Finding Purpose in a World Obsessed with Followers
Sometimes, as a food blogger, I feel a bit out of place. Not because I’m doing anything wrong, but because in the hospitality world, people often make assumptions about who I am and what I do. They see numbers before they see purpose. What matters most to me isn’t how many followers I have, it’s that the work I share reflects curiosity, care, and a genuine love for dining experiences in all their forms. I want to be seen not as someone collecting content, but as someone striving to tell real stories about food, space, and accessibility.
Victoria Taste Buds has always been about more than just sharing nice photos of food. My goal is to provide honest, thoughtful reviews that highlight the full experience; from the atmosphere and decor to the noise level, style of service, and especially accessibility, whether that’s physical, financial, or digital. I also deeply appreciate learning about what sparked a chef’s passion for food, the creativity behind their dishes, and the sustainable practices that bring their plates to life. But at the end of the day, my mission is about how everyone deserves a spot at the table. I want to share with my community, many of whom face challenges when dining out, what it’s really like to be in a space, not just what’s on the plate.
When restaurants reach out to me, I can usually tell right away what their intentions are. Usually, it’s one of two kinds: either they want a straightforward post on my main feed in exchange for a free meal, with no deeper engagement. For these, I take the opportunity to explain what Victoria Taste Buds actually stands for and what my posts cover, so they know exactly what to expect. But my favourite type of collaboration is when someone approaches me with genuine questions about how we can work together to showcase their offerings in a way that speaks to demographics they hadn’t considered before. These are the places that take the time to read my website, understand my background not only in hospitality but also in food systems and culture, and truly value what I bring to the table. These are the restaurants you’ll see me giving extra love to.
Don’t get me wrong, many of those genuine partnerships do include hosted experiences, but I make it a priority to return as a regular guest before sharing my full review. While being recognized as a food influencer can be enjoyable, it doesn’t always reflect what the average diner experiences. That’s why I value being welcomed the same way, whether or not anyone knows who I am. Unfortunately, not every restaurant gets this balance right.
So why do I sometimes feel like a fraud? Because Victoria Taste Buds was born out of my own need to find restaurant reviews that spoke to more than just food, they described the atmosphere, the sounds, the feel of a space. When restaurants don’t bother to understand that, I feel anxious sharing who I really am, a food advocate with a background in the industry and a passion for accessibility. Losing my first Instagram account was one of the best things that happened to me; it forced me to hit reset, to re-evaluate who I want to promote and which collaborations align with my values. You might have noticed the website looking a bit leaner lately, that’s because I’ve removed some reviews that didn’t fit my true mission.
In the end, this journey is about integrity, respect, and honest connection. Victoria Taste Buds isn’t just about followers or freebies, it’s about creating a space where real experiences are shared, diverse communities are heard, and every person feels seen and valued in the food world. And that’s something I’ll never compromise.
