Today we’d like to introduce you to Claire Kim.
Hi Claire, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I consider myself an amateur Instagram foodie. It started innocently – snapping quick shots of all my meals whenever I dined out, then sharing those photos on my personal Instagram page. Eventually, it evolved into a creative platform where I was able to share all my favorite bites and food adventures with fellow food enthusiasts.
I found passion and curiosity in discovering new restaurants and foods. As I continued to share my personal experience, I found my food page growing in numbers, leading to new opportunities with restaurants I had never even heard of. I would like to think that my commitment to showcasing authentic food experiences through visually appealing shots of the restaurant and food really captures the locale’s essence and transports my audience into the moment with me.
For me, it’s not about the number of likes or followers but the quality of the content I push out and the genuine connections I make along the way. I LOVE connecting with other creators and food lovers who share the same joy as I do when it comes to all things food 🙂
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When I first started posting food photos on Instagram, it was just for fun and to have a place to save pictures of dishes I enjoyed. I never expected that other people would be interested in my posts. But slowly, I started to gain followers who liked seeing my food adventures.
At first, I was posting pretty infrequently – just when I felt like it. As my account grew though, I began to recognize that people wanted to see more content from me. There was an appetite for my food photos/videos that I hadn’t anticipated!
While creating content is still just a hobby and creative outlet for me, I have tried to be more intentional about posting at least a few times a week. Even though Instagram isn’t my full-time job, I want to keep my growing audience satisfied.
I will say that the hardest part is taking the time to edit the videos. I incorporate voiceovers in my Reels, so it takes a bit longer for me to edit and put those posts together. But I think the effort is worth it because my followers seem to really enjoy the commentary and details I add through the voiceover narration.
As my food photography/videography improves and my follower count increases, it’s been exciting to watch my account transform into a small community of food lovers. Even though I don’t feel bound to post on a strict schedule, I now think more critically about creating posts that will resonate with my followers’ interests.
In the end, documenting all my delicious eats is still mainly for my own enjoyment – but it’s great to know others are taking the journey with me too!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m really proud that I’ve been able to turn my passion for food and dining out into a fun creative outlet on Instagram. Even with a full-time job (corporate girlie over here!), it’s been awesome to have a platform to share my experiences.
I don’t rely on Instagram for income, so I’m not tied down to the algorithm or pressured to create certain types of content. I have total freedom to post what I find exciting and share my honest experiences. That allows me to focus on authenticity rather than chasing engagement metrics.
My favorite part is hearing from followers who have discovered new foods or been inspired to check out one of my restaurant recommendations. I want to believe I’m exposing people to spots and dishes they may not have otherwise tried. Food can create such meaningful connections and community, so it’s cool to feel like I’m contributing to that in some small way.
At the end of the day, I just love that Instagram gives me a space to blend my passions for dining, photography, and writing on my own terms. Being able to spark joy and curiosity through creativity is what social media should be all about. I’m grateful I get to do that as a hobby I genuinely enjoy rather than feeling pressured to perform
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
For other creators just starting out, my advice would be not to get caught up in the comparison game or worry about growth milestones right away. It’s important in the beginning to explore and find your unique voice and perspective to share. Focus on creating from a genuine place of passion first.
If you focus too much on numbers, you get lost in the game.
Experiment with different types of content and styles to develop your strengths. Interact with and support other accounts you admire. Being part of the broader community leads to natural connections and collaborations down the road.
Most importantly, have fun with the creative process!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @doseofclaire
Image Credits
@doseofclaire
