We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rossalyn Ou a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rossalyn, thanks for joining us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

Before creating OUITSFOOD, I aimed for a username featuring a part of either my first or last name, along with a word or phrase related to being a foodie.

After extensive brainstorming, “OUITSFOOD” stood out as the most unique among all the usernames I considered.
My last name, “Ou,” pronounced as “oo,” is a distinctive identity not commonly found among Cambodian Americans. I sought to distinguish myself as a creator and brand that’s not only memorable but also unique.
The fusion of “Ou” and “itsfood” naturally led to the unique and catchy moniker. When combined, “OUITSFOOD,” pronounced as “OO-ITS-FOOD,” exudes the excitement for food, akin to someone saying “OMG.”

It’s a name that encapsulates my love and dedication to capturing moments with food, believing that great food is a celebration. So, when you see “OUITSFOOD,” know it’s not just a name; it represents Rossalyn Ou’s passion and love for food and experiences.

Rossalyn, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi, I’m Rossalyn Ou, a Khmer-American food enthusiast based in Portland, OR. My foodie journey began with snapping photos of food on Snapchat and sharing my culinary experiences. Slowly gaining attention over the years as more friends sought my recommendations, I realized the potential to turn my passion into something more significant.

“Ouitsfood” is built on honest and authentic reviews. I believe in staying true to myself and seizing opportunities that align with my genuine interests. I bring an open mind to every experience, sharing my thoughts without criticizing restaurants but rather guiding my audience through the nuances of flavor and experience. It represents not only my dedication to doing what I love but also serves as a platform for building connections and friendships within the food industry, connecting businesses, and food enthusiasts.

During the pandemic, when everything was closing, I faced the challenge of how and where to produce content. I decided to invest time in photography and videography using my Nikon D7000 and iPhone 11. My content started expanding beyond food reviews, featuring food recipes and home cafe videos. This period of growth helped me develop and start TikTok, where, under the name “Rosalyn,” I share snippets of my daily life, desk setups, and pop-up experiences.

I approach my work with passion, investing time and effort to meticulously plan and visualize each piece of content. My specialty is photography and videography for products and food, and I spend 5-10 hours weekly to stay current and refine my skills.

Looking ahead to 2024, my goal is to seamlessly manage both “Ouitsfood” on Instagram and “Rossalyyyn” on TikTok. I aim to integrate lifestyle content into my narrative and aspire to evolve into a content creator, embodying the essence of a foodie and producing the content I’m passionate about.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Growing up, I wasn’t sure about my career aspirations. When asked, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ I would respond with ‘I don’t know yet’ or ‘I want to be a doctor.’ The idea of being a creator never crossed my mind as a potential career. My dad, a weekend photographer, introduced me to the world of photography through wedding shoots. However, being part of an immigrant, first-generation household, the emphasis was on stability, typically found in careers such as law or medicine.

Despite the expectations, I had a passion for making a difference and helping people. Initially, I pursued pre-med in college, only to realize it wasn’t the right fit – it was both challenging and not aligned with my passions. During this period of uncertainty, I started OUITSFOOD as a hobby to occupy myself while I figure out what I wanted to do.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and platforms like TikTok gained immense popularity, I began to see the potential for a career in social media. It occurred to me that this could be a platform where I could not only express myself but also make a positive impact as a creator or for a brand.
Deciding to take a leap of fate, I pursued social media and content creation. I found myself thoroughly enjoying the experience. The thrill of creating content and connecting with an audience resonated with me in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

Through this journey, I’ve learned to embrace change, trust my instincts, and find purpose.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative lies in the transformative power of ideas. My passion is deeply rooted in the ability to contribute meaningfully, whether it’s by helping individuals express themselves, aiding brands in their messaging, or raising awareness on important issues.

Virtually any idea has potential. Even concepts that might initially sound unconventional or ‘dumb’ are great and valuable opportunities for practice and experimentation.

Unlike a rigid 9-to-5 schedule, I have the freedom to structure my time and incorporate breaks and mental health check-ins. This approach ensures that I maintain a healthy balance, preventing burnout and allowing me to consistently produce my best work.

Above all, being a creative is about enjoying the journey. It’s a rollercoaster ride filled with diverse experiences, and finding joy in every moment is key. The ability to infuse fun into the creative process not only enhances the quality of the work but also makes the entire endeavor more fulfilling.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.rossalynou.com
• Instagram: ouitsfood
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rossalyyyn