Today we’d like to introduce you to Lee-anne Jae Aranda
Hi Lee-Anne Jae, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have a passion for people and anything that connects us to one another – especially food. I remember growing up and seeing a stack of post-it notes my dad would have with lists of restaurants he had written down from coworkers and friends, Food Network, or the latest Eater LA list. He was always on a mission to try the best food and took our family along for the ride (like father, like daughter I guess). I don’t know if I’d love so many different kinds of food today if it weren’t for my family also being open to trying new spots, no matter the distance or cuisine. Growing up in a Filipino/immigrant household, I’m thankful I was exposed to good home cooking because nothing will quit ever beat that comfort. I grew up in Carson where there’s a big Filipino population, so if you’ve never tried authentic Filipino food, that’s where you want to be.
Now to content creation. As soon as I could get my hands on a camera (I remember starting my first savings account for it), I’ve loved documenting my life and the moments that make me me. Through vlogging and sharing these moments with others, I want others to feel the love and contentment that I’m so grateful to experience in this life. Despite different career routes as I’ve navigated through my 20s, my passion for content creation and food remains the same. On top of running my own personal food Instagram account @dineljae, I also write blogs and create content for @ktownly and run social media for my sister’s coffee business @barriocoffeentea.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Because I don’t do content creation full-time, I’ve struggled with consistency, not only with scheduling restaurant visits, but also making time to edit videos. My intention is to always share my most authentic experiences with my followers. In today’s digital world, there could be skepticism behind what to believe, especially when you’re constantly scrolling and see “best new” this and “the best ever” that. When I try a new spot that I enjoy, the goal is to share that so that others can also share the same experience and support that business. It can often be hard to cut through the noise of social media, but I’ve found that it’s easier to not always chase virality.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I graduated from Chapman University with a Bachelor’s in Communication Studies because of the broad possibilities in career paths. Public relations (PR) has taken the bulk of my professional life so far, and my passion for this career has, in a way, stemmed from my strong, early interests in content creation and writing. This passion drives my desire to be a part of the process that bridges the gap between brand and audience, and with the brands I’ve worked with before at PR agencies, I’ve had the chance to do that. Within this career, I get to boost the reputation of brands through media relations, media placements, product campaigns, and more. In the past, I’ve worked with clients from different industries, including health and wellness, entertainment, tech, and more, but now I get to lead PR efforts as a PR Specialist at the world’s leading manufacturer of civil helicopters, Robinson Helicopter Company. After working jobs all across LA, it’s refreshing to now be part of a Torrance-based company I’ve always held near and dear to my heart as a South Bay native.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Trust yourself and know your limits. I think this goes without saying and can be applied in all aspects of my life, but I think trusting myself has allowed me to produce more content I’m genuinely proud of and knowing my limits allows me to prioritize and know when to take breaks.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ljae0726.wixsite.com/home/portfolio
- Instagram: @dineljae
- Other: IG @barriocoffeentea and @ktownly
Image Credits
@marr_u.f.o – pic holding flowers
