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

Hi Emily, thanks for joining us today. What do you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry?

Corporate America often believes that one person can wear all the hats in marketing from managing social media, designing graphics, optimizing SEO, running ads, and creating photo and video content. While some individuals may be skilled in more than one area, the reality is that marketing is a multifaceted job that requires specialized expertise in each of these tasks. Expecting one person to excel at all of them simultaneously can lead to burnout and subpar results. Marketing is more of a multi-person job, where each individual can focus on their area of expertise to ensure success. It’s essential for companies to recognize that collaboration and specialization are key to achieving the best outcomes, rather than expecting one person to handle everything.

Emily, 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?

Growing up, I was actually a really picky eater, but over time, my love for food grew, and so did my curiosity to explore new restaurants and cuisines. I found myself constantly sharing my food adventures with friends, and they were the ones who encouraged me to start an Instagram account to document my restaurant visits. During the pandemic, that little passion project began to grow. With people staying home and video content becoming popular, I leaned into learning more about videography, especially for platforms like TikTok and Instagram. That’s really where my skills developed, and I discovered how much I loved creating videos that connect people to places they may not have known about.

Now, I offer photography, videography, social media content, social media management, and influencer marketing services tailored specifically for restaurants, local businesses, and events. What sets my work apart is how I approach each project: I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all solution. Whether it’s a local pickleball facility, a trendy new bar, or an upscale restaurant, I take time to understand the brand and create content that aligns with their vision and audience. I love natural lighting in my photography, but I’m also comfortable shifting to styles like flash photography or darker, moodier aesthetics depending on what fits best.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the tangible impact my work has had on the businesses I partner with. I’ve had followers tell me that after I posted about one of their favorite spots, there was suddenly a 90-minute wait and a line out the door. Another restaurant shared that after one of my videos hit over a million views, their business jumped by over 100 percent compared to the previous month. Most of those customers were brand new. I love seeing those moments when the online traction turns into real-life results. It’s incredibly rewarding to hear that people are traveling even an hour or more just to check out a spot they discovered through one of my videos.

At the end of the day, it’s about creating authentic, engaging content that not only looks great but drives real impact. Whether you’re a business owner or a foodie follower, I want my work to inspire people to try something new and maybe even fall in love with a hidden gem.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding part of being a creative is seeing the real, tangible impact my work can have. It is always exciting to see a video go viral, but what truly means the most is when that online buzz turns into real customers walking through the doors of a business. There is something so special about knowing that something I created helped a restaurant or local spot get busier, reach new people, and grow in ways they might not have expected. That kind of impact goes beyond views or likes. It is meaningful, and it is why I love what I do.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Something I think many non-creatives struggle to understand is that being a content creator or influencer is not as easy as it looks. From the outside, it might seem like we are just making quick, silly videos and posting them online. But behind every post is a lot of time, effort, and planning. Building an account, learning how to effectively use the platform, editing content, traveling to locations, and handling all the behind-the-scenes work takes serious commitment.

Social media is a constant, around-the-clock world. It can be hard to disconnect, and burnout is very real. Setting boundaries is crucial, but not always easy, especially when you feel the pressure to always be creating and posting just to stay relevant or feel successful. Creative ruts happen. Ideas run dry. And sometimes it feels like if you are not producing, you are falling behind.

While being a content creator or influencer has become a popular goal, it is not as effortless as it may seem. I do believe that everyone has some level of influence in their own way, but the reach and impact of that influence can vary greatly. There is a lot more depth, intention, and emotional energy involved than most people realize.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://urnovafoodie.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urnovafoodie/
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@urnovafoodie?lang=en