite recipe in the cookbook?
Her “Salmon, Veggie and Carrot-Ginger Rice Bowl” is a favorite, for sure. Tara is a flavor genius!
How did you get involved with and become a part of Tara's team?
My husband randomly saw a hiring ad on LinkedIn, so I applied and never looked back! I love the Tara Teaspoon team!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Britney Fronk | Public Relations (BA ‘19)
What are some of your daily responsibilities as a part of this team?
My daily responsibilities include writing newsletters, creating and segmenting content for our specific audiences and planning for and running events and campaigns, usually with other food brands and bloggers.
How has your education at BYU prepared you for this job?
My time at BYU taught me that if I want something, I just have to go for it. Stop doubting and comparing yourself to other people. You're more capable than you think.
What classes best prepared you for this specific job?
The copywriting and graphic design classes gave me the best hands-on experience, at least when it comes to technical skills. We're constantly creating new content, always writing and designing something for Tara, so those classes were helpful in teaching me how to create high-quality material under a deadline. Also, any class that gets you working with groups is always helpful. No one ever really works alone (in any job!), so it's important to learn how to communicate with and lead others when necessary.
What is your favorite recipe in the cookbook?
From the first cookbook, “Live Life Deliciously,” I love the “Thai Meatball Golden Coconut Curry.”
From the second one, “Delicious Gatherings,” it's the “Red Beans and Rice with Avocado Salad”!
How did you get involved with and become a part of Tara's team?
Tara was looking for a summer intern back in 2020 when COVID-19 first hit. I was bored with my full-time HR job, so I did this to stay connected to the marketing/communications industry and because I love food. On my resume, I had listed "biscuit baking" as one of my special skills and apparently that caught Tara's eye, because we talked about baking and favorite foods during my interview. Once the summer ended, Tara kept me on the team to help with the launch of her first cookbook and I've been here ever since. Even though I'm working full-time in a completely different industry from HR now, I still have so much fun with Tara and her brand that I don't think I can ever give it up!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Lindsay Steele | Public Relations 2019
What are some of your daily responsibilities as a part of this team?
I’m a brand manager for Tara, which includes a lot of different responsibilities. I help with her content management and oversee the creation of video and other creative assets. I also oversee various partnerships and brand promotion. I have organized a lot of promotions for her new cookbook, including events, digital courses, influencer marketing and PR box curation.
How has your education at BYU prepared you for this job?
One of the best things my BYU education taught me is how to write a concise email. Email is one of the most important forms of communication in the business world and I know how to get to the point and get a response!
I learned how to effectively communicate with a team, take charge of projects and delegate. I also learned the importance of networking and making connections. I have gotten all of my current clients because I know someone else.
What classes best prepared you for this specific job?
The video editing and graphic design classes helped me so much! I loved learning new skills in those classes and I use them every single day.
What is your favorite recipe in the cookbook?
I absolutely love Tara’s “Mile-High Buttermilk Biscuits” recipe from her first book, “Live Life Deliciously.”
How did you get involved with and become a part of Tara's team?
I have always loved baking and I knew I wanted to do something in the food industry. I saw on Britney’s Instagram account (I met Britney in the PR program) that she was working for Tara. I messaged Britney and told her I wanted to do what she was doing. Britney got me an interview with Tara and she hired me on as a writer. Fast forward a few months and I had to leave Tara because my full-time job was getting too crazy. Fast forward another few months and I left my full-time job to pursue working for food bloggers full time! I now have four food blogger clients (Tara is my favorite!) and I absolutely love the work I do for them. Tara is such an inspiration to me and I want to work with her forever!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
After interviewing Tara Bench herself, it’s clear she adores them as much as they do her. “Truthfully, I like working with them because I love their personalities,” Bench admitted. “For my business, I really love seeing where they excel and where they jump in and enjoy different tasks. They contribute to different messages and content that goes out, and I love what they’ve brought to the business that way.”