My name is Whitney, and I’m the founder of Fabulous in Fayette, which is a blog that celebrates the fabulous city of Lexington, the great state of Kentucky, and Southern living. I’m your go-to guide for everything Lexington, Southeast Kentucky, and the Commonwealth. I started Fabulous in Fayette in 2016, because I wanted to highlight all of the amazing businesses. I focus on local restaurants and businesses, recipes, events, things to do, and everything local. I would always see people complain that there is nothing to do, but that is simply not true. There is tons to do! You just have to open your eyes and get out and explore and step out of your comfort zone! I wanted to be a resource for everyone, not only the residents of Kentucky but any tourists visiting the area. I wanted to encourage others that no matter where they live, they should get out and explore and shop local! I’m no stranger to blogging and actually began that journey back in 2009. I had my first blog for 6 years, before I shut it down in early 2015 and began Fabulous in Fayette in 2016. I’m originally a small-town girl from Pikeville, nestled into the rolling mountains of Appalachia. In 2008, after graduating from college, I made the move to Lexington.
Q: How long have you lived/worked in Lexington?
13 years
Q: What led you to your current career and why do you love it?
I have two bachelor’s degrees (Bachelor’s in Psychology and Bachelor’s in Communication), as well as a master’s in Counseling. I hated the counseling field, so I left immediately after I graduated from graduate school. Honestly, I kind of stumbled into my current job. It had to do with luck and fate. I saw a random comment in a random facebook group I joined, and the rest is history! That was back in 2015 and I’ve been working there ever since. I’m an ESL teacher (English as a Second Language) and I teach adults English.
Q: What would you like for people to know about your job/business?
Regarding my teaching job, it’s been really rewarding to help people reach their goal of speaking English. Regarding blogging, sometimes it’s hard to stay inspired and to create content, because I have a love/hate relationship with social media. There are lots of things that go on behind the scenes, as well as a dark side, which can make it hard to stay motivated.
Q: What or who has been your biggest inspiration?
I don’t get my inspiration from any one person. I get my inspiration from everything around me
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Lexington and what is your go-to item on the menu?
I have many favorites! I love the Pimento Chicken Sandwich from Saul Good. I also love the Beef Shawarma Platter from Mr. Kabab. The Chicken in Country Biscuits from OBC Kitchen is amazing! The Savory Chicken and Waffles and the Hot Brown Eggs Benedict from Carson’s are amazing brunch dishes!
Q: If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would love to go to Australia because of the beaches and all of the interesting birds
Q: What is your favorite thing about Lexington?
I love how many local businesses there are and the food scene is so great. I also love how it is a bigger city, but still has a small-town feel
Q: Where do you take friends and family from out of town when they visit?
Depending on the time of year, it’s hard to beat Keeneland for a genuine Kentucky experience. A tour at one of the many bourbon distilleries is always a fun time!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
No matter where I’ll be, I want to be happy with my family and a big garden.
Q: If you could have lunch with any living person, who would it be?
Mookie Betts
Q: Where can we find you on your day off?
If I’m at home, I’m hanging out with my dogs, feeding and watching the birds in my backyard, and watching Netflix. If I’m out and about, I like eating at a local restaurant and antique shopping. If it’s baseball season, I’m most definitely watching my favorite team, the Dodgers.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I want to visit all 30 MLB stadiums.
Q: What is something that most people don’t know about you?
I’ve been playing piano since I was 5 years old.
Q: What is a topic you wish you knew more about?
Gardening. I hope to have my own garden next spring.
Q: What is your favorite movie or TV show & what are you currently binge-watching?
I just finished watching Squid Game and Alice in Borderland. I’m currently watching season 3 of You. I also plan on watching Dopesick.
Q: What do you feel is an essential part of your daily or weekly routine that contributes to your overall well-being?
I love taking a bath, sitting by myself for a few hours, and feeding the birds in my backyard.
Q: If you were cast in a movie, who would your co-star be?
Jonah Hill, because he can be funny or serious
Q: Who is your go to band or artist when you can’t decide on something to listen to?
It depends on my mood, but I usually let it shuffle through my Spotify playlists.
Q: If you could give advice to any group of people, what would it be?
March to the beat of your own drum. Don’t let someone make you feel stupid for liking something. People are always going to have something to say, so you should do what makes you happy. It’s your life, after all.
