VizSense - Blog - VizSense Vizionary: Danielle Dubois

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

I started my page in July 2017 with the idea of combining my love for food and photography. I saw blogging start to really take off and I thought about how I wasn’t really interested in fashion bloggers, but food blogging was something I could get behind. I was following a few food bloggers and thought how much fun it must be to showcase places throughout Houston. I started it to be a resource for transplants like myself and even locals. There are so many people in Houston, it can almost feel overwhelming at times. That’s where I come in. I do the leg work and sift through all the spots and showcase my favorites.

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

My inspiration for my page is light, bright, and colorful. The feedback I typically get from my page is, “wow it’s so colorful.” That is by design. I spend time editing each photo to where they almost jump off the screen. You only have around a second to capture someone’s initial attention and for them to decide if they want to follow you. The first impression is so key.

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

My first paid deal was with Einstein Bagels after a year into blogging. After that first campaign, I felt more comfortable negotiating rates and making deals.

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

The biggest thing I've learned is to never undervalue yourself. Content creating is way harder than it looks. I have walked away from numerous deals because the fee offered was discrediting me as a creator. Also, that free food or merchandise is never enough.

What is your favorite part of being a content creator?

I love having a community that relies on and trusts me for good finds. They trust I’m only going to promote brands and restaurants I believe in and I love that. I love the responsibility that comes with content creating. Some of my favorite moments are when people in my community message me for advice on where to go for big events in their life. They trust my judgment that I will lead them to a good place. That’s an honor and fun for me to be a part of that moment with them.

Who is your biggest inspiration in the industry and why?

I wouldn't say I have one inspiration because I haven’t come across other food bloggers with my style. I feel like my style relates more to fashion bloggers but I incorporate it into food blogging.

What do you wish people knew about influencers?

I wish people knew the hard work it takes to build an authentic community. I average 15+ hours on my phone a day. It’s important for me to stay connected and one DM away to anyone in my community that might need me. I think people look at bloggers and think it’s just about posting pictures, but that's maybe 5% of it. It’s negotiating contracts for days if not weeks. Then creating a pitch deck of ideas for the brand to review. There are typically days of back and forth of content idea negotiations. Then gathering supplies for photoshoots. Who is going to take your picture? Where are you going to take it? Having to be creative. Then once the content is shot that's when the editing begins. Then it is submitted for review. Once it’s posted it’s important to engage on the post which takes hours if not days. Content creating is so much rewarding, but it does take a lot of work.

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

I just started my own radio show and podcast, “I’m Sorry For What I Said When I Was Hangry,” and I can’t wait to see where that takes my business. I don’t want to just be a blogger. Hangryhoustonian platform is being transformed into a resource with lots of legs. I think this is just the beginning for blogging and digital marketing. I’m 30 years old and don’t watch the news, but get all my information from social media for tips and tricks like what I need to have the perfect hair on social media, 90% from bloggers.

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?

My best piece of advice is it takes time. I just hit three years and I have a community of 45,000. Produce really good eye-catching content. It doesn’t matter if the dish you’re photographing is the most delicious thing you've ever tasted, if you cant make that picture come alive on your feed, you won’t grab the viewers’ attention long enough to let them know its the best thing you’ve ever eaten.

Last but not least, do not buy followers. There’s a ton of websites and apps now that can tell if you are and you will lose credibility. Be authentic, be organic, and have fun!