Hi Fayez, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have been a DFW based food blogger for the past two-three years as well as a full time college student pursuing a double major in Spanish and Biology with a minor in Chemistry. I started my food blog journey approximately 2-3 years ago when I was in NYC sightseeing with my cousin and sister and seeing the variety of exquisite food options that were available. I have always enjoyed photography, in particular, food photography. I like to visit and support local mom and pop shops, trending restaurants in the DFW area to determine whether or not it is worth the hype. If there is one thing one can take away from me, it would have to be the fact that I am honest in all of my reviews because I do not want people to be spending their time and money trying restaurants that simply do not live up to the hype.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I will say that there have been many challenges and lessons that I have learned throughout this experience especially when it comes down to understanding the algorithm of Instagram and other social media platforms. Editing and coming up with captions can take many hours to accomplish because of the pressure social media puts on a person. I certainly do believe that as the years have progressed, the Instagram algorithm has worsened significantly. It seems to me that Instagram prioritizes reels over photos, and I simply do not feel comfortable in doing so, especially when I have been posting photos ever since I started my account.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Aside from being a full time college student as well as a food blogger, I also work two jobs as a Medical Assistant (MA) and a Manager at Mama Mia’s Pizzeria in Anna,TX. I cannot emphasize how important it is to support local restaurants including mom and pop shops because COVID was and still is a devastating time for many restaurants. Many restaurants closed down or have significantly limited their hours due to the labor shortage and the impact that COVID had on the business. I am extremely motivated and dedicated to shop local and support local restaurants. If you are a restaurant owner here in the DFW area and you would like me to review your restaurant, feel free to DM me on Instagram or email me to discuss any inquiries.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
To me, happiness is being able to spend time with loved ones and appreciating the presence of one another. I am blessed and appreciative to have such an amazing support system in my life including my coworkers (Debbie and Carolina), the doctor I work for (Dr.Dina Rahhal), and my family including my sister and my parents. Without them, I would not be as motivated as I am today. Each person may interpret happiness differently than others, but to me happiness is good health and good company. I also enjoy spending time with my high school friends and college friends and catching up with them at a local restaurant.
My favorite local restaurants would have to be: Thai Noodle Wave, Hudson House, Hutchins BBQ, Sushi Kadan.
