Hello, Fit Foodie Finds Family! It’s such a pleasure to “officially” connect with all of you. My first full-time week working alongside the incredible Lee and Linley has just wrapped up, and I must tell you, it’s been an incredibly fun, exhilarating, and completely transformative experience compared to the last decade of my career. For so long, my days were defined by the morning rush hour commute to an office, a role with a rigid job description, a clear vertical growth path, and all the familiar corporate jargon. My schedule revolved around back-to-back meetings, often working through lunch at my desk, then battling the afternoon rush, squeezing in a workout if I was lucky, and finally heading home to catch up on Fit Foodie Finds emails. It was a cycle of routine, waking up and repeating it all over again.
Now, imagine swapping that predictable routine for a week brimming with variety and creativity. This past week involved working from three different vibrant coffee shops, collaborating at ModernWell, settling into a productive groove at home, and diving into projects at the bustling FFHQ. My days included exciting photo shoots for an upcoming sports bra review post, meticulously crafting and capturing three new recipes, dedicating mornings to invigorating workouts, engaging with prospective brands, and simply immersing myself in Lee and Linley’s dynamic day-to-day operations. Oh, and asking an endless stream of questions – soaking in every detail! It’s undeniably a different pace and structure, but one that I am absolutely embracing. The anticipation for Monday mornings has become a genuine source of excitement. What an incredible feeling to truly love what you do!
We believe getting to know me a little better will help strengthen our Fit Foodie Finds community. To facilitate this, we’ve put together a fun Q&A session. This segment covers a wide array of topics, offering a glimpse into my life, passions, and personality. Please don’t hesitate to add any additional questions you might have in the comments section below – I’m eager to connect further!
1. What is Your Full Name?
My full name is Emily Katherine Richter. However, for the first three decades of my life, I was Emily Katherine Stickler. Most of my closest friends and family affectionately call me Em. Linley, my wonderful sister-in-law, has a special nickname for me: “big sissy.” It’s a sweet reminder of the bond we’ve formed.
2. Where Did You Grow Up?
I proudly grew up in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. It’s a fantastic place with a strong sense of community and, of course, a deep-seated love for our beloved Green Bay Packers! Growing up there instilled a lifelong appreciation for the Midwest and its unique charm.
3. How Did You Meet Lee and Linley?
My journey to Fit Foodie Finds is truly a story of serendipity. I started dating my now-husband, Bryce, who happens to be Linley’s older brother, around the same time I found myself falling in love with the spirit of Lee and Linley. Linley returned home from living abroad shortly after Bryce and I started dating, and we instantly connected over our shared passion for cooking and engaging in deep, meaningful conversations. It felt like we’d known each other for years. Linley soon introduced me to Lee, and we immediately hit it off, bonding over our mutual enthusiasm for blog analytics, the intricacies of digital content, and all things Wisconsin. It wasn’t long after that I began working for Fit Foodie Finds part-time, and as they say, the rest is history!
4. What Was Your Job Before Joining Team Fit Foodie?
Before making the exciting leap to Team Fit Foodie, I served as the Director of Strategy at a dynamic advertising agency located in downtown Minneapolis. My primary focus there was working with various food brands, developing strategic campaigns and marketing initiatives. This background in understanding consumer behavior and brand development, particularly within the food industry, has proven incredibly valuable as I transition into my new role here at Fit Foodie Finds.
5. What Is Your Favorite Food?
This is always a tough one, but it truly comes down to a tie between a perfectly seared tuna steak and a sizzling plate of fajitas. The delicate texture and rich flavor of a fresh tuna steak, especially when seared rare, is just exquisite. And fajitas, with their vibrant colors, savory spices, and customizable toppings, are pure joy. If I could combine the two – say, a tuna steak fajita – that would be the ultimate culinary dream come true!
6. Team Sweet or Team Savory?
TEAM SAVORY 4EVER. Seriously, there’s no contest for me. While I appreciate a good dessert, my heart and taste buds unequivocally lean towards savory flavors. Give me all the salty, umami, and spicy goodness any day.
7. Where Is the Next Place You’re Traveling To?
My next big adventure takes me to Texas! My husband and I are headed to Waco in May to participate in the Silo District Marathon. This trip holds a very special place in my heart as we’re running in support of my longtime friend, the incredibly inspiring Gabriele Grunewald. Gabe, a professional runner for Brooks and a remarkable 4-time cancer survivor, has an incredible story. She quite literally ran into Chip Gaines in Central Park (yes, you read that right!) and they started a conversation about how long it would take him to train for a marathon. Through a series of follow-up discussions, Chip decided not only to run his first marathon, hosted at the Magnolia property, but also to have Gabe train him. A group of our college friends and significant others are joining us to run, spend some quality time together, and soak in all the charm of Magnolia. It’s going to be an unforgettable experience combining fitness, friendship, and giving back.
8. What Is Your Preferred Form of Exercise?
Running has always been a fundamental part of my life. I grew up in a family of marathon runners, so I developed a love for long-distance running quite early. Fast forward to today, and while Lee and Linley might think I’m a bit crazy, I’ve truly fallen head over heels for ultra trail running. There’s something uniquely captivating about being out in nature, navigating challenging single-track trails, and pushing your body and mind far beyond what you thought possible. The connection to the environment and the mental fortitude it builds are incredibly rewarding. This fall, I’m ambitiously hoping to complete my 5th 50k race on the breathtaking Superior Hiking Trail along Minnesota’s North Shore. When I’m not hitting the trails for a run, you’ll often find me at Alchemy 365 for high-intensity training, challenging myself at the Minneapolis Bouldering Project, or breaking a sweat at Switch Minneapolis with my amazing Fit Foodie Finds ladies. It’s a wonderful way to stay active and build camaraderie.
9. What Is Your Dream Job?
This. Job. Right. Here! I am genuinely ecstatic to be joining Lee and Linley full-time at Fit Foodie Finds. The opportunity to merge our minds, collaborate daily, and collectively push the boundaries of what this amazing platform can achieve is truly inspiring. Every day feels like an adventure, and I thrive on the creative energy and shared vision. If I had to pick a far-off, fantastical dream job outside of this, it would undoubtedly be commentating figure skating alongside the legendary Scott Hamilton. A girl can dream big, right?! But honestly, Fit Foodie Finds is where my heart is right now, and I couldn’t be happier.
10. Chocolate Candy or Gummy Candy?
Hands down, dark chocolate. Always dark chocolate, and never milk chocolate for me. There’s a rich intensity and depth to dark chocolate that I simply adore. However, if there happens to be a bag of classic Haribo gummy bears within reach, all bets are off – you’ll find me making a beeline straight for those chewy, fruity delights!
11. Do You Have Any Animal Babies?
Yes, we have one really big, incredibly lovable animal baby! His name is Thor, and he’s a wonderful mix of Labrador, hound, and Great Dane. This gentle giant weighs in at a substantial 90 pounds, and he is, without a doubt, a snuggly ball of pure love. We adopted Thor about three years ago when he was a much smaller 30 pounds, and our vet initially estimated he’d grow to around 50-60 pounds. But Thor just kept growing taller and taller! Today, he stands proudly up to my waist. He absolutely adores trail runs with us, has an unexpected passion for bananas, and provides endless entertainment trying to befriend every dog he sees on the TV screen. He’s a cherished member of our family.
12. What Is Your Guilty Pleasure When It Comes to Food?
My ultimate guilty pleasure food is definitely ice cream. And to be specific, nothing beats a scoop of rich Oreo ice cream from Izzy’s in Minneapolis, perfectly topped with one of their famous “Izzy scoops” of cotton candy ice cream. It’s a nostalgic combination that delivers pure happiness in every bite. The creamy texture, the crunch of the Oreos, and the fluffy sweetness of the cotton candy are simply irresistible. It’s the perfect treat after a long week or to celebrate a special moment.
13. Do You Have Any Special Talents?
Well, I can proudly name all the state capitals in the U.S. – but there’s a catch! I can only do it when I sing them in a specific song I learned way back in 5th grade social studies class. Does that count as a special talent? It certainly impresses some people! If not, then you’ll definitely want to check out my second (and arguably equally impressive, if not more so!) special talent revealed in Q21.
14. What Is Your Favorite Beer?
I have a true appreciation for well-crafted sour beers, with their refreshing tartness, and a robust, fresh hop IPA that bursts with vibrant flavors. Choosing just one favorite is nearly impossible given the incredible variety out there! However, I absolutely adore Bent Paddle Harness, a fantastic option that perfectly balances complexity and drinkability. Rush River Scenic is another go-to for its consistent quality and delightful notes. And for a unique and memorable experience, Fair State Roselle, a kettle sour brewed with hibiscus and rose hips, is simply divine. Each offers a distinct and satisfying brewing experience.
15. Do You Have Any Irrational Fears?
Okay, this might sound a bit odd, but I am *really* grossed out by raw poultry. The thought of touching it with my bare hands sends shivers down my spine, and cleaning cutting boards after it’s been in contact with raw chicken or turkey is a whole ordeal. I constantly question if they’re *ever* truly disinfected to my satisfaction! Any other raw meat, like beef or pork, I’m perfectly fine with handling and preparing. It’s just something about raw poultry that I find particularly unsettling and unappealing.
16. Tell Us About Your Siblings… If You Have Any.
I have one younger, but considerably taller, brother named David. He’s truly one of my best friends, and he lives in Milwaukee, where he manages The Wicked Hop. If you ever find yourself exploring Milwaukee’s vibrant Third Ward, I highly recommend heading to The Wicked Hop for what many consider the absolute best Bloody Mary in the city – tell him I sent you! Beyond that, I recently gained a pretty kickass sister-in-law, my first and only “little sissy,” Linley. It’s been wonderful to have her officially become family and to share this incredible journey at Fit Foodie Finds with her.
17. If You Could Be a Professional Sports Player of Any Kind, What Would You Be?
Without a shadow of a doubt, I would be a professional figure skater. FOR SURE. I grew up figure skating, dedicating countless hours to the ice, and later had the incredible experience of skating on the synchronized skating team at the University of Minnesota during college. The grace, power, and artistry of the sport have always captivated me, and I vividly remember dreaming of one day competing in the Olympics. That passion for the ice still burns bright, even if my professional skating days are a fond memory!
18. If There Was an Apocalypse, What’s the First Thing You Would Do?
This is a question my husband, Bryce, and I have actually discussed and planned for years, so we’re ready! Our first move would be to quickly gather all our essential camping gear, load up our canoe, and head straight for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. It’s a remote, pristine wilderness area in northern Minnesota with thousands of lakes and rivers. We figure its vastness, natural resources, and challenging terrain would offer the best chance for survival and self-sufficiency. Is it weird to have an apocalypse plan? Maybe, but it’s definitely a testament to our adventurous spirits!
19. What Is Your Favorite Season?
FALL. Hands down, no contest. And specifically, a Minnesota fall is an experience unlike any other. If you’ve never had the pleasure of experiencing the crisp air, the vibrant tapestry of falling leaves, and the golden sunlight while hiking or running on the thousands of miles of trails we have here, you absolutely must add it to your bucket list. Beyond the breathtaking scenery, I’m also a huge enthusiast of cooking and baking with harvest crops – pumpkins, apples, squash, root vegetables – so fall truly is my jam. It’s a season of beauty, comfort, and culinary inspiration.
20. Do Blondes or Brunettes Have More Fun? You’ve Been Both…
The jury is still out on this one! I initially met Lee and Linley when I was a brunette, embracing a darker, richer hair color. I then got married as a blonde, enjoying a lighter, brighter look. Currently, I find myself somewhere delightfully in-between, exploring a balance of both. Honestly, I’ve had so much fun and created countless cherished memories during each phase, regardless of my hair color. I think the amount of fun one has is far more about attitude and circumstance than it is about genetics or hair dye!
21. Would You Rather Have 10 Big Toes or 11 Pinky Fingers?
This is an easy one for me: 10 big toes, without a doubt! Here’s a fun fact about me: my pinky fingers are unusually short compared to the rest of my fingers. They’re so short, in fact, that I don’t even use them when I type; my ring fingers just naturally do double the work. So, the thought of having *eleven* of those tiny, less-functional pinkies would be far from ideal and quite cumbersome. You certainly won’t find me standing in as the hand model for @Linleyshands anytime soon with my tiny pinkies!
That’s all for now, Fit Foodie Finds fam! I’m genuinely thrilled to be a full-time part of this incredible team and community, and I look forward to connecting with more of you. Please feel free to follow me on Instagram at @EmilyKRichter for more behind-the-scenes glimpses into my life and our work here at Fit Foodie Finds. Stay tuned for many more exciting things to come!