VizSense - Blog - VizSense Vizionary: Danielle Caminiti

How did you find the inspiration to start your page and take the leap as a content creator?

In March 2020, Covid propelled us into being home more of the than we ever were, and my Type A personality does not lend itself to sitting back and waiting for things to happen. As a self-employed attorney with courts closed and not being able to work, I looked around my home and saw my kitchen. Some may view it as just another room. I saw it as a source of empowerment. It was the one way that I felt in control of what was happening and cooking became a delightful diversion and a source of joy. I’ve been sharing my culinary creations with others ever since.

What is your overall inspiration for your posts and Instagram feed?

My inspiration is for everyone to see the silver lining in every situation. Even though we may be in a certain profession or line of work, that doesn’t mean we don’t have other talents and abilities and I think that we are seeing more of the gestalt of every person now. But for the pandemic, many of us have been given the gift of time to pursue other interests. This is a very positive thing. Pauses happen for a reason and I’m so grateful I made the best of it.

How did you get your first brand sponsorship, and who was it with?

I did my homework. I created a Media Kit and just kept tagging my favorite food brands in posts. I would receive many products from different brands but my first offer for a paid sponsorship was with Cento. Cento sent me some products in exchange for development of a recipe, which I was happy they enjoyed. When it came time for me to submit my invoice to them I told them it was on me - an act of good faith. Some friends thought I was silly for not asking for payment. That’s how I always operated my business. Relationships are built on trust and good will.

What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned working for yourself and creating your own personal brand?

To thine own self be true. Authenticity shines through. Your authentic self has no competition. When you think of everything abundantly, there is always enough to go around and we all have something to bring to the “table” (pun intended).

What is your favorite part of being a content creator?

I love helping people “disarm the kitchen.” People who have always lacked confidence in the kitchen then beaming proudly because they have made one of my recipes makes me feel so accomplished. It’s about empowering people to empower themselves in the culinary sense, and on a broader scale.

Who is your biggest inspiration in the industry and why?

My biggest inspiration in the industry are regular everyday passionate content creators like myself who use their platform to do something positive and inspire others. Social media can be a very powerful tool. I respect those who get up every day, make mistakes and are not afraid day in and day out to show their vulnerability, try harder, and grow an organic following, no matter where it leads.

What do you wish people knew about influencers?

How hard we work! Just because it may appear as though what we do is effortless fun, and it usually is fun, doesn’t mean that it’s not a ton of planning, prepping, scheduling, memorializing, photographing, networking, strategizing, brainstorming, communicating, advertising and marketing. It is a job like any other, in addition to caring for our own families.

Where do you see yourself, as well as the industry, within the next few years?

I know my passion for what I do is unmatched so I would love to show everyone just how much. How that materializes is to be determined, whether it’s in a brick and mortar sense or a digital sense, but I know it will. Even though I may be an attorney by trade, there is a special place in my heart for culinary artistry.

What is the best piece of advice you have for people who want to build their own social media brand and get started in the industry?

I would say don’t take anything personally and keep going. If it’s something you are passionate about, that will shine through. Be in competition with nobody but yourself, sort of like the horses that race with blinders on. Don’t get distracted by anyone else’s success and try to change yourself to conform to anyone’s standards. There is a market and an audience for everyone.