We were lucky to catch up with Deana & Jay recently and have shared our conversation below.

Deana , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

Coming up with the name Orlando Food Net took some time because we wanted something that truly represented who we are—foodies at heart. While we loved the idea of including “foodie” in the name, we also wanted to stand out from other incredible foodies in Orlando. Since networking and connecting with the food scene is at the core of what we do, we decided to combine three key elements: Orlando, food, and networking. And just like that, Orlando Food Net was born!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Orlando Food Net was created by me and my boyfriend of 6 years. We are Dee & Jay and we are passionate food lovers who wanted to showcase the vibrant and diverse culinary scene of Orlando. What started as casual conversations about great eats turned into a mission: to connect foodies, restaurants, and the community through honest reviews and engaging content.

The name “Orlando Food Net” reflects our purpose—celebrating the city’s food culture while fostering a network of food enthusiasts and local businesses. The team brings a mix of perspectives, from comfort food fans to fine dining explorers, ensuring every corner of Orlando’s food scene gets the spotlight.

Our goal? To share authentic experiences, support local restaurants, small businesses, and help people discover their next favorite meal. Whether it’s a hidden gem café or a trendy new spot, Orlando Food Net is your gateway to Orlando’s best eats.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Orlando Food Net’s mission is simple but powerful: to shine a spotlight on local small businesses and restaurants, highlighting the heart and soul of Orlando’s food scene. We believe that every bite tells a story, and behind every dish is a passionate creator—whether it’s a family-owned café, a hidden gem food truck, or a rising-star chef.

Our goal is to go beyond just sharing reviews. We want to create a platform that celebrates the creativity, hard work, and unique flavors that these small businesses bring to our community. By showcasing their talent and dedication, we aim to connect food lovers with places they might not have discovered otherwise, helping these local establishments thrive.

At the core of our creative journey is a desire to inspire others to explore, support, and appreciate the incredible food culture that makes Orlando special. Whether it’s through authentic storytelling, mouthwatering visuals, or engaging conversations, we’re here to put the spotlight where it belongs—on the people who make this city delicious!

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

How we Built our Following on Social Media
Building our social media following was all about consistency, authenticity, and connection. We started by focusing on what we were truly passionate about—highlighting the amazing local food scene here in Orlando. I made it a point to post regularly, create visually appealing and engaging content, and stay true to my voice.

Interacting with my audience and the community played a huge role too. Whether it was replying to comments, engaging with other creators, or supporting local businesses, I made it about building genuine connections rather than just numbers. Collaborations with other creators and tagging relevant accounts (like local restaurants) also helped expand my reach.

Advice for Others Getting Started
1. Find Your Niche: Focus on what you love and what sets you apart. Your passion will shine through your content.
2. Consistency Is Key: Post regularly and stick to a schedule so your audience knows when to expect new content.
3. Engage With Your Community: Reply to comments, DM people, and interact with other creators in your space. Relationships are everything!
4. Quality Over Quantity: Focus on creating high-quality, engaging content rather than posting just for the sake of it.
5. Stay Patient: Growth doesn’t happen overnight. Keep experimenting, learning, and improving as you go.
6. Be Authentic: People follow you for YOU. Don’t try to copy others—let your unique voice and perspective shine.

Social media is a journey, not a race. Focus on building genuine connections and creating content you’re proud of, and the followers will come!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orlandofoodnet/profilecard/?igsh=YTZ4czducWl1Nnhp
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@orlandofoodnet?si=wBci2VKWuY4_ddvW
• Other: TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@orlandofoodnet?_t=8sH2k6rTWV4&_r=1