4 minute read
Kim Scott
LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE Alison Flavorista
by Kim Scott | photo taken from Alison's Facebook page
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Hailing from Niagra Falls, N.Y., Alison Beebe came to Topeka to work as a Registered Nurse at the Menninger Clinic. After nearly 15 years, when Menninger’s relocated to Houston, Texas, Alison relocated to assist with the transition. Five years and two hurricanes later, she returned to Topeka to continue her nursing career, this time working with the Veterans Administration. Her work as a behavioral health and addictions nurse has assisted many citizens on their journey towards healthier living. But this is only one side of Alison. Most of you know her as the supporter of all things local, as TopCity Flavorista.
Alison has championed the small local businesses by supporting the “buy local” mantra. If you follow her on FaceBook (and if you don’t, you should) you have heard, repeatedly, “if each of us spent $100 a year more on local businesses instead of chain stores, it would put an extra $3 million a year into our economy. Not only that, it would create thousands more jobs locally every year.” You may recognize her out and about town, shopping in NOTO, marching at the Capitol, or eating at a local eatery. She truly is one that “talks the talk" and "walks the walk."
In 2018, Alison begin serving as an administer on the Topeka Restaurant Facebook page. After some discussions, the group agreed to turn the page over to Alison. She voluntarily spends hours updating the page with local information regarding restaurants, businesses and events. She has become not only a supporter of these businesses, but a friend to many of the proprietors.
Along the way, Alison's dedication to the community was noticed by others. Kerrice Mapes from seveneightfive magazine contacted Alison and welcomed her as a writer for the magazine, focusing on local activities and honing her photography skills. "Local Flavorista: Eating vicariously through social influencer Alison Beebe" was her debute article summer of 2019. In January 2020, Alison renamed the Topeka Restaurant Facebook page to TopcityFlavorista Local Eats and Events. Today, it has over 14,000 followers. By 2020, Alison had also caught the eye of Danielle Norwood, local news anchor and talk show host for Alpha Media USA 580AM. Alison frequently has a guest spot on The Danielle Norwood Show which airs weekdays 1-2 p where they discuss all things local. This year, Alison has launched her own brand including AlisonFlavorista.com where she offers marketing and photography services and keeps visitors apprised of local places. Flavorista, a weekly podcast that airs every Wednesday on the 8s on KSEF-DB launched spring of 2021.
If all this doesn’t sound like she is doing her part locally, Alison’s passion for community has led her to serve on the board of directors for the YWCA Northeast Kansas and TopTeer.
Alison is a Woman Who Rocks as she continues to spread her love of Topeka, a flavor everyone enjoys. #LoveWhereYouLive
aseveneightfive
You are only limited by your imagination. Graced by C was born after imagining a simplified way to feed five children.
GRACED BY C
ART YOU CAN (AND WANT) TO EAT
by Alison Beebe | photos by Alison Beebe | AlisonFlavorista.com
Graced by C” is quite literally art you can eat. Customizable grazing boards or charcuterie for any occasion created by Cierra La’Shay.
“I simplified feeding my five children by making snacks and meals in charcuterie board style," said Cierra about her impetus for Graced by C. "There were fewer dishes while bonding over something everyone enjoys. Plus, the continual excitement in their reactions.”
Posting her unique and edible boards on social media, “I had constant pleas from friends and family to share my talent.” Thus, ‘Grazed by C’ was born in 2020.
The options are only limited by ones imagination: candy, BBQ, chicken and waffles, meat + cheese, cookies + candy. Follow her on FB and Instagram or contact her via email at grazedbyc@gmail.com Do you have a favorite cheese? Just one? No. I can’t live without smoked Gouda. I am an absolute sucker for Havarti Dill and enjoy a nice sharp aged cheddar. Don’t even get me started on Stumpy’s Smoked Cheeses either… Where do you see your business in another year or more? In my mind I see Grazed By C booming, I'll tell you that. Let's take it day-by-day. We are all in for a surprise that way.
Favorite food from your childhood That’s easy, boiled peanuts. It’s a southern thing. Don’t knock it until you try it. However, spaghetti will always be my number one. aseveneightfive
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