Melody, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started my Instagram about a year ago and my blog about 3 months after. Honestly, I started my foodie IG just to give my friends a break from all my food pics, I didn’t think it would actually turn into something. My IG first started off as HTX_Foodie_Finds but I soon realized I wanted to make my IG more personalized to me and build a brand, so I changed my name to “Meals with Mel”. Food used to be my only focus but when my IG handle evolved so did my content. I have many interests, food being the main one but now I post about lifestyle, events, beauty. A little bit of everything really. I’m about to re-do my whole site, The broke Foodie, to Meals With Mel, so I’m excited to see where all this goes.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road has been generally smooth because this is just a hobby for me right now. I’m sure there will be obstacles to overcome in the future but right now everything is gravy! My IG started off SUPER SLOW because I started it from scratch, I remember when I had 10 followers and like 3 likes on pictures, haha! My advice would be to young women starting any journey, is to number 1. Be patient because good things take time. 2. Don’t compare yourself to others doing the same thing, everyone’s journey is different. 3. NETWORK, NETWORK and then NETWORK some more. Collaboration is SO important, especially in the world of social media. 4. Not everyone’s going to love you or your ideas, but that’s just a part of being a creator. Don’t let it discourage you – just keep doing your thing.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with your business – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am a Houston based food and lifestyle influencer and blogger. My IG showcases the latest and greatest restaurants around town, my own adventures, inspiring quotes and my own personal recipes. I’m proud of when I collaborate with smaller restaurants and I see their IGs really take off. I’m proud when my followers go to places I recommend because that means I am “influencing”! It’s a good feeling. Helping small businesses sets me apart. I like to help small businesses advertise their products/services. Social media is so powerful and if you are blessed with a platform to share why not use it to help those around you who need it most. I’m a big believer in shopping and buying local and in order for those types of businesses to flourish – they need the support from people in the social media community like me.
Who have you been inspired by?
Michelle Obama because she makes me realize that black women can be anything they want to be, there are no limitations. She is educated, embodies grace and style, has a family and amazing husband. She is the true example that you can have it ALL!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thebrokefoodiesays.wordpress.com/
- Email: mealswithmel25@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mealswithmel__/
Image Credit:
Serena Ansari @afoodieschronicle
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
