Today we’d like to introduce you to TinTin Beligan
Hi TinTin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started to get into the food scene in 2016. I would take photos of dishes and share with people I knew. So, one day at work. I showed one of my co-workers in Ad Sales, Jim and he said, “You take great photos. You should do something with that.” Then another co-worker, Brittany suggested I become a food blogger. Just with those two suggestions I decided what do I need to learn how to become one? I began doing some research and found Tech Munch. It was for a LA Food Blogger and Content Creator Conference that was being held in January 2017. The tickets at that time were around $185, but if you had a website. It would be discounted. So, I had to learn quickly how to create one, and thank goodness for Wix.com, and I had my website done in time before the event. The conference was great because you had a panel of people talking about social media at the time regarding Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat, and how it influences people. The guest speakers ranged from food writers, bloggers and influencers. I learned a lot from this conference.
After, attending I focused on my Instagram account. My son also suggested I connect it with Facebook. Anytime, I dined out I would post pics to my social media. I also loved going to Dine LA so I would have more content. A couple of months went by and a woman named Julianne Gabert reached out and said to hit her up if I was ever in the Culver City area. I was excited to meet her since she was already an established Food Blogger for Girls On Food. It had been around for 5 or 6 years. It wasn’t until our third meeting that she asked if I would like to join. I was thrilled. Since this was a great way for me to learn the ropes.
There were 47 other girls who were part of Girls on Food across the US and Mexico. Julianne would schedule us by whoever was up for the assignment. I was part of GOF for 2 years, and also was working on my own Food Blogging.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
For the most part it was pretty smooth sailing. I have met a lot of people over the years through networking, and have made great connections. Originally, I was going to only give myself two years of trying this out. I went to a lot of tastings, anywhere from 3-6 times a week, and working my day job during the week. When I had mentioned to a few people that I was thinking about quitting. They immediately would stop me and say, “No, why? You are really good at this. Why would you? You should keep going.” If not for those who believed in me. I wouldn’t have kept going and as of today it’s been 8 years. I am very thankful they pushed me to continue.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have been in the radio and TV space for 28 years. It’s been predominantly in Network Radio where the shows range from Talk, Sports, Music Formats and Podcasts. I currently work for a company that is the largest network in audio. There are 400 owned and operated radio stations across 84 markets. I have worked in Ad Sales for the last 19 years. I am a Senior Account Manager.
I am most proud of being a Mom to my son who is a young adult now. I wanted to make sure that I give him the tools he needs to be independent. So he can take care of himself, which he has. He is in college studying to become an Engineer and working at the same time.
What sets me apart from others? That is tough to answer. We are all unique in our own ways. I just try to be as genuine as I can and nice to people. I love to help businesses and promote them. Especially, now during this time since the January fires. It’s been tough on restaurants.
What were you like growing up?
I would say I was and still am a friendly person. I was definitely more athletic when I was younger. In elementary school, I was called “cheetah” because I ran so fast in the fifty yard and one hundred yard dash. I broke a school record and was in relay races. I learned how to play tennis when I was 11. I took Jazz and modern dance classes at 13 and 14. My Dad even put me in acting and modeling classes for a short period. I was Student Body President in middle school at Palms Junior High Magnet. I had my first job at age 14 working at Nordstrom as a stock girl on a student permit since I was under 16. Then in high-school I joined a Youth group in Glassel Park that promoted Hip Hop and R&B dancing at events. Like at Debuts. It was fun learning routines, and making new friends.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://foodielover211.wixsite.com/tintinbeligan?fbclid=PAY2xjawJSSe5leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABpj_sITcR_5bf3ylQqr-Zc7jPfRDoEk0qKwtFUsTl6vcVIYu2wzf3tM-4ZA_aem_5Ihlyo8m2oA746FXQqNm-A
- Instagram: TinTin_Beligan_
- Facebook: TinTin Beligan
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/QZAGx1zQxk
