Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Manning.
Allison, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Since college, I’ve always loved finding the hottest new restaurants or the best happy hours in town. All my friends and family would come to me on where to find the best food and drinks in Houston. I would watch food shows like Hell’s Kitchen or the Food Network and be fascinated by the beauty of the plate. This inspired me to take photos of the food I ate so I could show it off to family and friends and brag about how delicious it was. A few big chain restaurants noticed my work and asked if they could use it for their emails, blogs and social media. Excitingly, I told my little sister and she told me I should start an Instagram page for just my food pictures. After our conversation, I decided she was right. Now that I am two years in, I’m glad I made the decision. I have met such wonderful people on this journey and made some great relationships. I’ve also gotten to try new foods that I would have never tried before.
Has it been a smooth road?
At first, you think, “A food IG brand? That should be a piece of cake!” Coming from a background in marketing and sales, I knew I would have to put that to work in the social media realm. I took the time to research Instagram pages like mine and how the engagement algorithm of Instagram works. It was pretty easy at first but over time with the consistent change in the app and its algorithm has made it harder to engage with my followers. This includes but not subject to posting at the right time of day, engaging in a timely matter with followers on each post, liking and commenting on other posts like mine and building rapport with restaurants and private chefs. In addition to this, I have had to use other avenues for marketing my blog. I have learned how to not just market on Instagram but I’m now dabbling with Yelp and Facebook.
Another struggle I had was learn food photography. Food photography wasn’t like anything I have dealt with before. I wanted to bring my followers photos that made them hungry since we also eat with our eyes. In the beginning, I didn’t know the angels, how to stage the food when it comes out, lighting and knowing the fact I will always eat semi-cold food after I’ve gotten the 30th shot. Not to mention, Houston weather is so unpredictable its hard to plan food events with great sunlight.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Pretty Girl Eats Houston – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Pretty Girl Eats Houston is a social media brand that advertises beautiful food pictures and reviews about restaurants. We use our social media avenues to partner with restaurants, food trucks and private chefs to help market their amazing dishes. Our biggest platform is Instagram but we have slowly gotten into the Facebook and Yelp market. We are best known for making you hungry. We are most proud of using our platform to help connect our constituents with hungry patrons that might not know they exist. Sometimes people are afraid to try new foods and I’m happy to bring them closer to venturing out of their comfort zone. I love sharing upcoming food trucks, private chefs and small restaurants with my followers and watching them fall in love with their food.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I like that we are the melting pot. We have so many different cultures that have migrated and settled in Houston. The fact I can try Lebanese food in the Galleria area then go downtown and get authentic Vietnamese food without having to travel the world is amazing. Also, I’m from the Caribbean and love the fact I can find a Caribbean restaurant that sells curry goat in almost every neighborhood.
The only thing I can’t stand about Houston is the weather. One minute it’s hot and humid and then the next it’s sunny and raining. I always tell people to make sure you have an umbrella, rain boots, a coat/sweater and tank top in your car.
Contact Info:
- Email: Prettygirleatshouston@gmail.com
- Instagram: @prettygirleatshouston
- Facebook: @prettygirleatshouston
- Yelp: https://prettygirleatsh.yelp.com/
- Other: @golden_Goddess2
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