Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Martineau.
Hi Nicole, 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.
My husband and I left our home in Canada with our 2 younger kids to start a new life here in the Florida. We had left due to a big change of events in our life and decided to start over from scratch. After being in healing and health care for many years, I really had to find out who I was and what I was going to do with my new life. I was always very creative with food, flowers, and writing. I connected with food and its beauty when I met my husband’s mother. She was a fabulous cook and baker. Her background was European, and her food was always amazing! Later on down the road I loved the days that I could cook&bake for my family. We had a lot of farms in the area, and I always tried to get fresh ingredients whenever we could.
Being in Florida opened my eyes to all the wonderful fresh farm ingredients and more.
After a few years here, we found a house, and I started to settle down. Then I began my new adventure in food. Baking & cooking have always been very cathartic for me.
I started taking photos with my phone and showing people my food pics. I had a few people ask me if I had a bakery open somewhere. I laughed to myself (really) haahaalol!
I have learned to take myself more seriously and just started learning more with my DSLR camera, and the wonderful Macro lens hubby bought me. (Who is also a photographer in Real-estate)
A friend of mine had suggested I start a food blog, so I did! Then I decided I would dedicate it to “Artisan food” and use the wonderful flavors and abundance of local fresh foods of the area. If I could create something from someone’s fresh veggies, fruit or fresh local fish markets, I would do it and start trying to connect with them and show them how their beautiful food looks with one of my recipes, plated beautifully and in front of my camera! I thought it would be a great way to help out the local markets etc. Also, a great place to meet new people that are like-minded.
I am still always working on my food, photography, and blog. I am working on a plan to turn this into a business where I can help others and do what I love!
For anyone who has been through any kind of grief, I would strongly recommend getting creative!!! I was told once, ” If you follow your heart, it will take you places! So please follow me at https://www.thetarnishedapple.com/
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Some of the struggles that I have fought with is taking myself seriously and not being afraid to put myself out there. I admit I am still working on it. I was always nervous approaching people and telling them about myself, and I am still working on that too. But It’s perfectly human. This whole thing has help me become more comfortable with myself and is part of my life’s process.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have always been working hard with people in general with healthcare and holistic healing with women in need (for many years). Here in Florida, I have worked in Retail in merchandizing (again with people). I would say I am very good with people skills that I have learned over the years. which I have to say I am proud of. My creative spark in food and photography is what a lot of people around me know me for. They know me as a good cook and baker and how I love to share my love my food! I know I have always been unique in my flair for food, artistic creation on stylizing, and photography. I know there is always room for improvement! That there is always a learning opportunity in what I do.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
That I am a healer, Reiki Master, and survivor! I love to empower women when the opportunity arises.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thetarnishedapple.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetarnishedapple/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tarnishedapple
Image Credits
Nicole Martineau
The Tarnished Apple
