The world is of stories of people who have made their mark through their passion, creativity, and expertise. Heather King, a Utah-based communications professional, has established herself as a prominent figure in the experience marketing and journalism fields by telling those stories.
As a professional restaurant critic and food and travel writer, she’s constantly searching out hidden gems and hot spots, and her work has been published in print and digital publications throughout the United States.
Meet Heather King, journalist, storyteller, and communications guru.
Wordsmith
Heather’s first and true love is writing—going back to junior high when she began penning articles for the school newspaper and then served as her high school yearbook editor. In college, she decided on communications and English degrees before pursuing her Master of Professional Communication.
Heather’s commitment to storytelling and the search for the best food and drink has earned her a place among the best food writers in the country. She’s regularly quoted as an expert in the state and has been nominated for several accolades that recognize excellence in food journalism. Her creative approach to food writing, combined with her brutally honest critiques, has won her a devoted fan base, both locally and nationally.
At Elle Marketing, Heather’s work is primarily focused on curated blog post content for clients (many of them food-related). However, she’s also adept at website copy, emails, and event promotion.
Communications Expert
Her writing work eventually led to her professional career as a magazine editor, experienced marketing director, and communications director for a variety of corporate and non-profit businesses in the engineering and health industries.
Heather excels at content strategy, email marketing, digital marketing strategy, social media marketing, thought leadership, writing, editing, branding, SEO, and public relations for various client types.
In addition, she is a sought-after speaker and commentator on all things food. She’s been featured in various media outlets and has delivered presentations at a multitude of events and conferences across the country.
Throughout her career, she’s spearheaded several award-winning content campaigns, including winning PR Daily’s Corporate Social Responsibility Award and being named a finalist for PR News’ Nonprofit Awards Corporate/Nonprofit Partnership award.
Decades of Dedication to Dining and Drinking
“My interest in food and hospitality spans nearly three decades,” she explains about her passion for sharing insights about the culinary world both at home and abroad. “As the food landscape in Utah has blossomed, it’s heartening to see a talented group of dedicated professionals—chefs, farmers, artisan producers—make a name for the state.”
Over the years, she’s honed her writing style to effortlessly blend personal anecdotes and restaurant recommendations, making her writing relatable and engaging to readers. One of her passions is championing local products and producers. She believes that food isn’t just about taste and flavors but also about the impact on the environment and the community.
It’s that connection that makes her so proud of her most recent accolade: serving as a James Beard Awards judge and recognizing exceptional talent in the culinary world.
To continually train her palate, she’s willing to eat almost anything, but her favorite foods always come from the sea. And in true pandemic fashion, her wine cellar has grown exponentially, and she enjoys sharing some of her treasures with her wine club or over a homecooked meal.
Traveling Around the World
As any good food and travel writer knows, experience is key to reflecting the terroir of any locale, so her travels have taken her to 29 countries so far, yet just 14% of the world. A certified diver, she’s slowly ticking off bucket-list dives.
She’s recently returned from her first trip to South America—a wine tour of Mendoza, Argentina, and Santiago, Chile and is excited to continue to explore this vast continent.
“There is so much more to see,” she continues. In the past decade, Europe has been her favorite destination, and she aims to visit new cities several times each year.
She’s still pursuing her quest to visit all 50 states in the United States. “I just need to find something to do in West Virginia and North Dakota to finish my tour of America,” she laughs.
As a season ticket holder to the Chicago Cubs, Heather finds herself in that great Midwestern food city frequently and, with family on both coasts, enjoys seafood on either side.
At Home in Utah
Heather lives in Salt Lake City with her husband, Robert, and their 2 Great Danes, Nali and Teddy. A fan of flower gardening in her “urban oasis,” she also enjoys downhill skiing, golfing, and the natural beauty that Utah’s four seasons provide.
Heather has happily found her niche, and through her writing, speaking engagements, and media appearances. She is excited to continue exploring the fascinating world of food and documenting her discoveries.
If you’d like Heather King to help tell your story through Elle Marketing and Events, book your virtual consulting call today!