We’ve all been there — scrolling through an endless Instagram feed of mouthwatering images of food. Whether through colorful images so rich you swear you could taste it or through videos so tempting you can imagine the smell of it being prepared right before you. This is where Kimmy’s journey began, at this juncture, at this moment.
Why did you decide to startup an Instagram and document your foodie adventures?
KM: My friends have always asked me for recommendations, and I couldn’t remember every place or detail, so I started recording everything I and places I went to. Then, I decided to really invest my time into blogging and opened Kimmy.EATS on Instagram.
How did you discover your passion for food?
KM: Well, when I was six and mom decided to buy me an easy-bake oven. It was GAME OVER. I baked until the kitchen was covered with flour and eggshells.
Do you eat all the food you take pictures of and how often do you go out to eat?
KM: This is the question that is constantly being asked. I will try everything I take photos of, but ONLY if it’s delicious I will finish it. I try to meal prep as a balance diet during the week, but if you’re asking for a number probably 4+ times a week.
Your photos are flawless, how long does it take you to get the perfect shot?
KM: Photography is an art of its own, so it takes some kind of creative eye for composition and editing. Timing depends on who I’m with. If it’s just me, I would take up to an hour. Most of the time I’m with people so I try not to let the food get too cold so tops 5 minutes.
What would you say is the most underrated aspect of working in social media?
KM: First off, most businesses do not understand how it works, the algorithm, etc. There’s a lot of work and constant changes that you have to keep up to date. So, as an influencer our value is underrated, which sucks but not everyone understands what we do.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
KM: Tough one. I can’t say this is the best one, but the one that stuck with me the most. “No one is going to make that change but you.”
Where do you hope this Instagram Food journey takes you? What’s in the stars?
KM: Honestly, I don’t know. I thought about how cool it would be to be able to travel and eat so that’s something I’ve thought about.
How big is the food scene in Dallas/Nola? Would you say its bigger than some of the other metropolitan areas?
KM: Compared to most places I’ve been Dallas and Nola are the smaller ones, but definitely have their own cuisines. Dallas, I would say, is more fusion so you’ll find more places that are willing to try a new mix of the traditional dishes. They offer a ton of restaurants, but I couldn’t say I’ve tried them all yet. Meanwhile, you have Nola which is completely traditional and spot on creole/Cajun. I would say known for their happy hours and brunch, very touristy as well.
Tell us your favorite cuisine/restaurants to visit in Dallas or Nola, or both?
KM: Nola beats Dallas by a long run. This could be bias, because I grew up around there, so it is most of what I know. But I love our Cajun boiled crawfish vs the tossed in the garlic butter sauce, which most places are doing now. I’m just a big sucker for seafood so New Orleans just offers more in general. And, there’s a bunch of restaurants I can say I LOVE in New Orleans: Bearcat, Herbsaint. Banana Blossom, and that’s just a few.
How do you think the rise of influencer accounts on Instagram has impacted on the way that people discover restaurants/bars/food?
KM: Highly. Influencers are the new way to market and advertise.
When you’re not doing social media, what are you doing to just kickback and relax?
KM: You can probably find me hanging out with my friends, traveling, or at a bar.
Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
KM: I have a personal quote “Believe in something. Work at something. Make something out of nothing.”
