We were lucky to catch up with Sophia Kim recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sophia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

The first dollar I earned from my creative work was an incredibly special moment. It came from a paid reel I created for an ice cream brand called KuteKook. I remember the excitement when they reached out to me—this was the first time a brand recognized my content and wanted to collaborate! They loved my style and asked if I could showcase their product in a fun, visually appealing way.

I poured my heart into that reel, focusing on every detail, from the creamy texture of the ice cream to the perfect lighting. When I saw the payment come through, it felt surreal, almost like I was dreaming. I never imagined that my Instagram page, something I started for fun, would lead to opportunities like this—restaurants and product owners asking me to try their foods and drinks!

After I posted the reel, not only did I feel proud of the work, but I also saw my follower count grow. The engagement and support from my community made it even more fulfilling. That first dollar wasn’t just money—it symbolized the start of something bigger, the beginning of turning my passion into something that could support my creative journey. It felt like opening the door to endless possibilities.

Sophia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi, I’m Sophia, and I’ve always had a deep love for food. My journey into the food world started during my undergraduate years when I studied clinical nutrition. It was during this time that I learned about the intricate relationship between what we eat and how we feel. Our mental and physical health all stem from our gut health—what we put into our bodies has a profound impact on how we feel. Eating wholesome, colorful foods energizes and nourishes us, while processed and sugary foods often leave us feeling sluggish and tired. This knowledge fueled my passion for exploring food on a deeper level.

In college, I realized there were so many restaurants offering delicious and diverse flavors from all over the world. I was fortunate enough to travel to San Francisco and Berkeley every weekend, discovering new restaurants, coffee shops, cafes, and dessert spots. Both cities are cultural melting pots, and I was able to taste dishes with ingredients and recipes from all corners of the globe. This exposure opened my eyes to the incredible variety of flavors and cultures that make up the culinary world.

Today, I share that love for food on my Instagram, where I create content that showcases the artistry of food, especially desserts. I work with restaurants and brands to highlight their offerings through engaging reels, stunning photos, and honest reviews. My content isn’t just about the visuals—it’s about telling the story behind each dish, the culture it represents, and how food can bring people together.

What sets me apart is my background in nutrition. I’m not just focused on how food looks or tastes, but also on its impact on health and well-being. I aim to inspire my audience to enjoy food that not only delights their taste buds but also nourishes their bodies.

I’m most proud of being able to turn my passion into something that supports both my creative journey and the businesses I work with. I want my followers to know that I put my heart into everything I do, from crafting visually appealing content to thoughtfully sharing the stories behind the food. My goal is to bring joy and discovery to each person who comes across my work.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

One day, I hope to travel the world and try new restaurants and desserts, immersing myself in the culinary traditions of different cultures. There’s something magical about tasting flavors that are unique to each region and learning about the stories behind the dishes. I dream of capturing these experiences and sharing them with my audience, not only to showcase the beauty of global cuisine but also to inspire others to explore new foods and flavors themselves. It’s a journey I can’t wait to embark on, blending my love for travel, food, and creativity.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the ability to connect with people through my work. Whether it’s sharing a beautifully crafted dessert, a new restaurant experience, or highlighting a brand’s story, the joy comes from knowing that my content can inspire, bring happiness, or even introduce someone to something new. I love hearing from my followers about how a dish I posted motivated them to try a new recipe or visit a restaurant they’d never heard of. That sense of impact, however small, makes all the effort worthwhile.

It’s also incredibly fulfilling to transform my passion into a platform where I can collaborate with brands and restaurants I admire. Watching my creative journey evolve while staying true to my love for food and health feels like I’m living my dream every day. The ability to express myself, inspire others, and constantly learn along the way is what keeps me motivated and excited.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soppkim/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Soyummyy12
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=anhBxKQ0HXtdeGcDjzO_OA

Image Credits

None