Photo credit: Stephanie Heymann

Courtney Francis, Co-Owner of Good Thyme Kitchen

Instagram: @goodthymekitchen

I chose this as my career because I have had a passion for cooking for as long as I can remember. What a blessing it is to actually turn a passion into a career!

I hope my greatest contribution to the Valley culinary scene is to inspire people to get into the kitchen and not be afraid to try new things.  

Preparing healthy meals for my family and getting my kids involved the in the process is what I love most about what I do. Cleaning up the mess is the biggest challenge. 

I separate myself and my brand from others in this field by cooking and creating meals that are not only healthy, but achievable and simplified for the busy person on the go. Kari and I created Good Thyme Kitchen for the sole purpose of inspiring people to get in the kitchen and make meals for their families and friends to enjoy together.  

I draw inspiration from one of my best friends from college who taught me so much about cooking.

My New Year’s resolution is to be present and live in the moment. Seems so simple but life can get so crazy busy these days with kids, sports, school and work that we start rushing through the motions.  

My greatest advice to share with young girls is to stay true to who you are and always be kind. There is so much pressure with social media today that it's easy to lose sight of what is really important in life.  

Kari Backlund, Co-Owner of Good Thyme Kitchen

I chose this as my career because cooking and creating recipes are my passions. They say that if you’re doing something you love, it’s not like you’re really working. I think I hit the jackpot because I am truly doing what I love!

I hope my greatest contribution to the Valley culinary scene is inspiring others to cook at home and create family memories in the kitchen.

Cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients and developing recipes that are family-friendly and healthy is what I love most about what I do. Doing the dishes is the biggest challenge. 

I separate myself and my brand from others in this field by our message. It is simple: time spent around the dinner table with family and friends is invaluable. A home-cooked meal is an easy way to bring loved ones together.

I draw inspiration from my mom and my late grandma. I learned from the best! I’m from an Italian family, and I grew up spending countless hours in the kitchen with my mom and my grandma. My mom and I still cook a lot together, and now my kids join us as well. It makes my heart happy to know that they are creating similar memories with us, and I know that my grandma is looking down on us with a huge smile on her face.

My greatest advice to share with young girls is don’t let others determine your self-worth. Be the best version of yourself that you can be, and you can accomplish anything you set your sights on.