Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Marie Barr
Amanda Marie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started out doing mystery shopping. If you’re not familiar with it, mystery shopping is typically a third party hired by a restaurant group to go in and have a normal customer experience at a restaurant. I would need to take picture and document my experience in a very detailed manner. I did this for years, and I loved being able to go out with friends without worrying about money (mystery shoppers were reimbursed). Because I was trying so many restaurants, I started following other food accounts and influencers and I was like, “hey this doesn’t look too hard – I’m already kind of doing this!” So, I started my account in March of 2021, and I haven’t looked back. I gave up mystery shopping but I loved everything it taught me.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I feel like a lot of people will say the biggest struggle is the algorithm – for sure that can be either a massive deterrent or a massive ego boost. But, I think for me personally, I have struggled with just feeling worthy. I am my own worst critic, and I will sit there for hours trying to get the best shot, edit the best video or picture, come up with the best caption, the best possible ideas for content. It’s hard to be a chronic overthinker!!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Philly Food and Barrs is an Instagram account that I run, centered in and around the amazing cuisines, people, and things that are the Philadelphia region. I love showcasing amazing places to eat, fantastic cocktails, coffee, mocktails, and more, and, recently, getting into the world of theatre. I love that the Philadelphia region is full of so many amazing stories to uncover and so many incredible people to meet. I’m just here to show off why where I live is so amazing. And, if my account influences you to do one thing, eat at one place, go to one new spot, then I will feel so successful. I love being about to shine a spotlight on the place I’m from that I love with my entire heart.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
The internet is a wild place – it feels like luck that so many people found my account and said, “yeah, I want to follow her!” It is hard work, but every creator I know works so hard. So luck definitely plays a role, and I am so grateful.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/phillyfoodandbarrs
Image Credits
Amanda Marie Barr, PhillyFoodandBarrs