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

Maddie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

My very first paid collaboration was with the Green Hills Restaurant Week — and honestly, it felt like the perfect first chance to prove myself to a paying client. The public relations team invited me to visit Santo, a gem in a bustling area of Nashville, to create content and spotlight their special deals for the event. What made this opportunity especially exciting was that it was my first real taste of balancing creativity with the business side of things: I had to sign a contract, generate an invoice, and navigate the formalities of a professional partnership — all things I hadn’t encountered in my creative journey before.

Visiting Santo was an experience in itself. Despite Green Hills being such a lively, often crowded spot, Santo felt like a secret waiting to be discovered. Their food was absolutely delicious, and I loved getting the chance to shine a light on a place that I felt deserved a little more attention.

What really made this collaboration memorable was the creative freedom I was given. I produced a set of photos for Instagram and then switched gears to craft a dynamic TikTok reel — two very different formats that challenged me and let me flex different creative muscles. It wasn’t just a job; it was an a brand new experience, and looking back, it set the tone for how I wanted my creative work to connect with audiences and clients alike.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

In August 2021, BNA Best Bites was born from a very personal place — a time when, like many, my world had been turned upside down by the pandemic. After months of relying mostly on takeout from familiar spots, I found myself craving something different: a way to reconnect with my city and rediscover the vibrant food scene that I knew was still evolving in exciting ways. The question was simple but profound — where do I go now to eat, drink, and truly experience Nashville?

What started as a personal mission quickly revealed a shared need among locals craving guidance in a rapidly changing city. I began reaching out to restaurants, other creators, and residents to gather recommendations. I explored farmer’s markets, food festivals, and hidden gems not only within Nashville but also nearby. Before long, I had built a treasure trove of insider knowledge about the culinary delights this city had to offer.

Looking back to that initial spark, it’s incredible to see how a simple idea blossomed into something that connects people, supports local businesses, and fuels my creative passions. What truly drives me is a blend of creativity and authenticity. I started with food and drink photography, capturing the colors and textures that make each dish special. Over time, I’ve transitioned toward short-form video content like reels, which allow me to tell richer stories and bring the ambiance, flavors, and personalities of each place to life. I approach every project with genuine enthusiasm — I only share content that comes from a real love for the food, the atmosphere, and the community behind it.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Creatives invest a huge amount of time experimenting, learning new skills, and refining their craft, often without instant validation or financial reward. It can feel like putting a piece of yourself out into the world and hoping it resonates — which opens you up to criticism and uncertainty. That emotional risk is something many non-creatives might not anticipate.

So, if I could offer some insight, it’s this: behind every creative’s work is a story of persistence, growth, and courage to keep showing up even when it feels tough. Recognizing that effort can help foster patience, respect, and support — not just for creatives, but for anyone chasing a passion or carving their own unique path.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

The short answer to building my audience? Consistency. I committed to posting regularly — sometimes weekly, sometimes even daily — over many months. Beyond that, I made it a point to engage actively with other creators and local businesses, building genuine connections rather than just broadcasting content into the void.

But the longer, more important answer is about mindset: being willing to experiment, take risks, and keep pushing forward even when things don’t feel perfect. Social media success doesn’t come overnight, and it definitely isn’t for anyone who ties their self-worth to likes and follows. It’s easy to get discouraged if you start to feel that people not liking your content is a personal judgment — but it’s so crucial to take those feelings in stride and treat every post as a learning opportunity.

For anyone starting out, my biggest piece of advice is to give yourself permission to start small, stumble, and grow gradually. Focus on sharing what you love, keep showing up with passion, and don’t let the numbers define you. Over time, that authenticity and persistence pay off.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/bnabestbites
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bnabestbites/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61555627195694
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@bnabestbites