Social Spotlight: Introducing Chinese Southern Belle

CSB creates unique, interactive experiences that bridge food and people from different cultures together to socialize and to promote healthy living, sustainability and local businesses. Popular offerings include hands-on cooking/cultural classes (on-location or group setting), Asian market tours, multicultural marketing and writing.  Chinese Southern Belle has been featured in Cook’s Warehouse, Whole Foods Market, Buford Highway Farmers Market, Taste of Atlanta, Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Georgia Public Radio, 11Alive News and more.

Inspiration: I left a Fortune 500 company to pursue my dream job and live closer to my parents. I wasn’t exactly sure what path I would take when I came back to Atlanta in 2008 after a 15 year absence, but I followed my passions.  I am a natural “connector” and I really wanted to create an entity that would allow me to leverage my multi-sector background and professional experience:  diversity training, corporate marketing, social policy, writing/teaching and performing arts.

Launched in:  April 2009

Direction I am/we are heading: I’d like to create a TV show one day that is Oprah-meets Rachael Ray-meets This American Life! One that explores the Asian and immigrant, ethnic American experience through food, stories, people.

Best kept secret/Advice for fans: Be flexible, adaptable and open-minded with cooking and eating so you don’t  miss any of the glorious diversity of food out there! As a baby, I was allergic to everything. Now I can eat everything and I do! My mom and I snack on boiled peanuts, beef jerky and chocolate when we’re not teaching Asian cooking classes

Favorite social media sites that help with promotion: Still exploring and probably could improve efficiency and effectiveness. Use more Facebook and Twitter now. Not using Linked In much for business but would like to.

My/Our News: Recently interviewed live on TV re: Amy Chua’s book Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother! I’ve done some fun private house/office parties for kids and adults,  e.g. Sushi  Birthday Parties, book clubs, tennis teams, corporate team-building and would like to expand here.

You’re invited to: Asian Market Tour & Tasting, Saturday, March 19, 10am-2pm. We also have several upcoming cooking classes in Feb-Mar. Check the website calendar!

Special discounts to Social Brand Aid fans: Friend/Fan/Like us on CSB’s Facebook page and I’ll give you a free cooking tip (or if you’re in Atlanta, Buford Hwy CSB cooking class discount, only $18/per and you get a grocery shopping gift card $10, mention CSB)

News: Natalie is currently working on a book and family history documentary. Follow Natalie’s food and cultural adventures web-blog on www.chinesesouthernbelle.com, Twitter (ChineseSoBelle), Facebook and YouTube.