We recently connected with Sonia Mendez and have shared our conversation below.
Sonia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
It took several years to start earning revenue from my blog. Before that, I was working for other food websites developing recipes. That in itself, helped me build my following on social media. Countless hours and dedication is what it takes. It’s not going to happen overnight. Now with the popularity and trend of quick videos, it seems like blogs are taking a second seat. Being more knowledgeable about how social media worked would have helped me in the beginning. I am still learning.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
My name is Sonia Mendez Garcia and I am a Mexican food blogger/influencer. I grew up in a big Mexican family setting where mom cooked everyday. Trips to Mexico were the highlight of my growing up and I fell in love with the Mexican culture. Twenty five years ago I was asked to teach Mexican cooking classes and I discovered that I loved to teach! The cooking classes were so much fun and it made me want to explore more about all Mexican cuisine from different regions. A back injury left me with no job. That was when I discovered the internet and all the wonderful food sites. I barely knew how to use a computer. One thing led to another and I found a wonderful website where I began sharing family recipes. The owner of the site was so impressed with the recipes and the response to the recipes that he offered me a job. After that I became a professional food blogger and was offered brand work. I knew I had to start my own blog though. The name of my blog is La Piña en La Cocina (The Pineapple In The Kitchen). Pineapple? My dad, Ramiro, gave me the nickname piña or piñita(little pineapple) when I was a baby. I knew somehow that the title would include the name piña. The blog officially went live in January 2014. My motivation to start it was to preserve family recipes and to continue the legacy of my parents. Cooking and sharing recipes inspired by mom and all those trips to Mexico helps me feel closer the my parents who are no longer with me. My followers express to me how they connect with me because of the recipes and the stories I share with them. Food is the common bond that we all share. In March of 2022 I published my first cookbook Mexican Salsa! I just started work on the second cookbook! Food blogging has been very rewarding, not just financially, but for me as a person.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
In a world of food blogging, there is a lot of competition. I truly believe that we all have a different story to share with our followers. Stay genuine, stay humble and be kind no matter what. A little over a year ago I was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in my uterus. It was at the same time that I was writing my first cookbook. I almost wanted to give up and just crawl back into bed. I figured the blog would continue earning revenue and that would be enough. Then I thought, what an awesome opportunity was waiting for me to get out of bed and challenge myself to get the work done for the cookbook. In the midst of major surgery and then radiation, I finished the book. It is what saved me from going crazy because I was so scared every time I heard the word cancer. I did some of my best work despite the circumstances. I’m so happy I didn’t give up!
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Consistency! Be consistent! When you are trying to build your brand and following on social media, you must be consistent. Posting every day, three times a day on some platforms, once a day on others. Get in front of the camera and talk to your followers. Engage them. Don’t focus on the number of followers, likes, comments. Focus on presenting your product/recipes well. Do the work and stick to what you believe in.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pinaenlacocina.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lapinaenlacocina/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaPinaEnLaCocina
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCueJ_hDS8AITPIjq8vYi4ew
- Other: TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@lapinaenlacocina?lang=en