Hey Y'all, I'm Heather!
Born and raised a proud University of Kentucky Wildcat, I've been cooking since I was old enough to stand on a stool beside my mom at the counter. These days, I still make everything from scratch, the Southern way, but with a fresh twist that fits our modern lives.
I live in Central Kentucky with my beautiful family, where my favorite thing to do is open our home. Whether you're showing up in your comfies for takeout after a long week, or I've pulled out all the stops for a full-on themed dinner party. (And trust me, I love both.)
I've been writing a monthly food column for Kentucky Living magazine since 2020, where I share two recipes each month-plus a video! Over the years, my work has been recognized with two national photography awards:
- 🥇 2025 First Place - Scenic/Pictorial, Cooperative Communicators Association (Strawberry Shortcake)
- 🥉 2024 Third Place - Scenic/Pictorial, Cooperative Communicators Association (Pumpkin Pie)
When I'm not developing recipes or photographing food for Fueling a Southern Soul, you can find me over at Heather Bilyeu Studios, where I work with brands to capture the beauty and story behind the food we all love.
Everything I know in the kitchen started with watching my mom. Learning how to cut out tender biscuits, crimp the edges of a pie crust, and make people feel loved through a good meal. Now, I get to share that with all of you-Southern roots, modern-day soul.
5 Fun Facts About Me
- I graduated with a Bacheolors in Kinesiology from the University of Kentucky and have my CSCS certification through the NSCA. I spent 10 years prior to blogging coaching high school track and cross country (I have been running myself since 6th grade!) and working in a strength and conditioning gym training high school athletes. 🏃♀️🏋️♂️
- My guilty TV pleasure is all things BRAVO - Vanderpump Rules and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills - love! My most favorite show will never change ...New Girl I love you so much! 📺
- 3 most favorite liquids - water, wine, coffee ... and we will give sweet tea and honorable mention 😉 💧🍷☕️
- I am an early to bed early to rise kinda person. ⏰
- I will forever live or die by a paper planner. You can't change me. 🤓📓
