We recently connected with Takera Gholson and have shared our conversation below.
Takera, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.
Businesses owned by people of color historically have been underrepresented and under-supported. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, I was intentional about offering free services to businesses of color and promoting their businesses whenever possible. On my blog, I share a BIPOC Gift Guide and directories in support of Black-owned businesses. Beyond the pandemic, I still move with intention, building relationships with minority-owned businesses as a service provider as well as an ally.
Takera, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a food and travel blogger, and photographer based in Washington, D.C. I see food as the foundation of culture so naturally, my travels are driven by not only a desire to explore sites, but also explore new cultures through food. On the road and at home I help small businesses reach their target audiences through creative visual content.
With over fifteen years of auditing and consulting experience, I used my interviewing, researching, and writing skills to launch my blog Flights and Foods in 2018. Through Flights and Foods, I share stories of food industry professionals and expose my audience to food and cultures worldwide. I have worked with local restaurants, chefs, and hotels providing influencer marketing, social media training for small businesses, and food photography. I am passionate about advocating for small businesses, specifically those owned by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.
I started blogging as a way to share my food explorations while traveling. Through food blogging, I was approached by local and national food brands to provide social media influencing services. Working with food brands I use their products to develop creative recipes to demonstrate to consumers how they may enjoy the products in their own homes. Social media influencing creates a space for a mutually beneficial income-building opportunity. Often my work involves food brands I enjoy in my daily life. My creative journey has also led me to further explore my passion for photography. Along with influencing, I provide food brands and restaurants with food and product photography.
Blogging on my own website recently created opportunities for me to add freelance writing as a service offering. I am most proud of a recent article I penned with The Local Palate, a southern food and culture magazine. Through this publication, I shared the journey of Dine Diaspora, a Black women-owned agency striving to service a more equitable food system. These women work to elevate the culinary community, by creating connections and opportunities.
With a degree in business under my belt and years of building relationships across the culinary community, my goal is to utilize my strengths to enhance my clients’ presence, keeping their customers engaged.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
Registering Flights and Foods as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) was not as difficult as I thought it may be, however, getting a grasp on business finances required dedication and discipline. Starting out as a new creative I quickly went from using my cell phone to capture photos and video, to a camera with a removable lens. Connecting with other creatives and seeing their gear can be enticing. Growing from an online blogger to an influencer, and photographer you want all the equipment the professionals use because you want to be seen as a professional as well. However, getting a new business off the ground can be costly. It is best to utilize the tools you already have at your disposal.
As many business owners may be aware, one benefit of owning a business may be a reduction in taxable income, which should not be conflated with the idea that every expense can be written off. After buying some equipment I did not need, as I grew in my craft I learned to hone in on only making necessary purchases or purchases that would provide a return on investment. Keeping expenses low while building paths to profit will be key to the financial health of your business in the future. Done is better than perfect, allow your community to grow with you.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Throughout my career, I have strived to build supportive relationships. That core value has continued with me in my own business. Whether you think you aren’t where you should be or you aren’t where you want to be in your entrepreneurial journey the power of relationships can place you in rooms you never knew existed. Building quality relationships can create opportunities where there were none, make your pitches more palatable, and get you a seat at the most exclusive table if you have the right sponsor.
I am admittedly an introvert, but after years of working in corporate America, I learned that networking is key to growth. Having someone to speak up for you, a sponsor, and someone to advocate for you when you cannot advocate for yourself can be a greater asset than your most cherished piece of equipment. The more I grow my company and offer more services I become more known in certain circles. I attribute this to my genuine personality and my genuine desire to help others. Starting out, being okay with giving more than you take will serve you in moving your business forward. I offered free services when appropriate, I offered support to fellow creatives, and I connected my clients with resources without asking for anything in return. As a result of my focus on relationship building, I have found that I have more sponsors than I am aware of, fellow creatives appreciate my counsel, and my clients refer me to new clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://flightsandfoods.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flightsandfoods/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FlightsandFoods/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/takera-gholson/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/flightsandfoods
- Other: https://www.takeragholsonphotography.com/ https://thelocalpalate.com/articles/dine-diaspora-empowers-culture-and-food/ https://www.simplyrecipes.com/charity-morgan-unbelievably-vegan-love-letter-5323946
Image Credits
Portrait – DFinney Photography
Food Photography – Takera Gholson Photography