Today we’d like to introduce you to Valentina Lara.
Valentina, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I moved to Miami when I was four years old from Barranquilla, Colombia. My mom was a doctor in Colombia but had to get re-certified in the states. When I was little, we spent most of our time together in the kitchen. She would bake pastries, cakes and other desserts to help bring in some extra income while she was studying. I was exposed to cooking and the culinary world at a young age. My family loved to travel and try different cuisines so, I learned to be open-minded about different textures and flavors.
My first semester at FIU, I landed my first PR internship at Identity Media PR. Most of the clients I worked with were restaurants. I learned how to write for the food industry very quickly while practicing different email pitches, media alerts and press releases for restaurant promotions and grand openings. After six months at Identity Media, I decided to move on in my career.
After binge-watching The Carrie Diaries on Netflix over the summer of 2016, I knew that I wanted to live my life doing what I loved. I remember clearly when she was interning in NY she said: “The world is full of people who all want the same thing, and you have to do a little something extra to make them remember you.” After crying through the last episode of the season, I decided I needed to do something for me and that’s when it hit me, a blog!
After going through my closet and thinking how much I love trends, I knew I wasn’t passionate enough to become a fashion icon, realized that what I loved was right in front of me (literally, I was eating mac and cheese lol). I had the experience of writing for different restaurants and knew that I loved to try different things and explore all the unique eats Miami has to offer. I started Fork Yeah Miami as a hobby and that’s when things just blew up.
My hobby turned into my life, my blog and the Instagram page just grew.
Has it been a smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges I faced within growing my blog and my business is being able to balance that while also being a full-time student and very involved within FIU. Although it was a challenge at first, I have used my experience to be able to learn, grow and conquer time management.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Fork Yeah Miami is a Miami-based food blog that helps you tag along in all my foodie adventures. From mom and pop shops to popular hot spots, you will be sure to find a variety of mouthwatering eateries that this beautiful city has to offer. Get ready to electrify your taste buds and discover new places to wine, dine and unwind.
I’m just a college girl exploring the unique and diverse food Miami has to offer. C’mon, grab your appetite and take a peek at my plate!
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I love Miami, I have lived here since I was a toddler and considered this my home. In regards to growing your business here, I think it’s an amazing up and coming city within the communications industry. I wouldn’t compare it to New York or California but I do think that bloggers, business and brands are working together and are forming a very influential and collaborative workplace. I believe in working with others within the community to grow the industry even more!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.forkyeahmiami.com
- Phone: 3059046771
- Email: valentina@forkyeahmiami.com
- Instagram: @ForkYeah.Miami
Image Credit:
Vince Rives, World Red Eye
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