We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Yanessa Escandell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Yanessa, thanks for joining us today. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

When I first started HungryQbans in 2014, it was during the early days of people posting food pictures on Instagram. One day, while joking around with my best friend, I said, “Wouldn’t it be funny to start a page just for food pictures and call it HungryQbans since we’re in Miami?” I never imagined it would grow into what it is today.

I’ll never forget my first restaurant invite after reaching about 1,000 followers in just six months. It was at a restaurant inside a Ritz-Carlton, where I met a group of food bloggers. They were kind enough to share how food blogging was not just a hobby but a real, lucrative career—something I had never considered before. That moment completely changed my perspective on what was possible.

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’m Yanessa, the creator of HungryQbans, a Miami-based food and lifestyle brand where I share my favorite dining experiences, hidden gems, and must-try eats. What started as a passion project has grown into a trusted source for restaurant recommendations and engaging content that helps both locals and visitors discover great food in Miami.

What sets me apart is my authentic approach—I only feature spots I genuinely enjoy and would recommend to friends and family. My background in customer service and content creation helps me connect with both businesses and followers in a way that feels personal and informative, not just promotional. Whether someone is looking for the perfect date night spot, a hidden gem, or the latest food trend in Miami, I make it easy for them to find something they’ll love.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how HungryQbans has grown into a trusted voice in Miami’s food scene while still maintaining that original passion I had when I started. I want my followers to feel like they can always count on my recommendations and my brand partners to feel confident that I’ll showcase their business in a way that’s engaging and impactful. At the end of the day, my goal is to highlight the best dining experiences while staying true to my love for food, storytelling, and my city.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I believe my reputation has been built on responsibility, consistency, and gratitude. While my following may not be the largest, I have always prioritized delivering quality content and meeting all job requirements in a timely manner. I take every collaboration seriously, ensuring that I follow through on my commitments and represent brands authentically. Beyond that, I always make it a point to personally thank those who reach out to me—whether it’s a brand, PR agency, or a follower who trusts my recommendations. I know that every opportunity is a privilege, and that mindset has helped me establish trust and long-term relationships within my industry.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I had started creating content on YouTube and TikTok earlier instead of focusing solely on Instagram. When I first started, I didn’t fully realize the importance of diversifying platforms and how each one offers unique opportunities for growth. Video content has become such a powerful tool for connecting with audiences, and if I had leaned into it sooner, I might have expanded my reach even further. That being said, it’s never too late to pivot and adapt, and I’m always looking for ways to evolve my content strategy while staying true to my brand.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hungryqbans/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanessa-escandell-9a6b7256
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@YanessaMarie
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@hungryqbans