Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Kiara Whack @chefkiarawhack

1) Tell us a little about yourself. What are you doing now and where do you come from?

I was born and raised in Hampton, Virginia. I earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia in Psychology. After graduating, I went through a period of trying to piece together my love for food and the mental health knowledge that I gained in college. This led me to begin to research and learn how to make food work for me to improve my quality of life. I came up with my brand “Relish Culinary Therapy”. Relish means to enjoy greatly. I want everyone to know that it is possible to eat healthy with it tasting good. A lot of people I talk to seem to believe that eating healthy means that it is not tasty. Also, not many people realize that what they choose to eat on a regular basis has a direct impact on your physical, mental, and emotional health which is directly connected to your success in life, or lack thereof. I am currently studying to be a certified holistic nutritionist and I am a personal chef as well. I do community service, private parties, conferences, demonstrations, catering, meal prep, among other various events.

2) What are your topics of interest? What do you post on Instagram the most?

My topics of interest include mental health, nutrition, and fitness. I post pictures or videos of food, health benefits of food, workout pictures, workout videos, pictures of me cooking, with an occasional selfie every now and then.

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

My Instagram name is my first and last name, with chef in front of it. @chefkiarawhack

4) What are some apps you use to edit your photos? Share with us your photo-editing routine!

I edit my photos mostly within the photo on my Apple products (iphone & MacBook Pro). If you go into the picture you can edit it by light (brilliance, exposure, highlights, shadows, contrast, black point, etc), color (saturation, contrast, cast), and black/white (intensity, neutrals, tone, grain). I might add a few touches in the editor on Instagram as well. A good amount of my photos are professionally taken; I do not know the programs that my photographer uses.

5) Any Instagrammers whom you really like? Which Instagrammer inspires you the most?

Over the past year I have really cleaned up my Instagram and am more specific about who I choose to follow. I love to follow like-minded people that push me to become better than I was yesterday. One specific Instagrammer that inspires me is @robhillsr. Although we are entrepreneurs in different fields, he inspires me to build on having a purpose filled life. We are not here just to live, pay bills, and die. He has inspired me to dig deeper to inspire others. A favorite quote is as follows: “We find a new piece of ourselves in every experience. Each day, with each choice we are either reaffirming who we are or introducing a new part of who we’ve become. Growth, joy, and love are things we must choose to welcome in our lives. The spirit of our future depends on our ability to stay open, moldable, and honest.” -Rob Hill Sr.

6) If there’s one thing your fellow Instagrammers just gotta try now, what’s it gonna be?

One thing my fellow Instagrammers must try is simply believing in yourself. Regardless of what your goal and dream is, get started. No one else can make the choice for you.

7) What’s your favorite part about being an influencer?

My favorite part about being an influencer is interacting with my followers and seeing them try to eat healthier. I know that a little bit of it has to do with me & how I am often preaching about eating healthy lol! Recently I’ve seen a lot of my followers posting healthier foods than before and really beginning to understand that it is needed to succeed.

8) What are some of your top tips to brands for running campaigns? How do you maintain authenticity?

I maintain authenticity by staying true to myself and my brand. If I am invited or ask to participate in a campaign, I ensure that it is relatable to what I believe in, and that it will not confuse people who follow me and my brand.

9) What would your advice be on the importance of quality and original content?

Being original and posting quality content is important to get others to take you seriously. For example, if I am on Instagram trying to get others to eat healthy and exercise, I have to be the example. If I don’t appear to be following my own advice, they will keep scrolling and not take it seriously. If you have a brand, in my opinion, quality content means becoming your brand. I must eat healthy, exercise, and practice all of the things I want my followers to practice.

10) What do you like best about partnering with brands?

Something I like best about partnering with brands is that it allows me to be creative with a brand that backs up what I stand for: holistic health.

Topics:

• Cooking
• Food & Drink
• Health & Fitness

Country:

United States of America