We recently connected with Denina Washington and have shared our conversation below.

DeNina, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you manage your own social media?

I manage all of my social media accounts. I do so because with cooking content it’s hard to outsource. I would need a team that would be local and hands-on for example, filming and editing. Eventually, I want to hire a videographer to film recipes and possibly even edit. Doing my social media has been very educational managing your own in the beginning helps you to learn what you like or dislike. This experience keeps the power in your hands and you control how you want your brand to look. Now don’t get me wrong hiring a team is very helpful, but if you do this in the beginning then you won’t know all the ends and outs and you will be at the mercy of your team’s expertise. I like to be versed in all aspects of my business.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Cooking has always been my passion, but life happened like it does for everyone. Once my kids were older I had more time for myself and pursued passions that I wasn’t able to pursue when they were younger. I am most proud of the fact that I just did it and remained consistent over the years. I love being in the online cooking space, and receiving feedback from someone who tried one of my recipes is the most exciting. Knowing that others love my food is heartwarming.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

As you all know the cost of food is at an all-time high, so being in the cooking space isn’t cheap. As things started adding up I felt like I was struggling with my creativity. Recipes would come to mind, but the ingredients just cost so much so I had to Pivot. How am I going to fund the cost of groceries? So I started selling e-cookbooks and teaching monthly virtual cooking classes which were a blast. Not only did I meet some amazing people but I now had two new funding sources to support my brand. As a business owner, you have to constantly be thinking outside of the box. There is no giving up!

How did you build your audience on social media?

Consistency built my social media. You have to show up every day, posting once a week or once a month won’t cut it if serious about your goals. Cooking on LIVE every Sunday did wonders for my social media one Sunday I gained over 1400 followers I couldn’t believe it. I would have been excited with 14 new followers but 1400, that just fueled me ever more I understood the power of social media and haven’t stopped being consistent and bringing value to my audience.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @dieselseats
• Facebook: Diesels Eats
• Youtube: @dieselseats

Image Credits

DeNina Washington