As much as I’ve always tried to keep it a big secret, I am the founder and CEO of a boutique Social Media Marketing Agency. For years, I kept my two lives very separate, but as I become more and more open online, it’s getting hard not to share such a big part of my life.
A few weeks back, I got a call from one of my clients (and now very good friend, Sebastian (Seb) from Dorothy Cheese. He asked me if I could take a day or two and sneak off to San Francisco, visit them at the Fancy Food Show and attend a few dinners. I’m always down for a last minute trip and any chance I get to hang out with Seb and the team is seriously the best day ever. He’s one of my favorite clients and I learn so much from him every single day.
So, I was off on what I thought was a quick, super-private work trip that I’d never end up sharing publicly…
But something happened.
Something CRAZY.
Let me start from the beginning…
When I arrived to San Francisco, I was fighting a really bad sinus infection (and a double ear infection to boot). Like I said, spending time with the Dorothy’s crew is such a priority for me, so I was going no matter what. That said, getting out of bed and making it through the day was tough. So tough, I ended up going to an urgent care AND an ENT while I was there to ensure I wasn’t doing more damage.
On the second night I was there, Seb asked me if I could come to the tri-annual Guilde des Fromagers New World Chapter 558th induction ceremony. He said he was a member of this prestigious organization and really wanted me to see what it’s about and take some photos/videos for the brand since Dorothy’s was going to be displayed. I didn’t know much about the Guilde other than it’s a really old private society of cheese mongers, lovers and supporters all over the world. So of course, I was in. I mean, who could pass up the chance to rub elbows with elite cheese lovers?
To give you some context, the Guilde is a non-profit organization established in 1969. It’s aims to transmit knowledge through cheese companionship and tap into the dairy network worldwide. There is currently just over 7,000 members across more than 33 countries and has some of the world’s leading gastronomes, chefs and restaurants owners, caterers, food scientists, journalists and cheese aficionados. The current President is world-famous cheesemonger and owner of the iconic Fromagerie Barthélemy, Roland Barthélemy.
Most people wait years and years to get inducted into this prestigious organization and I couldn’t have been more excited to see Seb in all the regalia while watching this ceremony take place.
When the ceremony started, I stood in the way back of the room so that I could catch a great shot of the procession (the members dress up and walk into the room similar to a graduation) and then have a clear view of CEO of Savencia Fromage & Dairy, Jean-Paul Torris, Dominique Huth (CEO of Savencia Cheese USA) and of course, Seb! Within a few minutes, they began to announce the newest members.
The first name was called…
“The Guilde would like to induct, Erica Eckman”.
I couldn’t move. I must have misunderstood. Alas, it was true! I was being inducted and I couldn’t believe my ears. Seb and another colleague, Emma had nominated me for my work on Dorothy’s in 2018. I had helped them launch the brand and have been quietly the voice for the last 12 months. I wish I could tell you exactly what Seb said about me as they were inducting me, but I was in complete shock and I just kind of blacked out a little!
Left to right: Cathy Strange, President of the Club New World (USA – CANADA – MEXICO – AUSTRALIA) of the Guilde International des Fromagers – also – Global buyer for Whole Foods, Sebastien Lehembre – Senior brand manager Savencia Cheese USA, Jean-Paul Torris – CEO Savencia Fromage, David Gemmels CEO of Rogue Creamer, Will Studd Australian Cheesemonger http://www.willstudd.com/, Roland Barthelemy President of the International Cheese Guild and Ambassador of Cheese (often called the Pope of Cheese), Dominique Huth – CEO Savencia Cheese USA, Carlos Yescas – Oldways Cheese Coalition http://www.oldwayscheese.org/
All I know is, in that moment, I felt apart of something special. I felt recognized. I felt valued and most of all, I felt like I was truly a part of a team.
So, you’re looking at the 7,000 member of the Guilde Internationale des Fromagers and I couldn’t be more proud to represent such an amazing organization.
Love always,
Erica
