Nicole Rodrigues, a Year 13 student at Discovery College, never expected her passion for food to gain thousands of followers online. What started in 2021 as a casual Instagram blog, @eats_with_nic, has since grown into a popular platform where she shares her culinary adventures across Hong Kong.
“I never thought it would amount to anything — but sometimes the most unexpected things turn into something real,” Nicole said.
Her account now boasts nearly 8,000 followers. She has collaborated with numerous restaurants and cafes throughout the city, showcasing dishes and reviewing meals from dozens of establishments.
It was a viral post last summer that changed everything. A video featuring her top three must-try dishes in Hong Kong garnered over 50,000 views. “That’s when I realized this actually had potential,” she recalled.
Finding Balance Between School and Social Media
As a student enrolled in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, Nicole emphasizes that her education remains her top priority. She hopes to pursue a career in law, but her blog has become a meaningful creative outlet in her life.
“School always comes first,” she said. “But this account has definitely become something I’m passionate about.”
To keep up with both responsibilities, Nicole has developed a disciplined routine. She films every meal she eats out, ensuring she always has content to post. She edits her videos as soon as possible, allowing time for schoolwork and family.
This routine helps her maintain frequent updates without compromising her studies. She typically posts four to five times a week, mostly short videos ranging from 15 to 20 seconds, often edited into fast-paced montages. “Consistency is key,” she said.
Quality, Authenticity, and a Love for Food
Nicole is known for her meticulous attention to detail. “I always want it to be perfect,” she joked, adding that her friends often get frustrated when she spends extra time trying to capture the ideal shot. “But I just want my content to reflect my love for food.”
Authenticity is another cornerstone of her personal brand. Although she frequently collaborates with restaurants, Nicole is careful to remain honest with her audience. “I always try to be diplomatic, but I never lie to my followers,” she said. “I only rave about places I genuinely enjoy.”
However, growing her presence online has come with challenges. Occasionally being recognized in public makes her uncomfortable. “I don’t like being recognized,” she admitted. “It doesn’t happen often, but I’m a private person.”
She also acknowledges that social media only shows part of her life. “People often assume I’m always out eating. But trust me, I study a lot too.”
Her Top Food Picks Around Hong Kong
When asked about her favorite spots to eat, Nicole didn’t hesitate. “I’ve got to give a shout-out to Uncle Miguel’s!” she said, referring to a Mexican restaurant in Central that she loves.
She also recommends Amaltifina, a handmade pizza place with locations in Central and Repulse Bay, which she describes as offering “a slice of the Amalfi Coast.” Another favorite is Ole, a Spanish restaurant in Central known for its tapas, paella, and live music performances.
Related Topics
- How Can You Create a Copyright-Free Blog Legally?
- What Are the Highest Paying Ad Networks for Bloggers?
- How Do You Choose a Portfolio Template for Blogger?
