This post has been a long-time coming; it just took a pandemic, and my life being flipped upside down for me to get to the point of writing it.
The time has come to say good-bye to Naturally Ella (and hello to a new website: erinalderson.com).
It’s been a hell of a run. Something that started as a side-project my senior year of college pushed me into a career I had no idea was even possible. The site helped me fall in love with food, vegetables, and inspiring others to have fun in the kitchen.
Over time, I’ve dug deep into my presence on the internet and how that aligns with things I believe. I know I don’t owe anyone an explanation, but I’m one for a bit of transparency (and I know quite a few of you have been around for many years). The truth is, I’ve been running some form of this website for 13 years, and it’s only been in the past months I’ve been able to slow down to consider the impact of all these years.
Here’s what you need to know
The important news: as of January 1st, 2021, all new blog content on Naturally Ella has stopped***.
The new site, you ask? I’m keeping it simple and just being me: erinalderson.com.
If you’re ready to come on this journey with me, you can follow me on Instagram and/or sign-up for my new newsletter. I won’t be bringing any emails with me, so you won’t hear from me again as Naturally Ella if you’re currently subscribed once this site closes down in March.
Why am I doing this?
For better or worse, this site has mostly been just me over the years. It’s never really felt like ‘a brand,’ and I’ve always been hesitant to call myself an ‘influencer.’ Of course, Naturally Ella is a brand, and I am an influencer (we technically all are, I just happen to be in this space).
However, the all-or-nothing business approach to blogging is exhausting, and not one I’ve been able to feel comfortable in for a long time. I started this site in 2007 to share recipes I was making (not creating) and other things I liked.
Eventually, blogging became something you could make money from, and in return, a push happened to ‘keep people on the site.’ Blogging became about money, SEO optimization, and a race I somehow found myself running without fully understanding why I was even running.
I’ve been fighting this for years. I’ve posted recipes that I wasn’t super proud of in the name of traffic. I fell into the comparison hole and frequently chatted with people about traffic, income, and best practices (not good content). I left my world of academia, and with it, I somehow lost my common sense about what it is to research and understand the world at large. I kept running without looking up.
But, I stopped running for a myriad of reasons and finally looked up to see many things I didn’t like.
For starters, sitting in a haze of wildfire smoke for weeks on end has continued to push me to examine my own life and the ways I contribute to climate change. Yes, corporations are responsible for a large part. Still, there are things in my day-to-day life that need to change: the excess, the reliance on cheap goods, and the sheer amount of plastic I still find myself surrounded by (even after a push away from single-use products).
I’ve asked myself questions like, what is life when there is a heavy push for consumerism and capitalism? What roles do influencers play in pushing these agendas? Influencers are a line-item in advertising budgets. Instead of billboards, it’s Instagram posts. It’s all a numbers game.
I should say, I don’t fault anyone who makes money this way- it’s just not for me anymore. Those companies often require non-competes, which means I’ve often left not able to talk about local businesses I support. It’s also felt wrong to be pushing #ad when so much in the world feels heavy. I’ve thought for a long time; there has to be a different way.
On top of that, I’ve been sitting with what happens when the web is overrun by recipes created for mostly one goal: SEO domination (ie: getting the top result in Google search). Not only do we end up with homogeneous recipes, but those recipes are also white-washing recipes deeply rooted in culture/history.
Food writing and recipes need to be told by the people who have the connection. Yes, food is always adapting and changing based on migration, but when we work within an industry heavily dominated by white voices, we lose a lot. I’m not a voice that should be telling you how to make jollof rice or ramen, but I know there are many voices out there that should; they just haven’t had the opportunity or platform.
Yes, you can make recipes and ignore the food’s history, but you lose the richness behind what makes a dish that dish. This is something I feel that food bloggers miss the mark on time and again.
Why a new site?
To maybe help explain: I’m the type of person that I start fresh when I get a new phone/computer- never import a back-up. There’s something to be said for starting fresh, and I feel like that’s what I’m doing here. I’ve gained a lot of knowledge over the past decade, and this site no longer feels like me- I’m not Ella.
The new site won’t have ads and won’t have sponsored content (and sponsored content will be minimal and confined to Instagram). It will just be me, sharing the content I genuinely want to share. Yes, there will be an occasional recipe, but I’ll be focusing less on pushing out new recipes week after week and more highlighting content (recipes/writing) from others, with a large emphasis on BIPOC voices.
Some of this I’ve already started on Instagram, and I have to say, I’ve learned so much and have enjoyed reading a diverse amount of writing. I hope you will find that as well if you decide to follow me along this new path.
Thank you
I appreciate everyone who has made my recipes over the years. It’s been the only reason I’ve kept going. Thanks to my husband. He was the one who originally helped me get the original site online and has been an incredible support system. I feel deeply lucky to have someone support me even when the ideas might seem extremely wild (and not money-making).
I also want to say thank you to Honey (the business). I’ll talk more about them once I’m fully up and running on the new site, but they’ve held my hand a lot through the years and, more recently, helped me take my existing studio brand and turn it into something that felt just like me. I’ve spent so many years feeling like I wasn’t Ella, it feels amazing to have something that does feel like me.
I have no clue what the next few years will hold, and it’s always nerve-racking to say good-bye to something. However, I’ve never been so sure that this is the right decision for me.
Xx,
Erin
*** Originally the site was slated to go offline on March 31st but due to some contractual obligations, the site will be staying around for the time being. All new content will be on erinalderson.com but most older recipes will stay around on this site until further notice.
Angela says
Well done you, Erin. I look forward to seeing where you take your voice and influence. Best wishes!
Mackenzie says
You are an inspiration!
Alex Thevenin says
Bravo!
Kirsten says
This is courage in its simplest form. The last few months have made many of us re-examine our choices – that you are willing to take action and stand by your principles…thank you. I’ve loved your website for years now but many of the points you’ve raised have occurred to me as well and made me uncomfortable, even as just a consumer. All the best on your future choices and I’ll be following you over to your new site, for sure!
Sunny says
Yours was one of the first vegetarian food blogs I followed! Thank you for all the lovely recipes! I’m looking forward to this new leg of your journey!
Nanna says
That’s really powerful. Good on you to stay true to yourself and be brave enough to change.
Mary says
I have to admit, I didn’t have the intention of reading your email in my inbox this morning but I’m so glad I did. It’s the best thing I’ve read in a long time!! Finally, someone calling out the system and saying No More! I look forward to following your new project with a passion and care for what you will share now that’s it’s not bought by sponsors. This is huge, I’m encouraged by our generation and I hope more will choose to break ties the way you have. Thank you for being honest and vulnerable and being the best thing to land in my email this Friday morning!
Jackie says
Great job seemingly being authentic and giving yourself grace and space! Can hardly wait to read and follow your new creation.
Renae Sutton says
Excellent! I’ve been thinking about the same things you have wrt blog posts, SEO, sponsorship. Good for you for getting out of this race. I look up to you and look forward to continuing to support your work.
Aleksandra says
I have been following you for years, mostly silently. I have always found your writing and your voice unique and beautiful. I applaud you for staying true to yourself and wish you all the best in your future endeavors. I will be definitely following along.
TG says
Thank you for this. This time in our lives is definitely making many of us question a lot of things in our lives. I recently deleted my Facebook and Instagram accounts because I don’t agree with where social media is going – the many ads, pushing non-relevant info on us, gathering/selling our data – all in the name of making money. Which I get as it’s a business, but it used to be about sharing our simple stories/photos which I miss. Anyway, I’ll get off my soapbox 😊, Good luck and I look forward to receiving your newsletter!
HS Harrington says
Sitting up here in the smoky North Bay, I can understand your moments of introspection and then, inspiration. Having recently closed my business after 35 years, I can understand the push-me, pull-me of making a momentous decision like yours. It’s difficult, but rarely the wrong one.
Best wishes for erinalderson.com
SallyBR says
Just fantastic, I look forward to your new site. I’ve been blogging for 11 years, and I refused to play the SEO game and never monetized my site. I feel like a dinosaur but nothing beats the thrill I have when I hit “publish” on each and every post because they are exactly what “I” want to share. I’ve never accepted a product or cookbook to review, but have reviewed many cookbooks and things I love. I don’t judge those who play the exhaustive game and that need or want to monetize their site. But nothing compares to the real lightness of following just your heart.
good luck, and I will keep following you
Anna says
I have been following your website and using it for inspiration and ingredients discovery for several years. It is sad that you decided to close it. Yet I’m happy you are starting a new chapter! A big thank you from Germany.
Jamie says
I’m sad to be losing one of the few sites that hasn’t gone full vegan. I’ve been inspired by your posts and wish you all the best.
Rhonda says
Best of luck on the new site, and thank you for all the wonderful recipes over the years! Your site in particular has helped my husband learn to cook (he’s a brats and beans kinda guy) – he finds your recipes approachable and non-frustrating! I’ll be following along on your new virtual home!
Christina says
Yes! How exciting for you!
You, and your new website, are a welcome breath of fresh air and I’m looking forward to your new beginnings.
Thank you for the heads up. I’ll definitely need to print off my favorite recipes!
Amber L says
I’ve been following your site for a few years. I have to say I agree with everything you mentioned here. I follow maybe 10 food bloggers, and I have noticed that a lot of their posts seem similar and forced. Within 2 days several I follow posted a cornbread recipe. Hmmm…seems weird to me! And you can always tell what phrases they are using to reach the SEO goals. My favorite being “You probably have all of the ingredients on hand right now!” or something similar. I started my own blog a couple of years ago and although I was excited about it, I just haven’t had the time/motivation to do the work is requires. My site isn’t making any money and I basically have no followers. Your post makes me think about this and if it’s even something I want to do. Thanks for your recipes and I will continue to follow your journey!
debby says
Looking forward to your new site. Just wanted to take a moment to thank you for your awesome recipes. I’m a pediatrician and tell all my vegetarian teens about your site so they can find new yummy ideas. Thanks again!
Christie Kline says
Hi there. I’m not a commenter and I’m obviously late to the announcement, but I want to be sure to let you know, I’ll follow you over to your new site. I’ve always enjoyed your content. It’s simple and healthy, exactly what I’m looking for. Cheers, and best of luck with the reimagining.
S Bishop says
Best wishes on your new journey! I think it is a wonderful decision! Looking forward to your new site.
J says
Hey i’ve been following this blog for years and while i’m sad to see it go (but thanks for the forewarning so we can save stuff), i just wanted to say i really respect your decision and it’s honestly very refreshing to see a white blogger in your position not only admit your privilege but make an honest attempt to use your platform to uplift BIPOC voices and content. Good luck
Jenny says
Thank you for all these years of advocating for natural simple homemade foods. I will definitely follow you to your next project.
I have a favor to ask. I get lost in all the recipes presented…it would be great to have a ´´best of ella ´´ list prior to the website’s shut down…is this possible?
Thanking you once again,
Jenny
Erin Alderson says
Great idea! I’ll work on that.
Janet Goff says
Erin,
Thank you for your honesty, for caring about our environment, and for being a thoughtful and kind human.
I’m looking forward to being a part of your new community.
Wishing you the very best,
Janet
S says
I’m
So glad you’re admitting the shite washing that gas happened due to blogging. As someone who is Indian I see so many dal and kitchadi and warming turmeric soup nonsense that totally violates all that is true and good to the culture. I hope more will at least admit to the colonization of culture and privilege. Good luck with your new venture.
Christy says
An ad-free site will be very much appreciated!
debra says
Wow. I will miss your site. As I am not aware of the business end, I have mostly come here for simple, tasty recipes that suit my vegetarian, gluten free needs and overly busy schedule. Your recipes are great and never require a big shop or a lot of time. That said, glad you are doing what feels best for you. With thanks for all the pleasure I have gotten from your site in the past and good wishes for the future.
Laura Mathews says
This site has been one of my top 3 places I send my patients who are working on transitioning to whole foods cooking. I have loved it because it is a simple site to navigate, the recipes are delicious and it did not feel like an agenda was being pushed. I was so surprised to read about the underbelly.
I definitely understand this decision and hope it inspires others to listen to their heart and take that leap of faith. If this year has not been about taking a step back and seeing the rat race we have somehow gotten entangled in, I don’t know what is.
Bravo! And I will definitely be seeing you on the next site and joining Patreon.
Amber says
This news is indeed bitter sweet. You have been my go to for cooking inspiration as long as I can remember. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Nikole says
I have only *just* found your blog, and I have to say I am so sad that you will be taking down all of your recipes. They are fabulous and are helping me to transition to a much more veggie heavy diet. I bought your cookbook yesterday in an effort to have something tangible from which to cook. I’ll be saving your recipes!! All that said, I understand why you are moving on…seeking authenticity and truth for yourself which is so admirable and courageous. And what the world needs more of!
joseph grimes says
Erin – You will crush it. Keep doing what you do well and the rest will work out fine.
jg
Blythe says
I definitely appreciate this post and the heartfelt transparency with which it is written. I, too, have had a blog for over 10 years – it started being about growing and selling garlic. Over the years, it evolved more into being about permaculture, developing backyard ecosystems, simple living, and how all of that is connected to life. It has always had a “handmade” component – but I rarely find time to write about it, even though it is a big part of who I am – I am not an expert in these things. I have come to question what the blog is and why am I even doing it? I waffle between thinking I should be trying to make more money and then thinking, but why. And then someone will contact me with how a certain post really touched them. My point is – we all grow and evolve. Our focus and what we emphasize will change. This medium that allows us to reach out is still important. All the more important to have sites out there that are truly reflective of real people, sharing what they are learning. Thank you so much.