Today we’d like to introduce you to Candice Duhon.
Candice, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I don’t know that I could really say there was a moment where Haute and Hangry really started. It really kind of came about organically from who I am as a person. I’m a native Houstonian and love everything about living here (even the heat) and I think our food scene is vastly underrated. I love checking out all the latest bars and restaurants, reading every Thrillist or Eater Houston article out there, and just exploring everything this city has to offer. Because it’s something I love and am really interested in, I just became the go-to resource for all of my family, coworkers, and college friends on where to eat and what to do in Houston and my page was just kind of born.
Also… anyone even remotely close to me can tell you that my hanger is so real.
Has it been a smooth road?
Honestly, my biggest struggle has just been getting out of my own head. I’ve talked about starting this page for years but was always able to come up with multiple reasons why I shouldn’t do it or why it wouldn’t work out. It sounds cliché but I was my own worst enemy. One of my biggest things was always, “oh, there’s hundreds of other people out there doing exactly what I want to do”. Now it kills me to think about where I would be now if I had just started the first time I said that.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Haute and Hangry – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
So, as I mentioned earlier, I recognize there’s hundreds of different foodie accounts out there and hundreds of different lifestyle bloggers, so what makes me different? Honestly, I think there are a couple of big things that set me apart. First is the fact that I started this because I want to share what I love about Houston, not necessarily start a career. Because of this, I’m adamant about only posting about places and things I really and truly love and want to share with the world, and I think this is what I’m most proud of. Secondly, the fact that I almost exclusively focus on inner loop or very close to it (aside from my travel adventures). I always get so sad when I see something delicious or super fun on a page only to find out it’s in Katy or Cypress. Then lastly, I try to be 100% real in my posts. I have a big personality. Sometimes I curse, sometimes post a video leaving the gym with literally no make-up on and sweat-soaked hair but that’s me and I love who I am. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea but, like I said before, there are plenty of pages out there and I never want to sacrifice who I am to gain a couple hundred more followers.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
What to I like least about our city? The traffic, of course.
All jokes aside, I think what I like least is just how overlooked we are nationally. Houston is such a great place to live, work, or even just come for a fun weekend. There’s so much amazing culture and food and art, and I really feel like it’s exceptionally underrated.
What I like best about our city is how there’s something for truly everyone. Houston is one of the most diverse places in the world and all different types of people can live here, love here, and build a fulfilling life here.
Contact Info:
- Email: candice.c.duhon@gmail.com
- Instagram: _hauteandhangry
Image Credit:
Main photo – Angela Nobles Photography
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