We recently connected with Jenn Baluch and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Jenn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?
I hope people will see someone that took a tragic experience and turned it into something great. I lost my corporate job of almost 5 years due to COVID and decided to start a food page. It turned out really well and took off. Over time I learned social media and marketing and it led me to my now full-time job!
Jenn, 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?
My name is Jenn and I run the page Tastes of AZ in Arizona. I grew up in culinary school, working in restaurants including Disneyland. I realized I didn’t want to do the same thing every day while in food prep. I decided to get my BA in Sports Journalism, which led me to a job with the Arizona Cardinals for 4 1/2 years. Covid then came and I was furloughed. I decided to start a food page while in quarantine. It took off during the beginning stages of TIKTOK. My page focuses on featuring restaurants that do not get the hype they deserve. I am most proud of how much success the restaurants I have visited have become. Including a little hot dog cart in Tempe that had George Lopez comment on their video and be interested in visiting. These small businesses have goals and dreams, and I am able to help be a little part in it.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I think being yourself is the way you will shine in a creator spotlight. Trying too hard to be something your not will burn you out. You have to truly love what you are doing and if you don’t or are forcing it, your audience can tell. Be open, honest and real.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
As I mentioned in another section, I love being able to help make an impact on small businesses and their journey. If I can help sell them out even for a day, it makes me so happy! I love seeing how happy and thankful they are to be sharing their passions with everyone.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tastesofaz/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@tastesofaz