Today we’d like to introduce you to Becky Hardin
Hi Becky, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Before running websites, I did social work in both dependency and working with adults with developmental disabilities. It was hugely rewarding work but also came with a hefty emotional price. While I loved what I was doing, I needed a way to clear my mind at the end of the day. Blogs were just becoming more mainstream, and I thought it might be fun to have my own little piece of the internet. I started The Cookie Rookie (www.thecookierookie.com), a recipe blog for people wanting quick and easy recipes, in 2013 as a creative outlet, despite having never cooked before. I wanted to document my journey of learning how to prepare meals for my family. With guidance from my mom, the best cook I know, I quickly fell in love with recipe development, photography, and the business side of blogging. It felt like I finally found the perfect blend of passion and work. By 2015, I was able to quit my job and blog full-time. Along the way, I launched Easy Chicken Recipes (www.easychickenrecipes.com) in 2018 and Easy Dessert Recipes (www.easydessertrecipes.com) in 2020. My mission has always been to inspire people to feel bold and confident in the kitchen. I used to be intimidated by cooking, but now I know anyone can create fun, delicious meals for their family—and sharing those meals can be the best part of the day. It’s been an incredible and fulfilling journey. I have two full-time employees and manage a group of about 12 contractors, all who bring creativity and quality to the websites that I never could have dreamt of.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
From the beginning, this entire journey felt like learning a new language. I had never cooked, built a website, done photography, or started a business before. Each of those things came with its struggles, but they were also incredibly invigorating. The food blogging community is tight-knit, and I’ve made lifelong friendships with people who, while technically competitors, are also incredibly collaborative. The wisdom and knowledge shared by others along the way have been invaluable. As a website owner, there’s a lot that’s out of my control—from Google algorithm updates to shifts in social media and AI—but the unpredictability keeps things interesting and exciting. There’s always something new to learn or a different avenue for growth to try.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in creating super simple recipes that anyone can make and everyone will love. The Cookie Rookie is a go-to resource where beginners can learn to cook just about any meal, from quick weeknight dinners to a full Thanksgiving feast made from scratch. I love empowering people to feel confident in the kitchen, no matter what they’re craving. On Easy Chicken Recipes and Easy Dessert Recipes, I take simplicity even further—every recipe has 10 ingredients or less, and we’re always looking for ways to make cooking easier for busy families. I’m proud to have built an audience of over 7 million people each month who know they can count on my sites for reliable, tested, and easy-to-follow recipes.
How do you think about happiness?
Family is everything to me. I have two little boys, Henry (almost 8) and Jack (3), and building these sites has given me the flexibility to be more present in parenting, which is such a huge blessing. My husband and I also have two dogs and a cat, and our little crew is what motivates us every day. The boys love sports, art, singing, dancing, and are just starting to have fun helping out in the kitchen. We’re also incredibly lucky to have both sides of our family now living here in STL. We see both sets of grandparents every week, and my brother’s kids are my boys’ best friends. This weekend, we’re all getting together to watch our favorite team, the Chiefs, go for the first 3-peat Super Bowl victory in history. Sitting around with family, watching the game, and enjoying good food, I can’t help but feel grateful for how life has brought us all to the same town, sharing these special moments together.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thecookierookie.com, www.easychickenrecipes.com, www.easydessertrecipes.com
- Instagram: @thecookierookie, @easychickenrecipes, @alleasydessertrecipes
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cookierookiebec/
- Twitter: @cookierookiebec
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCookieRookieRecipes
