Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Bullard.
Hi Erica, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
In college, I had very few friends which caused me to do a lot of things alone. Going out to restaurants was one of them. Going out of state I was always curious to try new places that weren’t in my home state. Like most people my age, all I did was take pictures of the food before I ate. When I returned home on breaks I did the same, taking pictures of literally everyone I ate and drink at different restaurants. After a while I started getting lots of feedback and comments about how I always know the good spots, I’m always eating good, or how did I find these places. It was to the point where I was getting multiple messages asking me for recommendations for great food spots. I started @ericaeatsamerica, a food-based Instagram just so people can look there to satisfy their cravings. Then TikTok came out. I was always told I’m funny and I loved being in front of the camera especially making videos wise. I was like there is a lot of food review creators on there, how could I differentiate myself? Add comedy! So to all my voiceovers on my videos, I added my silly and funny commentary to stand out. Which worked to my benefit because people rave about my videos all the time. Each video I post I grow in followers and I love everything about making them laugh and putting them on to good food!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Well, it took me a while to figure out TikTok. Like most social media platforms you have to learn the algorithm to reach the most engagement. When I first started off I was barely getting 100 views and 20 likes. Which is terrible on that platform where you can thousands to millions of views and likes. After research I learn the trick is to post at a certain time, using a trending sound, and use multiple hashtags which I was so against at first. That’s been my go-to formula for months now and I have received high engagement ever since. Now Instagram is a tough crowd. I’m exactly at the following or receiving the engagement I’m looking for but the page is elevating slowly. People still refer to my Instagram page when needing a recommendation so that makes me happy. As TikTok grows, it helps boost my Instagram. Both will be very popping eventually!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a micro soon-to-be macro social media food influencer. I make food review videos on TikTok where I’m influencing people to try these restaurants I visited. I’m known for knowing all the great spots locally and nationally. People from all over ask me for food recommendations in their city and I’m here to satisfy their hunger. Knowing people think of me first when they need help finding somewhere to eat brings me so much joy. Then when I receive so much positive feedback on my videos telling me they’re going to try the place. Or how funny I am it just makes me feel so good about myself. Like wow, I really found my calling. I get to share my love of food with thousands of people. What sets me apart from other food reviewers is that I’m real and put all my personality in it. I’m not trying to sound cute, eat cutely, or look cute. What you see is what you get! At the end of my videos, you’re going to be dying laughing and ready to race to the restaurant to spend some bucks!
How do you think about luck?
When I learned to mask my shyness it made life and creating content way easier. Once I got over the fear of what people will think of videos it has been a success ever since. Learning that I could connect through people with my personality was probably the biggest confidence booster.
Contact Info:
- Email: erica.bullard031898@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericaeatsamerica/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8llUxx4o3iW_UkYE-gxyeA
- Other: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMd3vfTuu/
Image Credits
My personal photo was taken by @2rawfootage
