Emma Bickley, better know online as @photobeforeweeat, is a Canberra based food creative who loves telling the stories behind each bite. Whether it’s taking photos, curating social media content or chatting on the airwaves, she’s got a voracious appetite (lol) for new food experiences. You’ll find her swooning over beautiful produce at the markets, developing recipes in the kitchen, sipping gin or slurping noodles while trying to chat at the same time. And if you’ve ever been at her table, you’ll know she always remember to take a Photo Before We Eat.

Emma interviewed me 7 years ago, when the business was a twinkle in my eye. One of my measures for if I know I’m going to be fast friends with someone, is if they smile while they talk. It sounds strange because you think it’s something that’s easy to do, but if you take notice, you’ll realise that it’s not that common. Within minutes of being with Emma, I was hooked by her huge smile from ear to ear and her genuine warmth. Her energy and positivity is infectious, and I can’t even explain how much I’ve learnt from her. She’s the friend that always makes sure your belly and soul are full on her watch.

Before Emma was leading her current creative life, she went to law school, and I was curious to see how someone could go in one door to consumer law, in an industry that isn’t considered typically creative - check out episode 2 of the podcast with Louise Morris if you haven’t already - and then come out through the door that leads to edible flowers, and yuzu, and Bahn mi, and plant based chestnut burgers, or how to achieve the perfect chicken soup.

I started off by asking Emma what she’d do with her time on day two of winning $100m dollars. I’m excited for you to hear how her life experiences have shaped her creativity, and how the food experience has the ability to connect all of us no matter our language, background, budget, and dietary preferences.

Connect

www.instagram.com.au/oathandstone

www.instagram.com/photobeforeweeat

www.emmabickley.com