We recently connected with Kellie Bailey and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kellie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?

It all started about a year ago in August, 2023. My husband Luke and I were out exploring a new town and tried out a local pizza place. We both ordered Calzones, they tasted great. However, as soon as I took a bite of mine I noticed something was slightly off. I said, “There is no ricotta cheese. This is not a Calzone, it is technically a Stromboli.” Luke just looks at me and goes “You need to be a food critic.” I definitely laughed it off because we make fun of each other all the time but Luke was actually being serious. He said, “You are adventurous, love trying new things and have a lot of knowledge about food and drinks. You should start making food review videos for all of the new places we try.” That is where it all began, in a random sub-par pizza shop. I made my first tik tok video that day and posted it. It was silly more than anything else but people really loved it. I was encouraged by the positive feedback and began to make more. I really wasn’t using social media at the time so all I had was one Tik Tok account I had made with about 30 followers, most of which were my friends. I did not have Instagram at the time and actually had no idea there were other food influencers out there. After making several videos going out on my own, I decided to reach out to a few local restaurants to try and get my first “collaboration”. I messaged several local businesses asking if they would like to collaborate, not even quite sure what that meant. They all read my messages and did not respond or said no. I persisted and then finally I got a yes. Raleigh Rolls was my first ever collaboration. Owner, Ramy Bahgat, despite my lack of experience and only 30 followers, saw potential in me and said yes. He hosted me at his new store in Wake Forest. We tried what felt like the entire menu, got an up close demonstration of the making of the rolled ice cream and learned about the sourcing of ingredients and the origins of his business. It was truly an eye opening experience for me and after that day I knew this is what I wanted to do. I began to work hard to create my own brand, reach out to local businesses, create content and expand my reach. My page continued to grow, evolve and improve into what it is today, Kellie NC Adventures! My goal is simple, support local businesses and encourage others to go out and enjoy meaningful experiences at these places. I simply love to have a good time and try new things. My hope is that through Kellie NC Adventures, others can be inspired and do the same!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a content creator and micro influencer based in Raleigh NC. The primary focus of my content is North Carolina lifestyle and travel. I love to highlight food, products and fun experiences in North Carolina and beyond. I work with local businesses to creatively showcase their product/service to a diverse audience with my fun and creative touch! I share content on my page @kelliencadventures.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I was an agriculture teacher in Wake County for three years. As of September 2024 I have taken a break from teaching to focus on my career as a content creator. I am now a marketing manager for a restaurant group based in the Wilson area. I love working with kids and now get to do that in a different capacity as an assistant high school track coach! I am also a worship leader and lead a life group at my church. Working a full time job and being a content creator has its challenges. My monthly collaboration schedule often fills up before the month even starts and then I still have to find the time to actually sit down, edit, and put it all together! I have found that there is always something more to do and there is a never ending, ever growing, list of tasks to complete. However, I truly believe the harder you work in this industry, the more successful you will be! Over the past year I have learned to just take it all one step at a time and most importantly, to have fun with it! I genuinely enjoy the work I do and love that others enjoy it as well. That keeps me motivated! During tough seasons I lean into the Lord. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength”. In tough moments I have such a deep rooted peace knowing that he is in complete control of my life!

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

As our society continues to shift to be more dependent upon technology, we see less face to face human interaction. As humans we were designed to be in community with others. While technology and social media has many benefits and was designed to bring people together, it can leave people feeling alone or isolated. When used in a healthy way, social media can be a powerful tool. The goal of Kellie NC Adventures is simple, to inspire others to get off their phones and to go out into the world and have meaningful experiences. It makes my day to hear someone say to me, “You influenced me! I went and tried that new restaurant you recommended and had a great time with friends!” That is what it is all about!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @kelliencadventures

Image Credits

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