Role
Content creator, Social media manager
Timeline
July 2020 - Aug 2022
In the midst of the 2020 pandemic, I started @renees.food on Instagram, sharing healthy recipes for fun. To my surprise, some posts gained traction. What started as a casual hobby quickly transformed into something more as likes and comments began pouring in.
I began dedicating time to testing and developing recipes, curating content, filming and editing tutorials, and managing comments and inquiries. Some of my videos went viral, reaching over a million views, and posts were garnering thousands of likes. As my recipes gained popularity, I felt motivated to explore and innovate new culinary ideas and share them with my growing audience.
Viral on Pinterest, lunch idea.
Viral on Instagram Reels, chilled oats recipe.
Chickpea blondies.
Oatmeal bowl.
Single-serve cookie testing.
Cookie-filled pancakes.
Brand Partnerships
As the account grew, I started partnering with food brands. This involved negotiating with brand representatives, brainstorming recipes using specific ingredients, creating content aligned with their brand values. Here's a look at some of the sponsored content I've created:
Bob's Red Mill, graham crackers.
Partake Foods, heart-shaped pizzas.
Daily Harvest, breakfast idea.
Sunny's Shop LA (ceramics), waffles.
Bob's Red Mill, Twix bars.
Lessons Learned
At its height, @renees.food reached over 26,000 followers. But as my other commitments demanded attention, I made the tough choice to step back, deactivating my account to focus on my education and personal goals.
My two-year food blogging experience taught me more than just photography and cooking. I learned to manage time effectively, maintaining a consistent posting schedule. Analytics helped me understand my audience, allowing me to create targeted content. I connected with fellow food enthusiasts, turning online friendships into a supportive community. While the account is no longer active, these skills continue to be valuable in my personal and professional life.
