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

Hi Odester, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

The first dollar I earned as a creative! Wow, that’s an unforgettable milestone. As a Palate Awakener and foodie, I am passionate about sharing the meals I create in the kitchen. I can also cook, too! One day, I received an email from a marketing team with an opportunity to partner with Imagery Winery, a family-owned winery in California.

They provided an overview of the partnership and requested that if I was interested, I fill out a form so they could learn more about me and share it with their client. After a month of not hearing anything, I assumed they had decided to go in another direction.

Then, out of the blue, I received an email from the marketing company saying I had been selected. Better yet, they wanted it to be a paid partnership! I was genuinely blown away by the opportunity and the proposed payment—they wanted to pay little old me! I quickly signed the contract and started reviewing the requirements, planning how best to execute them while staying true to who I am.

The entire experience was thrilling. I brainstormed the best dishes that would pair perfectly with their wine—meals that were easy yet delicious, and maybe even a bit deceptively simple. My goal was to highlight how well their wine could complement any dish. I then traveled to Richmond to cook the dish live! I wanted the audience to feel like they were hanging out at home with their friends, sipping delicious wine and cooking along with me.

The experience was incredibly fun and had me feeling like Ina Garten. It showed me that brands look everywhere to find the perfect representative. The biggest lesson I learned is that you don’t need a huge following to secure a paid partnership—I had only 3,000 followers at the time. Consistency and passion will always get you far!

Odester, 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?

I am a Food Storyteller and Palate Awakener dedicated to uncovering and sharing the culinary treasures of Hampton Roads and beyond. My journey into this industry was sparked by a deep-seated passion for supporting locally-owned restaurants, which I believe are the true hidden gems of any community.

Through my platform, I aim to shine a spotlight on these establishments, guiding my followers and fellow foodies on a flavorful adventure. I take immense pride in creating a space where people can discover amazing restaurants that were never on their radar.

One of my most gratifying moments is when restaurant owners tell me that they experienced a surge in customers because of the exposure on the Odester Eats platform. My mission is simple: to share the love of food and build a community that celebrates amazing, delicious, and local dining options.

What sets me apart is my genuine commitment to showcasing the heart and soul of local eateries. I don’t just review food; I tell the stories behind each dish and each establishment. This approach not only highlights delectable meals but also fosters a deeper connection between the community and local businesses.

I’m most proud of the impact my platform has on both the restaurants and the people who discover them through my recommendations. I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that my brand is about more than just food—it’s about celebrating culture, community, and the shared joy of a great meal.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Support your artists and creatives! Support can take many forms and doesn’t always have to be monetary. Share their platforms—whether it’s their website, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, or wherever they are active. Reposting and celebrating their work can make a huge difference.

If possible, attend their events. Showing up in person when they’re participating or have organized something is incredibly valuable. I love it when I meet someone and they tell me they are a Palate Awakener! That kind of recognition and enthusiasm is incredibly supportive for me.

Additionally, give smaller creatives opportunities to showcase their talents. When I first started, all I needed was a chance, and the fact that Imagery Winery gave me that opportunity and trusted my work made me feel validated and encouraged to continue my creative journey.

By supporting artists and creatives in these ways, society can foster a thriving and dynamic creative ecosystem.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is hearing from restaurant owners that they experienced a surge in customers due to the exposure on the Odester Eats platform. It’s equally fulfilling when a follower tells me they tried out a restaurant I suggested and had a fantastic experience. These moments affirm that my work is making a positive impact and connecting people with local culinary gems.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/odestereats?igsh=a3QzZTRuMTN5dDk2&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Odestereats?mibextid=JRoKGi
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@odestereats?si=dm66loUB-3LBO_Pc
• Yelp: https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=3ovNUgYm-HRVwAFptCEW1Q&utm_source=ishare__;!!IZ3lH8c!2X2z0Ds-30bV2JpBf8fELFyEMYpWSJ8YlQJKIImXusune0sh1eXFlUeW30dJUp1NLdYQ0SIY4Sdlx53wkQi0Vis_nTU$