Today we’d like to introduce you to Emma Batchelder.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started in the hospitality industry at 21 years old by working as a stewardess on luxury yachts in the south of France. I worked my way up to Chief Stewardess (running the interior department – food and beverage service, guest relations, housekeeping, provisioning, and bookings) and spent seven years of my life onboard these floating hotels.
Eventually, I immigrated to South Florida to start a “real life” on land, and use my degree in Advertising and Brand Management. I’m originally from Cape Town, South Africa, studied in the United Kingdom, and had lived in Boston, London and Mexico before finally settling in Miami which I now consider home. After working in Public Relations in the yachting industry, I moved into my new role as Brand Manager for Mrs. Mandolin and Mandolin Aegean Bistro which I absolutely adore.
In my spare time, I enjoy food, fashion, music, and the arts. My Instagram account @postcardsfromemma was born out of my friends (and friends of friends) constantly coming to me for recommendations on places to eat, events in town, good new music, etc. It was them who kept insisting I start the account and after a good few years of nagging me, I did! I try not to take Instagram too seriously because it is too all-consuming in the world we live in – so I just post about what I genuinely enjoy or whatever I’m feeling in the moment.
I’m not doing it to get 100k followers or 500 likes on a post, I do it to share new and cool finds with like-minded people who may enjoy those same things. At the end of the day, it’s another creative outlet for me, and that’s what matters most!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Nothing good comes easily! For me, immigrating to the United States was one of the most challenging things I have ever done. It took a long time and a lot of hard work to become a resident here, and I am very proud to call this place home and to have achieved that all by myself.
I have a knack for consistently throwing myself at challenges, so when one is complete it’s always on to the next thing! I enjoy it that way as it’s always educational – stressful as it may sometimes be!
Please tell us about Postcards From Emma.
First and foremost I am a Brand Manager for the Mandolin brands. My job is very important to me, and I choose to let it be all consuming because I love what I do.
As for Postcards From Emma – I love to share information with people; whether it’s an art exhibit at ICA, a new graffiti mural going up on the streets in Miami somewhere, or a delicious new restaurant I tried out, I want to tell people about it. It’s genuine news from a local – not Yelp.
There’s nothing more rewarding for me than when someone DM’s me or texts me to say “That restaurant was phenomenal thank you so much for letting us know!” or “That record store you recommended was amazing.” Sharing experiences with like-minded people is an awesome and very rewarding feeling.
Is there anyone, in particular, you would like to recognize? Mentors, etc.?
I would have to say, my friends! They are the ones who pushed me to start Postcards! My Dad is also always encouraging me to attend events, network, grow my knowledge of marketing and social media management, so I definitely have to thank him for that.
Contact Info:
- Website: postcardsfromemma.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/postcardsfromemma
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.
