Article originally posted by shoutoutarizona.com.
We had the good fortune of connecting with Marci Symington and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Marci, can you tell us about a book that has had a meaningful impact on you?
I am drawn to books about strong women who have accomplished amazing goals despite the odds and the expectations that society placed upon them. West With The Night is an incredible autobiography by Beryl Markham, the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic from England to North American in 1936. She was also an accomplished horse trainer and rider in Kenya. In 2015, Paula McLain wrote a historical novel about Beryl called, Circling The Sun, which is a wonderful read as well. Beryl Markham is an example of someone who never let anyone define her, an inspiration I think about almost daily. I push myself to follow my passion and to ignore any negativity.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Tough question. My career has not followed a direct route at all. I started out as a CPA and ended up as a freelance writer/photographer, sprinkled in with Culinary School and raising three kids. My biggest anxiety was wondering if I would ever find something that I enjoyed doing, and it took a long time, but I finally figured that out. I think the best advice is to not overthink it.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well since I have a food blog, I would have to start with food for sure! And I am going to limit my answers to places in Phoenix only: Restaurants: FnB, Tarbell’s, Crujiente Tacos, Tratto, and Hush Public House. Breakfast brunch at Hash Kitchen.
Cocktails: Bitter & Twisted, Little Rituals, Platform 18, Undertow, sunset from Wrigley Mansion and The Jade Bar at The Sanctuary, and Wright’s Bar at the Biltmore for a final final.
Massage at The Sanctuary, hikes in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, hot air balloon ride with Rainbow Ryders, tour of Taliesin West, strolling art galleries in Old Town Scottsdale, head to Gilbert to check out Agritopia and have a glass of AZ wine at Garage East, a visit to the Desert Botanical Garden, and lounging by the pool at the new air conditioned cabanas at the Biltmore.
I know I will think of more or worse yet, that I forgot a favorite, but that is what comes to mind right at this moment!
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My children. They are often my inspiration for stories and photography, always patient and willing to lend a hand, whether it is posing for a photo or holding a bounce board. Working freelance has the big advantage of enabling me to work out of my house, but I sometimes find that it is hard to get away from work, and I often take work with me on weekends and vacations. Nonetheless, they remain very supportive when I have deadlines and work together to do the household chores and make meals when I cannot.
Website: www.texaztaste.com
Instagram: texaztaste
Facebook: texaztaste
Image Credits
My portrait photo by Christine Johnson. Food photography is by Marci Symington for texaztaste.com.
1 comment
Beautiful profile, Marci. You are such an inspiration. I love your blog and stories. The photographs are always very professional and capture the best of the experience.
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