Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Danielle Deihl. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Danielle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

One of the most significant risks I’ve taken is studying abroad for a semester in Spain. It’s also one of the best things I’ve ever done. I took Spanish classes all through school and had always imagined studying abroad. I applied, planned, purchased plane tickets, and was in the airport when the nerves hit. It was my first time flying alone internationally, and I was about to spend 4 months in a country where I knew no one and would be speaking a second language. To this day, it is one of the experiences I am most grateful for and it has shaped my life for the better. It was where I started my first food content account, met amazing people from around the world, and gained the confidence to travel solo. I made memories that will last a lifetime, and will forever consider Mallorca, Spain a second home.

Danielle, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Danielle and I run a food content account, Passport on a Plate, on TikTok, Instagram, and Youtube. I started with Instagram while studying abroad in Spain. It was an assignment for my Mediterranean cuisine class, and I continued the account after returning to the US. I created my Youtube account focused on cooking from home during the pandemic. I remember feeling so stuck at home, and could at least create a little escape by trying different recipes. I now focus on featuring restaurants on my TikTok. I have always had a passion for good food, and the impact it can have. I feel that food is a powerful way to connect with others and the world around you. I’m proud of the geographical journey these accounts have shown, from Spain, to parts of Pennsylvania I grew up in, and now based in Texas. I look forward to continuing to share more from around the country and world.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of what I do is the joy it brings. My accounts are currently not a source of income, and I continue to gather content and post to them simply because it is something that makes me happy. It is authentic to me, and I am able to simply post what I want and when I want to. I hope that people see my content and are able to experience small pieces of the world from wherever they may be. For people that are local to my area, maybe they see something I post that inspires them to try a new restaurant. This work is something that brings freedom and joy to my daily life, and that is priceless.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Patience and consistency are absolutely key. I also say this knowing full well there are times that I need to remember my own advice. I’m crafting this response as someone who appreciates an audience on social media, but my priority is creating content that I am proud of. I have had my Instagram account for 4 years, and the audience growth has been slow and steady. There are endless resources on how to quickly gain a following and be able to monetize accounts. I’ve preferred to go at my own pace and appreciate whoever chooses to follow along. It is important to consistently post content in order to keep people engaged, but at the end of the day I’ve found it is best to create your content for you. If you’re constantly chasing an audience you may find yourself losing the passion that started your presence in the first place. Building an audience is an endless journey, but it’s one worth enjoying.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passportonaplate/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@passportonaplate
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@passportonaplate