We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Melisa Estrada Bustamante a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Melisa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your career and how did you resolve those issues?

One of the most unexpected problems I faced as a food content creator was the challenge of gaining recognition and acceptance in the industry. When I started, I thought that if I produced quality and valuable content, opportunities would come naturally. However, as the months went by I learned that it’s not as simple as it seems.

Slowly, my perseverance began to pay off. I started to gain a small but loyal following who appreciated my unique perspective and passion for food. I also learned to embrace my individuality and showcase what set me apart from the crowd, whether it was my unconventional recipes, storytelling style, or creative photography techniques.

As I continued to hone my craft and cultivate my online presence, doors began to open. I received invitations to collaborate with restaurants, brands, and fellow creators, further expanding my reach and opportunities. While the journey to gaining recognition in the foodie industry was far from easy, the challenges I faced along the way ultimately made me a stronger, more resilient creator.

Looking back, I’m grateful for those unexpected obstacles because they forced me to dig deep, refine my approach, and stay true to myself. Today, I’m proud to say that I’ve carved out a niche for myself in the foodie world, and while the journey is ongoing, I’m excited to see where it leads next.

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

Meli Tastes was born as I say it thanks to my family and friends, they were the ones who encouraged me to create my Instagram @meli.tastes. Let’s go a little bit back in time so you can understand me better, since a few years ago, I don’t know maybe 5, in my personal Instagram @melisaestradab started to post in my IG stories the restaurants I visited.

I simply published the photo of the dish and tagged the restaurant, and over time my friends and family started asking me to recommend them because if a new restaurant opened in the city, a new restaurant I visited. But I got to a point where I had so many restaurants in my head that I could not remember them, and there I created my list of restaurants, where I categorized them by type of cuisine, country, or city, and also rated them from 1 to 5 stars.

Let’s go a little bit back in time so you can understand me better, since a few years ago, I don’t know maybe 5, in my personal Instagram @melisaestradab started to post in my IG stories the restaurants I visited. I simply published the photo of the dish and tagged the restaurant, and over time my friends and family started asking me to recommend them because if a new restaurant opened in the city, a new restaurant I visited. But I got to a point where I had so many restaurants in my head that I could not remember them, and there I created my list of restaurants, where I categorized them by type of cuisine, country, or city, and also rated them from 1 to 5 stars.

But this love for gastronomy does not come from a few years ago, since I can remember I have been passionate about gastronomy, I have always been curious when it comes to trying new flavors, for example in each of my trips, another of my passions, I usually try the typical or local food, for me, it is a way to take with me a little bit of their culture. I also love to cook and invent new flavors in my kitchen. I think @meli.tastes is just a result of this passion, which materialized in a Food Blog.

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

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a foodie content creator and strategist experience specialist is the opportunity to inspire and connect with others, being able to share my culinary adventures, recipes, and insights with fellow enthusiasts brings me immense joy.

Whether it’s through mouth-watering food photography, engaging recipe tutorials, I love being able to spark inspiration and ignite a sense of curiosity in my audience. Knowing that my content has the power to evoke emotions, evoke memories, and even encourage others to explore new cuisines and flavors is incredibly fulfilling.

Additionally, as a strategist experience specialist, I find great satisfaction in helping businesses and individuals craft compelling narratives and strategies that resonate with their target audience. Collaborating with clients to develop cohesive brand identities, impactful social media campaigns, and immersive experiences allows me to leverage my creativity and expertise to help others succeed.

Ultimately, the most rewarding aspect of my work is the sense of connection and community it fosters. Whether it’s forging meaningful relationships with fellow foodies, collaborating with like-minded creatives, or helping businesses thrive, knowing that I’m making a positive impact in the lives of others is what drives me forward every day.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

As a foodie content creator and strategist experience specialist, my journey is driven by a passion for connecting with others in the industry, learning from their experiences, and inspiring small business owners and creatives. I believe that by fostering a community where individuals can share their knowledge, skills, and insights, we can collectively elevate our craft and achieve greater success.

One particular goal is to provide a platform where small business owners and creatives can come together to exchange ideas, collaborate on projects, and support one another’s endeavors. Additionally, I am motivated by the desire to continuously learn and grow in my journey as a foodie content creator and strategist experience specialist. By engaging with peers and seeking out new opportunities for collaboration and inspiration.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meli.tastes/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meli.tastes
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisaestradabustamante/
• Twitter: https://x.com/melisaestradab?s=21