Meet the Author of United We Eat
I’m Capri Cafaro, TV Host, cookbook author, culinary podcast host, and TV commentator. Previously, I was a state senator in my native Ohio for a decade prior to my term ending due to mandated limits. I graduated with a degree in American Studies from Stanford University at aged 19 and earned two master's degrees, one with a concentration in International Studies from Georgetown University as well as a Master’s in Social Work from Ohio State University that I completed while serving as an elected official.
When I am not commentating or presenting on TV or in the kitchen, I am the classroom as a professor at American University as well as a Visiting Fellow at the London School of Economics.
In 2020, I released my debut cookbook, United We Eat, featuring 50 recipes that tell America's unique story, demonstrating how food can unite and bring people together. As part of my ‘virtual’ book tour, I appeared on a variety of television cooking segments on stations across North America from Portland, OR to Tampa, FL as well as on Canada's #1 morning show, Breakfast Television and Canada's #1 daytime talk show, The Social. I can tell you that cooking on TV is way harder than it looks as it takes quite a bit of prep, but it is a blast!
How do you prepare for all the unknown obstacles when running your business?
Having spent 10 years in elected office and 5 years doing live TV, I am used to unexpected challenges popping up. That life experience has prepared me to take a step back, evaluate the situation, not take things personally and remain calm. I find that objectivity and organization help when trying to tackle the unknown. This is all easier said than done sometimes, but it is what I strive to do.
Do you prioritise self-care as an entrepreneur?
I try to. But self-care looks different to everyone. For some its yoga and fresh air. For me its taking time to be present baking in my kitchen, watching my favorite programs (EastEnders/Law & Order SVU), and listening to music (I find hard rock and heavy metal much more relaxing than spa music!).
What inspired you to launch your business and what is the end goal?
I have always had a strong belief in buying local and supporting local artisans and manufacturers informed by my roots in the Industrial Midwest of the United States where buying American made products is an important part of our culture.
Over the years, I was drawn to kitchen wares and home goods as I love to open my home to friends and family as often as time permits. I found that the details in a place setting, a cake stand, or an apron, can communicate a sense of welcome and nostalgia. So, I decided to bring my love of cooking and entreating together with my commitment to supporting local makers, by founding Humble Pie Home + Kitchen.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt so far as an entrepreneur?
The devil is in the details. There are so many things aspects from legal to logistics that need to be tended to just to function. But, practical matters must be fueled by creativity. I am always seeking inspiration around me from listening to podcasts, to discovering new Instagram profiles to explore for a spark, to reading articles from a variety of websites and publications. And, of course, I get inspiration from my surroundings, from community events to the fabric store. I’m always looking. And, the trick to to stay inspired rather than it turning into a chore.
I’ve also found that social media is a real necessary evil.
Do you have a morning routine or ritual to get your day started on the right foot?
I usually start my day with vitamins, some toast and a Diet Coke, followed by a good workout on the Peloton.
What’s the most important question entrepreneurs should be asking themselves?
Is this really what you want to be doing? How can you anticipate the next big trend? How can you make meaningful contributions to society through your work?
What are your responsibilities as a business owner?
To develop and execute a vision.
To meet the needs and expectations of our customers.
To ensure the business is structured in an ethically and compliant manner.
To find ways to improve the community through our work.
Does your company help the community that you’re located in?
We exclusively source goods made and printed in the United States mostly by smaller makers.
When individuals purchase from our website, they have the option to round up their purchase to support local charity organizations that help domestic violence survivors or provide baking training to women in need of life skills to gain financial independence.
What do you think gives a brand longevity?
Authenticity.
Any new product launches we should know about?
We are just launching a subscription box that includes curated items for the home along with a special QR code to use to participate in one of my online cooking classes.
