Everyone has their own personal style and the way they express themselves. Sometimes there are those people in the world that pave their own road. We spoke to Tina Cao of Instagram’s @Wonderbabee. Tina sets an example for ambitious, carefree, fashionable, multicultural and international women everywhere. She shares with us that not everything you see online is as what it seems. Follow your passion and happiness will find a way into your life too.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself/your story, how you developed an interest in traveling and why you decided to launch a travel-food-focused Instagram account?
TC: Food gives you such a sense of comfort, a feeling of warmth. It’s something everyone can enjoy. Combine that with travelling makes it the perfect match. Travelling became an interest since I was a teen. Being able to explore different cultures and cuisines was amazing. I think the thrill of it comes from being able to put yourself into someone else’s shoes and trying out a day in the life of someone that lives a totally different lifestyle than yours.
What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced while traveling?
TC: Learning to keep an open mind and not being afraid. Sure, we don’t eat bugs on a daily basis, but they do. I had to learn to accept that every country has their own uniqueness and to embrace it instead of turning up my nose. Maybe even join in on a couple scorpions or two!
How has your style or content changed since you first started? Also how do you capture just the right shot at the right moment?
TC: I don’t even know what my style is! As I grow and mature so does my style. I go through phases all the time; I’m still figuring myself out.
There is no such thing as a perfect shot! But it is learning to just love the first 3 pictures you take because it’s you. Instead of dealing with taking 100 pictures, editing, and filtering the crap out of it. I used to play around with all that and waste so much time. I realized; I just want to be me. Take it or leave it.
What do you think is unique about your audience and the way that you engage with them?
TC: My audience are genuine followers that has been following for quite a while. They aren’t people just following to get followers. I wouldn’t say how I engage is unique, but I treat my followers like friends. I reply, I like, I comment. I don’t ignore 🙂
If you could go back in time and visit any city or country in another period, when and where would you go?
TC: That’s a hard one… I would pick Paris in the 20’s. Lots of Great Gatsby fun vibes!
When choosing whether to work with a brand, how do you decide? How do you ensure that sponsored content fits in seamlessly with your feed?
TC: I choose brands that I personally want to try out and perhaps buy for myself. With that in mind, I would only choose brands that are affordable and are of good quality. I’m not an artsy content creator so I don’t really care if it fits as long as I am promoting to my followers’ products that I actually like.
In what single way would you say social media has most changed your life?
TC: Being able to talk to people around the world has been amazing. It’s crazy how you can be talking to a total stranger across the world with a completely different lifestyle yet still share the same interest in fashion.
What’s the best advice you ever received about Instagram?
TC: No one is actually that happy.
What is still your biggest challenge on Instagram?
TC: Worrying about how people perceive me through pictures.
Is there certain photography gear you use for your photos?
TC: I use to have a Sony DSLR but I realized it’s such a hassle to bring around. I now use a Samsung S10 and it still produces great quality pictures.
What’s next for you? What are your future plans?
TC: Hopefully more travelling and more eating! I am hoping to visit Japan and Vietnam next summer. Maybe an all-inclusive to Jamaica as well!
If you had to pick either food or travel, which would you go with?
TC: I would pick food hands down. Every plate is a travel experience. Ha! So cheesy!
Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
TC: I have a full-time job and then some. I’m by no means an Instagram model or content creator. I don’t have the funds or skills to live off that! I just want to share with the readers that there is so much more to a person than just a picture. Also, travel, eat, and be open minded!
