Today we’d like to introduce you to Dominique McFarland.
Dominique, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My Instagram journey began in 2016 after taking a year-long break from social media. During that time, I found myself taking photos of my meals simply to remember the experiences and restaurants I enjoyed. A friend suggested that I create a separate Instagram page dedicated to my food content. At the time, I had no idea that food blogging was such a popular niche on the platform, but I decided to take their advice and returned to Instagram as @Blkgirlreviews.
In the beginning, I only shared photos of my meals. That same friend later encouraged me to step in front of the camera and include myself in my content, which helped make my page more personal and authentic. Over time, my content naturally evolved from photos to videos—long before Instagram introduced Reels.
I don’t consider myself an influencer because I’ve never created content for the purpose of getting paid. My passion has always been rooted in genuinely sharing my dining experiences and highlighting great food. In an era where it’s common for people to buy followers or chase online popularity, I’m especially proud to say that I’ve built my audience organically. Every follower and every connection has come from a genuine love of food and authentic storytelling.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Overall, my journey as a food content creator has been a positive one, but like any creative pursuit, it has come with moments of self-doubt. There have been times when I’ve questioned whether my content was good enough or whether I was posting consistently enough. After more than a decade of creating content, it’s natural to see newer creators grow quickly and gain significant attention. However, I’ve learned that comparison can distract from the bigger picture. Instead, I choose to stay focused on my own journey, celebrate my growth, and continue creating content that reflects my passion and authenticity. I believe that consistency and staying true to yourself will always have lasting value.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
While food reviews remain the foundation of my platform, my content has evolved far beyond dining experiences. Staying true to the name @Blkgirlreviews, I’ve always wanted my brand to reflect a wide range of honest and authentic reviews rather than limit myself to just one niche. Over the years, I’ve expanded my content to include event coverage, product reviews, concerts, travel experiences, and beauty products. I also launched a YouTube channel where I share reviews and discussions about some of my favorite television shows. For me, the goal has always been to create a platform where I can authentically share the experiences and products that genuinely interest me while helping my audience discover new things along the way.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice to anyone just starting out is to create content that genuinely brings you joy. Focus on sharing what you’re passionate about, not what you think will perform the best. If you can look back at your older posts and still feel proud of what you created, then you’re on the right path. At the end of the day, it’s your platform and your story to tell. When you’re authentic and consistent, the right audience will naturally connect with your content. Don’t get caught up in trends or numbers—build something that reflects who you are, and your community will grow from there.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Blkgirlreviews
- Youtube: @Blkgirlreviews
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/JBFOYMiwCZ
