We recently connected with Kyrie Patterson and have shared our conversation below.

Kyrie, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

When I first started sharing recipes on Instagram, my goal was to make cooking approachable and easy for everyone, regardless of their experience in the kitchen. Over time, I noticed my audience gravitated toward the Japanese and Asian-inspired recipes I shared. As someone who is half-Japanese, I’ve always had a deep connection to this cuisine.

But growing up, it wasn’t always something I felt proud of. I remember being embarrassed to bring Japanese food to school for lunch because it was different from what everyone else was eating. Those experiences stuck with me, but over time, my confidence in my culture grew, and I developed a deep passion and pride for it.

Now, having a platform to share that love for Japanese cuisine feels incredibly rewarding. I realized I could offer a unique perspective—understanding what can feel intimidating about Japanese cooking and breaking it down to make it more accessible. Sharing my culture in a way that feels authentic yet approachable has been exciting, and it’s amazing to see others embrace the flavors and stories that are so personal to me. It’s not just about the recipes; it’s about celebrating the uniqueness that once made me self-conscious and turning it into something that inspires others.

Kyrie, 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 Kyrie, and I’m a food content creator specializing in approachable Japanese and Asian-inspired recipes. As someone who is half-Japanese, I bring a unique perspective to the world of food content creation. Having spent time living in Japan, I’ve gained a deep appreciation for its rich culinary traditions and cultural nuances.

At the same time, being part American allows me to understand what can feel intimidating about Japanese cuisine—whether it’s unfamiliar ingredients, specialized techniques, or the perception that it’s too complex to make at home. I bridge that gap by creating recipes that honor the authenticity of Japanese flavors while making them accessible for home cooks everywhere.

The core of what I offer is recipes for those eager to explore Asian cuisine, whether they’re just starting out or are looking to deepen their knowledge. My content is designed to be approachable and enjoyable, breaking down barriers so that anyone can feel confident recreating these dishes.

What I’m most proud of is how consistent I’ve been in staying true to myself throughout my journey. I’ve never prioritized quick money grabs or promoted products I don’t genuinely believe in. Maintaining that integrity means a lot to me, and I think my followers appreciate the trust and authenticity that comes through in my work. My goal is to inspire others to explore Japanese and Asian flavors with curiosity and confidence, all while staying true to my passion and values.

How did you build your audience on social media?

When I started building my audience on social media, I quickly realized that just being in the “food” space wasn’t enough to stand out. Even narrowing it down to “Asian food” wasn’t specific enough. What really helped me grow was finding a niche within a niche within a niche. My focus became approachable, easy, quick Japanese food—recipes that break down the intimidation factor and show people that Japanese cooking can fit into their everyday lives. While I occasionally branch out into other types of Asian food, having this clear focus has helped me attract and connect with a specific audience who values what I provide.

I credit discovering my niche to my husband (we just got married October 2024). He has always been my biggest support and does so much for the business behind the scenes. He was also the one to tell me that my audience liked my content because they were easy, approachable Japanese recipes.

For anyone starting to build a social media presence, my biggest piece of advice is to find your niche and really commit to it. I know it can feel counterintuitive, like you’re limiting yourself, but in reality, it helps you stand out in a crowded space and makes it easier for your target audience to find you. Your niche doesn’t mean you can’t evolve over time, but starting with a clear focus gives you direction and a stronger foundation to grow from. Remember, it’s not about being everything to everyone—it’s about being the go-to for a specific group of people who love and trust what you offer.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

A story that illustrates my resilience is how I balanced working full-time at a tech company with building my social media business. I wasn’t happy in my corporate role—I’ve always known I wanted to be my own boss and pursue something I was truly passionate about. But I also understood that I couldn’t just quit my job and dive into social media right away. I knew I needed to reach a certain level of financial consistency on social media before making that leap. And going into debt has never been something I’ve wanted to pursue or accept.

So, I worked tirelessly to build my business while still holding down my 9-to-5 job. On top of my full-time work, I dedicated at least 30 hours a week to creating recipes, filming content, engaging with my audience, and managing the behind-the-scenes aspects of my growing platform. It wasn’t easy, and there were countless late nights and early mornings, but I stayed focused on my long-term goals. That period of hard work and sacrifice taught me the value of perseverance and discipline. Eventually, I reached the point where I could confidently step away from my corporate job and focus entirely on my passion—and that’s something I’m incredibly proud of.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kyriethefoodie.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyriethefoodie?igsh=NHk0MHNueng4Mjhk&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@kyriethefoodie?si=UdiyH25xQGR0Ye9j
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kyriethefoodie?_t=8rLFvh3kh5T&_r=1