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

Sherri, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you share a story about the kindest thing someone has done for you and why it mattered so much or was so meaningful to you?

The kindest thing anyone has done for me….this one pulls at the heart strings. Growing up, I never thought I was smart enough, pretty enough, funny enough, spiritual enough…just never enough. But the short answer to this question as I live, love and know my life today? It’s simple. Gratitude and appreciation for what I do and who I am.

Some people, aka me, spend their entire life looking for their purpose, some kind of direction, their passion(s), and let’s be honest, approval. So to have family, friends or your IG audience applaud you, it means the world It means mission accomplished. You inspired, created a memory or moment they want to hold onto.

I believe that when you have that natural ability or need for making sure everything is beautiful, and everyone is well taken care of, some fall into a pattern of expecting it. And at some point, they may even take it for granted.

The end result for creative and empathetic “giver” can get lonely. So for someone who cant help but make all things and experiences beautiful, an acknowledgment of gratitude, inspiration and /or appreciation goes a very long way. Quite frankly, it’s priceless.

Sherri, 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?

I think the reason I was contacted is all thanks to my Instagram account. Travel_Drink_Eat_Repeat is a genuine, quality over quantity, real life reflection of lifestyle, design, travel, food, drink, and most importantly, its adorned with my family, and our very human-like Jack Russell Terriers.

It all started as a personal photo album. A place to safely tuck images of the remarkable people in my life, the moments that deserved to be remembered, all of the brainstormed recipes and tablescapes along the way – a collection that, at a glance, would bring anyone looking some joy and inspiration – at a glance. Creating all things and feelings beautiful and memorable has been my consistent and constant tug. Let’s call it, “my purpose.”

As an over-achiever in the empathy department with an overly active creative brain, details matter. They are a large part of my DNA. Pepper that with a dash or six of ‘perfectionist’, and you’ve got yourself a never-ending checklist. The one that’s instructing you to make sure the picture frame across the room is straight, every pillow is fluffed, and each and every human…and animal…leaves relaxed, yet energized, content, comfortable, with belly’s full. Every box ticked!

That IG account? My photo album? Well, one day people began to visit, then they genuinely followed. Here comes the part where the gratitude and appreciation poured in. So many kind words! I was thrilled to learn that I was somehow “helping” and inspiring others out there.

Next came a few articles – like this one – featuring my account. Invites to restaurants, collaborated staycations, products at our door, ads and photoshoots to appear in – all partnerships with brands that I trust, love, and am thrilled to support and represent. And let us not forget the relationships that this thing called Instagram has fostered!

How did you build your audience on social media?

IG became a bit more complicated when I knew people were actually paying attention and looking to me for inspiration, advice, or a simple ray of sunshine for their day. The thought of disappointing someone was frightening.

But, my goal will always be to keep my account authentic and genuine. It’s a true, ‘reality story’ and I want to keep it that way.

I will not post what I don’t like. Only what speaks to me. Negativity of any kind will remain remote. There’s enough of that out there bringing us all down. So only positive notes – all the things, people, pets and places we love – and think you will love too -will be highlighted here!

Pet peeve? Followers bought. Contests requiring you to follow a slew of accounts, and mine. There will be none of that! Follow if you wish! And thank you if you do! Honesty, and quality over quantity is for me.

My advice – stay authentic and true to yourself…and your followers, and please don’t make people follow you just so they can win something..pretty please.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think this question has been answered in my previous/above answer. The key here is authenticity. Building and fostering relationships is all easy and organic when you remain true to yourself. We all know you’ll never see fast food on my account because I don’t eat it. It’s that easy. Honesty and transparency builds trust.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Travel_Drink_Eat_Repeat

Image Credits
All taken by me, Travel_Drink_Eat_Repeat