Rising Stars: Meet Ayesha Zaz of Long Beach, California

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ayesha Zaz

Hi Ayesha, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
It’s a funny story, actually—everything began when I was 18 and my iPhone ran out of storage from all the photos I had hoarded in my camera roll.

I’ve always had a passion for sharing photos of food, desserts, and drinks with friends and family. To free up space, I decided to create a separate Instagram account dedicated solely to clearing out my camera roll. That’s how ayeshasfoodcam was born.

Who would have thought that a silly storage issue on my iPhone would lead to something so much bigger? Over time, I found myself connecting with so many amazing people in my community—united by a shared love of food! It’s been an incredible journey, turning a quirky passion into something that resonates with others.

This love for food has also opened doors for me. I’ve been a Yelp Elite for three years, and through that, I’ve met inspiring business owners, fellow food enthusiasts, and made lasting connections that have enriched both my personal and professional life. It’s been such a rewarding experience!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s funny how things don’t always turn out as smoothly as we’d like, right? If I’m being honest, it hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows over the past few years of my journey. One thing I’ve learned is that success rarely comes without its share of bumps in the road.

Like with most hobbies and passions, there are always challenges to face. One of my biggest struggles was falling into the trap of perfectionism. As my Instagram account grew, I became obsessed with curating the “perfect” feed. Every photo had to be flawless, every shot had to be Instagram-worthy. I found myself going to places, not for the experience or the food, but solely for the opportunity to get the “perfect” photo.

This pressure to make everything look just right started to overshadow the true joy of the experience. I was so fixated on making every image “aesthetic” that I forgot to simply enjoy the moment and the people around me. The fun of sharing food with friends, the excitement of trying a new dish, and even the simplicity of a well-made cup of coffee got lost in the pursuit of perfection.

It was a tough lesson to learn, but ultimately, it was important for me to realize that authenticity matters more than perfection. Once I stopped worrying so much about making everything look “flawless” and just started embracing the imperfections, I found more joy in what I was doing—and in sharing those moments with others. That shift helped me feel more connected to my community and made the process feel more genuine.

Likewise, I’ve also taken several hiatuses, sometimes because life just got in the way or I needed a mental break to reconnect with my passion. Each time, I doubted if I’d come back, but somehow, I always do. The pull of food, creativity, and sharing my experiences with the community has been a constant reminder of why I started this blog in the first place.

But the biggest shift came when my mom was diagnosed with cancer. That news shook my world and, for a while, I struggled to find motivation for anything. Yet, in the midst of that uncertainty and fear, I found something unexpected: a new fire to keep going. Writing about food, trying new recipes, and sharing my journey became a way to honor life and my mom’s strength. It became a way for me to rediscover my passions and remember that life’s simplest joys are often the most meaningful. Whether it’s sharing a meal with someone, savoring new flavors, or connecting with others, these moments continuously remind me that even in the toughest times, there is so much beauty and purpose to be found.

Every return to this blog has been a fresh start, a chance to push forward with renewed energy, fueled by love, hope, and the desire to continue. The road may have been winding, but each bump has taught me something valuable, and the support from my friends, family, the foodie community, and of course, my love for food, has kept me going.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Thank you for asking! I’d be happy to share a little more about my work and what I’m most passionate about.

At my core, I’m a content creator, but I’ve carved out a niche within the food and lifestyle space. Through my Instagram account “ayeshasfoodcam”, I focus on sharing authentic food experiences, from local gems to big restaurant names, always with an eye for capturing the atmosphere, the flavors, and the details that make each experience unique. I specialize in food photography and storytelling, blending my love for food with the art of capturing moments that make people feel like they’re right there with me, enjoying the same meal or drink.

What I’m most known for is my ability to curate genuine, relatable, and unique content. People resonate with my photos and reviews because they feel personal, down-to-earth, and focused on the experience rather than just the aesthetics. It’s not about showcasing food in a perfectly styled way, but about sharing the joy of discovering new tastes and supporting local businesses.

What sets me apart is my emphasis on building community. I’ve always strived to connect with people—not just as followers, but as friends who share the same love for food. Whether through Yelp, Instagram, or in-person events, I’ve built relationships with business owners, fellow foodies, and my audience. I pride myself on being an advocate for local spots and highlighting small businesses that truly deserve recognition. Being a Yelp Elite for three years and attending food-related events has allowed me to do this even more—getting the chance to engage with amazing people, help promote businesses, and connect others to food experiences they might not have considered before.

In addition to my work in food and content creation, I have a full-time career in special education, where I work with students who have unique learning needs. This role has given me an even deeper sense of patience, empathy, and creativity, which I bring into all aspects of my life—including my food content. Balancing these two passions may seem like a challenge, but both have taught me valuable lessons about connection, communication, and the importance of understanding people’s individual needs and perspectives.

I’m most proud of how my platform has grown into more than just a place to post pictures—it’s become a space to share stories, support local eateries, and foster a community that celebrates food in all its forms. I’ve had the privilege of being part of some incredible events, meeting business owners who are genuinely passionate about what they do, and helping bring attention to places I believe in. It feels great to know that my work has made a positive impact on the local food scene and that I’ve contributed to helping others find new places to love and enjoy.

Ultimately, what sets me apart is my authentic approach to food content—focusing on the experience, building community, and sharing honest stories that make people feel connected to the food they’re seeing, tasting, and sharing. Both in my career and my personal life, I’m driven by a desire to create meaningful connections and positive experiences, and that’s what I strive to bring to everything I do.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Absolutely! Finding a mentor and networking can be extremely valuable in both personal and professional growth, and it’s what makes it all so fun!

Some of the things that have worked for me is starting with a shared interest. Believe me, there are so many people that have similar interests as you! Networking, and especially mentorship, are most effective when there is a shared passion or goal. For me, food was such an easy place to start. I actively engaged with food communities, local business, and social media groups where I could connect with people who carry similar interests. It all starts off with a double tap, comment, or a share! These small actions are the foundation of building a community. Every interaction creates a ripple, helping to connect like-minded people and spark meaningful conversations. When you engage, you show up—not just for the content, but for the person behind it.

Likewise, consistency is crucial! Networking and mentorship are not one-time events—they require consistency. Stay in touch with people you meet, follow up on conversations, and show that you value the relationship. Over time, these connections can evolve into deep, lasting mentor relationships.

For me, one of the biggest things that has worked is being proactive and open-minded. I’ve reached out to people I admire, shared my own experiences, and built relationships organically. Sometimes it’s just about putting yourself out there and showing up, whether it’s online or in person. Don’t be afraid to reach out, ask for advice, and make connections that could help you grow in ways you didn’t expect.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: ayeshasfoodcam
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=uIDk7DU1rS4yKliKzaRr5A&utm_source=ishare

Image Credits
Ayesha Zaz