Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Samson.
Rachel, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
So, I think I’ve technically been a foodie since before being a “foodie” was a thing! I’ve sought out the strange and the beautiful for years now and always had a passion for photography, so it seemed natural when I put it all together with my knack for social media and freebird lifestyle and created @stickaforkinme almost two years ago. I want people to get to know the funky discoveries I make both locally and through my travels, but I also want people to get to know the gal who is behind the photos. I spend a great deal of time engaging with my followers, answering questions, giving personalized recommendations and getting to know what it is they want to see. I remember the first time I posted a photo of myself I braced for the unfollows figuring it was so off-brand that it might be my downfall… but the photo became one of my most successful and the blog took on a whole different direction. How do you eat like you do and stay in shape? Where will you travel next? What’s your favorite local restaurant? These questions come in hot week after week and I’m extremely grateful that people want to get to know who I am as much as they want to see the next crazy milkshake.
Has it been a smooth road?
You have to learn what does and doesn’t work for your particular demographic. I’d love to post a bit more about healthy living but there are roadblocks. I don’t get good engagement on a salad, period. If I’m posting photos that bomb, I won’t look successful and my page won’t grow. In order to get great photos at the gym, I have to bring a photographer and wear makeup and dress cute and we all know in reality that is not happening! So, I try to keep it real, I show the sweat and the no-filter side of my workouts in stories. Make sure that people know what goes on behind the scenes and that there is a lot of hard work in creating the pretty images that pop up in their feeds daily. But keep at it! Your level of determination needs to be at an all-time high in order to achieve success in this world. There may be discouraging moments but surround yourself with people who are supportive and don’t be afraid to lean on them.
We’d love to hear more about your blog.
I love that my page is truly an extension of my personality. As I mentioned earlier, I was so afraid the first time I showed my face in the feed and now my followers expect these photos weekly! I truly love anything over the top and am thrilled when I can share a burger with six patties, an entire wheel of fried cheese, ice cream sundae with 50 scoops, or anything that is larger than life. Is it bigger than I am? Can we light it on fire? Shock value is everything but I also want to ensure I’m making valid recommendations that people can follow and try out for themselves so I highlight a lot of local and small businesses.
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
I feel the market is very saturated right now. It takes a lot to stand out and I am truly proud of my brand and what it has become. I actually feel there are more women in this industry than men and therefore it takes even more effort to become a leader. I was raised with very strong ethical values and I try to adhere to these in everything I do. I am all about working hard and being fair. When I say I’ll be somewhere, I show up, do my best and try to keep a positive attitude. It hasn’t been easy to come into this industry as a rookie – I worked in Construction Management for 13 years and the transition from corporate life isn’t always a breeze! Sometimes, I wish I could sit at a desk daily and get through my to-do list the way I could when I had a 9-5 job but here I am on a Sunday night getting the work done. You find balance and make sacrifices and sometimes it just works!
Contact Info:
- Email: info.stickaforkinme@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/stickaforkinme
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/etwelltrvloften
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/tweetstickafork
Image Credit:
Rachel Samson, Photographer, Amour de Miami, restaurant, Duchess Cookies, Museum of Ice Cream, Nikki Beach
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.
