Today we’d like to introduce you to Joni Gomes.
Joni, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My name is Joni and my food blog foodbyjonister.com is about healthy, colorful and easy recipes. The blog was created in 2015 right after I got married here in South Florida and I had some time off to develop and create my own recipes.
But let’s rewind a bit to when my passion for cooking really started. After graduating from FIU in 2010 and starting my career in Marketing while living in Miami, my then boyfriend (now husband) was offered a position in Los Angeles, CA in 2012 and he asked me to move with him. While living in Los Angeles for 3 years, I was introduced me to farmer’s markets, local produce, seasonal cooking and all kinds of cuisines. It really made me appreciate food and it sparked a true interest in cooking and a healthy lifestyle. In 2015, we moved back to beautiful Miami and as I was cooking more and more and getting better, my husband Kelly would take pictures of my food and post them on his social accounts using the hashtag #foodbyjonister. Friends and family would ask me for the recipes and encouraged me to create a website. In June 2015, my blog was born. My hope is to inspire others to cook more at home and learn about real food and its health benefits.
Fun fact, I grew up in Germany and moved to the states with my family when I was 15 years old!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I would say the biggest struggle is getting my content out there. I continue to learn about food photography, SEO, social media and more so that I can compete to reach my target audience. Algorithms are constantly changing and making it harder for people like me to just be seen.
In the beginning, I knew next to nothing about photography and food styling. I am self-taught and have watched a lot of youtube videos and also learn through trial and error. It’s hard work but I love what I do and will never want to stop learning!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the foodbyjonister story. Tell us more about the business.
My food blog focuses on healthy, colorful and easy recipes. As I personally try to avoid processed foods, my recipes reflect that as well. I am the recipe developer, food photographer, content creator and more. I basically do it all!
I am always on the lookout for people with similar interests here in Miami. There are a lot of food bloggers on the west coast, specifically Los Angeles but I have not met many here in Miami. The food culture in Miami is changing and there is a major push and interest for healthier habits, I want to be part of this movement and encourage others to cook more at home and really appreciate local and seasonal foods.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
There have been a few times when good luck has played in my favor. I do think that luck happens to those that keep pushing and never give up. Having the opportunity to live on both the east and west coasts of the U.S. has been incredibly lucky and I took full advantage. I’ve also been noticed by prominent food magazines and websites including Food & Wine Magazine and The Feed Feed and I was lucky enough to have been featured on their social accounts. This has exposed my blog to their large audiences which has helped my blog to grow.
So far, no bad luck has come my way but, I’m also the type to look at the glass half full! 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: http://foodbyjonister.com/
- Email: joni@foodbyjonister.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodbyjonister/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foodbyjonister/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/foodbyjonister
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
