We were lucky to catch up with Hannah Hernandez recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hannah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
Growing up, my parents decided to homeschool me until the 6th grade. At the time, I didn’t fully appreciate the value of this experience, but looking back, I realize how much it has shaped my life. They created a lot of opportunities for outdoor classes and camping trips, particularly in the desert and in the Chiricahua Mountains. These experiences have had a profound impact on me.
Camping and immersing myself in nature during those homeschooling years brought me a sense of fulfillment that has stayed with me. The memories that stand out the most are sitting in a tent, listening to the soothing sound of raindrops, and inhaling the incredible smell of wet pine trees. I’d create bracelets made from leaves and little sticks.
These seemingly small activities fostered a deep connection with nature and nurtured my love for the outdoors. When I get too sucked up in screen time, I remind myself to step outside and put my feet in the dirt.
Hannah, 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?
Over six years ago, I made the switch to a vegan lifestyle. I wanted to provide a resource for anyone seeking vegan options in Tucson. I’m all about supporting our community and showcasing the incredible work local Tucson businesses do to cater to vegans.
Recently, I organized my very first event, the Vegan Night Market, with the support of Tucson Foodie. To my delight, it was a huge success, surpassing our expectations. It’s been an incredible experience to bring together local businesses, friends, family, and supporters to celebrate and share something special.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Being consistent and sharing drool-worthy photos is fun, and it’s essential to keep everyone wanting more. Recently, reels have helped expand my reach. My advice for those starting would be to find your niche, stay consistent, and have fun with your content. Don’t be afraid to try new things and engage with your audience. Remember, building a social media presence takes time, but when you’re passionate about what you share, it becomes an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
I wish I would’ve stepped up my camera game sooner. I still have so much to learn about photography, but it’s never-ending fun.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Instagram.com/deathfreefoodie
- Facebook: Facebook.com/deathfreefoodie
- Yelp: @Deathfreefoodie
- Other: TikTok! @deathfreefoodie