We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brooke Yamada a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Brooke, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
Before I started my food account, I heavily debated it. At the time, I was very worried about what others would think of me to the point it held me back from doing many things I wish I did. At first, I just committed myself to post pictures of food on my stories on my main account. But eventually, it got to a point where I had too many pictures on there. So, from encouragement from a friend at the time, I started the account.
I know this might sound a bit childish or small, but to me, it was a big step. I hadn’t ever really put myself out there before the account and this felt like the equivalent of that for me. And just as I thought, I started out with 6 followers. Definitely was not anything promising, but it was a start/step in the right direction. Also, when I started, I wasn’t really even sure I wanted to make a food account. Honestly, it felt dumb. I felt like I should’ve been doing something bigger and having a much larger impact on others.
Now, a year later, I hit 2,000 followers, I’m an ambassador for two companies, Insomnia Cookies, and Ford Fry follow me, and I’ve met people from all over the world. I’d say that that risk turned out pretty well.
Brooke, 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?
Food has always been a big part of my life. I grew up surrounded by cuisines from both my Korean and Japanese cultures, so I’ve experienced firsthand how much of an impact a good meal can have on your life. I first started out with just posting regular dishes and meals, very typical of what you see with the majority of accounts. However, I started getting a little bored. I wasn’t really passionate about the salads or soups I was posting. What I really loved, however, were the carbs. Dessert, pancakes, pasta… carbs are definitely my favorite food group and I noticed that that was what I loved posting about. So, now, I’m a “Carb Blogger” and I couldn’t be happier.
The idea of it has also helped me heal a lot of personal struggles with food. I had an eating disorder where I pretty much banned all sugar and carbs from my life, so doing this is a really big win for my mental health.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I think I just want to have a positive impact on others. I’d love for my account to grow into something larger, maybe even to a point where I’m able to make money and be invited to restaurants for special collaborations, but for now, I’m just enjoying the journey and taking things one step at a time. I’m a freshman in college and I started this account towards the end of my junior year, so I honestly never would’ve expected it to grow as much as it has. I just want to post delicious desserts and carbs for people and remind them that life is meant to be enjoyed. You can 100% eat that slice of cake. You can eat that donut after the spaghetti. Food is fuel — enjoy it!
How did you build your audience on social media?
Make sure you actually like what you do. I think most people start on social media for fame and money but disregard their creativity and purpose. I definitely understand how hard it is not to care about the materialistic aspect as I’ve been tempted as well, but you have to ask yourself if you want to be famous or have an impact on others because your answer can lead you in two very different directions.
Also, just enjoy the journey. I know people who gained 1,000 followers in two months. I know people who gained 1,000 in three years. There are absolutely strategies for gaining more followers but just enjoy the process. And remember that all the massive accounts you see in your niche also had to start at 0.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: food: @eatabrookie main: @brookeyamada_
- Yelp: @Brooke Y