My First Podcast Interview after a Year of Becoming a Blogger and Tampa Bay Influencer
Tracy Guida, Blogger, Influencer & Podcaster of Forking Around Town asked me over a year ago if I would be a guest on her podcast. Little did she know I was just building my website and I was still figuring out Instagram at the time. Now, over a year later, with over 10K followers on Instagram and several influencer brand deals under my belt, I finally felt comfortable enough to say, “yes” when I ran into Tracy “forking around town” again. NOTE: I was still hella nervous to do the podcast!
This post will be short and sweet because I lay it all out in the interview which you can listen to below!
Some Tidbits from the Podcast:
- My Spirit of Aloha Philosophy
- My background and how I ended up in Tampa, Florida
- Why I decided to Become a Travel & Food Influencer
- How I grew to 10K Followers on Instagram in a Year
- Favorite places around Tampa Bay
So, let’s go!
If you don’t already, check out Tracy’s amazing content and follow @ForkingAroundTown on all social channels.
Be sure to tell me your thoughts on my first podcast interview in the comments!
If you are interested in how to get 10K followers on instagram in a year and how I learned to get Influencer Brand Deals take a look at this article.
Hey Melani
I applaud you. Well done .This was very inspiring to read and listen to . It would encourages everyone who thinks of themselves as a newbie, that if they put enough efforts they don’t have to stay that way.
I love your spirit, that you make it your daily intention to be friendly and approachable. Hope you influence more young ladies. We need more of your kind
Thank you so much for your kind words! It was my first podcast so I was extremely nervous, but I have to be myself no matter what.
Absolutely, whether someone is on the fast track like I am or someone who is learning and growing at a steady pace, anyone can make it with consistent effort.
I’m so glad I was able to spread a little Aloha with my first podcast interview!
Blessings to you Bogadi and your endeavors!
~Aloha
Thank you for sharing this. I really enjoyed listening to your podcast, it was really inspiring to me because I have a passion for traveling and exploring so the story hit me differently. It also had to jot down the place mentioned at Tampa Bay, and I will definitely visit there soon, i just shared your article to my friends, i know they’ll enjoy it also
Collins,
Thank you so much for listening! I hope that you’ll contact me when you travel to Tampa Bay. I absolutely love meeting other travelers. Travel and immersing in other cultures is my love and I hope that others will do the same. As I mentioned in the podcast, I live by the law of the Spirit of Aloha and travel gives people more insight and allows us to be more empathetic to others no matter our differences.
Blessings and Aloha to you!
Hello Melani, I really enjoyed reading your article ‘Forking Around Tampa – Influencer Interview on the Forking Around Town Podcast’ and also listening to the Forking Around Town Podcast and your interview. It showed how far you’ve come from where you started and I think that’s a very good thing.
Sean,
You are so awesome for listening and I am so appreciative of this comment. I was quite nervous and even had a bit of anxiety posting the interview to my site, but in the end it’s still all my truth.
I hope to inspire and spread Aloha. Especially in these times.
Blessings and Aloha to you!
Your story is truly inspirational, Melani. Only in one year you have managed to build a successful brand and bring it in front of other famous brands. I loved hearing the podcast, and I see a bright future full of achievements ahead. Thank you for sharing this motivational story. Wish you more success in what you do.
Roberta,
Mahalo (Thank You) for listening and leaving me encouraging words! I’ve always been behind the scenes at work in the past so putting myself out there has not been the most comfortable thing this past year. Your wishes for my success are not taken lightly. I only hope to encourage and inspire as well.
Sending your blessings, success in all your endeavors and Aloha!
What an interesting blog about you First Podcast interview describing that at the time your were building your website. 10K followers on Instagram is quite a result. Well done. & 2 brands under your belt too! Great ! I also enjoyed reading about your spirit of Aloha philosophy & your passion for travel! I admire your spirit and sense of adventure. Where would you like to travel to next?
Hi Trevor,
Thank you for listening! I do absolutely love travel, but I’m also a huge germaphobe. I Came back to the US from Costa Rica on March 1st and haven’t left the state of Florida since. I canceled 3 domestic trips, a trip to the UK and a trip to Asia I was planning. I hope that I’ll make it to the UK next June, but it will all depend on the covid cases.
Yes, I’m on the fast track to growing my brand because I plan to become a nomad and travel the world in 4 more years!
I’ve been a bit down about travel, but I’m keeping my Aloha Spirit alive in hopes that things will get better next year and I’ll be jet setting again.
Blessings to you, Trevor!
~Aloha
Best way to sum up your blog WOW! Nice job on the blog. It is well coordinated in color style and framing. Could not have done a better job myself. You definitely nailed it on the graphic and content. I enjoyed reading about you and your husband’s success in the Yelp review market niche. OH! and, Congratulations on the awards you’ll win for being in the top Yelp Reviewers. Keep up the great work. Much success.
Thanks! I appreciate you looking through my website to get to know me. Your comments are heartwarming because I wasn’t sure if my website layout was up to par.
~Aloha
These are a lot of useful tip. I liked the podcast and I have been trying to start a podcast myself. So this one has been a bit of an encouragment.
I value the suggestions concerning Instagram. The are not the typical ones that we get around YouTube. SHe has gotten into depth here. Thank you.
Ann,
Thank you for your feedback! If you want to start a podcast you should! I was quite nervous as this was my first time being interviewed on a podcast.
~Aloha
Hello there! Thanks for dropping such an amazing article. I’ve gone through it and it’s a really detailed one and I’m happy I came across it. Your story serves as an inspiration to me, seeing as you went from nothing to having a famous brand in a year is something worth celebrating. Thanks for sharing such a motivational post.
Sophie,
I appreciate it but I’m FAR from famous! Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts with me. I only hope to spread Aloha in any way I can.
~Aloha
Your article on Tampa is a great read. I enjoyed listening to the podcast. I have never been to Tampa but the way you put it makes one want to visit and see. I love travelling and i might just put Tampa Bay in my bucket list. Very Inspirational. You have done well with this one.
Mahalo Energy Kadango for listening and your kind words! Yes, I’ve been in the Tampa Bay area now for 16 years and as you can see I’m always discovering something new. Be sure to send me a message if you’re ever in town. As long as I’m not traveling I can steer you to some cool spots.
~Aloha
Thank you for sharing you inspiring story. I love how we relate on so many levels. If I don’t travel I go crazy, and food is my jam?. I really enjoyed listening the episode.
Darina,
Mahalo for listening.
I’m definitely going crazy not traveling. I don’t know how much longer I’ll go without traveling abroad…maybe it’s time to invest in that hazmat suit!
Aloha
Loved listening to this; well done!
Thank you so much for listening, fellow traveler! I love how we all support each other in the travel communities.
~Aloha
That’s such an incredible achievement in just one year! Honestly so helpful for others trying to achieve similar things! x
Sophie,
Thank you so much!
Yes, anyone can try my crazy method on Instagram, but anything you decide to do, as long as you’re consistent you will excel at it!
~Aloha
Great stuff! Enjoyed reading and listening and found it quite inspirational really. You’ve certainly come a long way in a short space of time. Congratulations and keep doing what you’re doing!
Thank you so much for listening, Graham!
I appreciate your support and encouragement. Many blessings and Aloha to you!
Mahalo!
~Aloha
This is really amazing Melanie. I’m very happy for you. Being able to build such a successful brand in such a short amount of time must be a bit overwhelming at times but I bet it’s incredibly rewarding. Absolutely wonderful that you were able to eventually partner up with another successful influencer as well. Wishing you both continued success moving forward and I am looking forward to seeing more articles from you in the future.
Rachel,
Mahalo for listening! Yes, I do believe that what we put our mind to expands. Thank you for the wishes and I wish you success as well!
~Aloha
Hi Melani,
You and Tracy are great influences I look up to in the travel niche. Although, seeing that you started from scratch makes me know that I can start from zero and learn to be an achiever like you. Taking long stride goals like you did giving your self 5 years to achieve what you want despite your success in IT and your previous business is challenging.
Parameter,
Yes, anyone can start from zero and get to their goals. You just have to be laser-focused and consistent! Thank you for listening and feel free to reach out if you have questions!
~Aloha
Hello Melani, i actually enjoyed reading your article ‘Forking Around Tampa – Influence Interview on the Forking Around city Podcast’ and additionally being attentive to the Forking Around city Podcast and your interview. It showed however way you’ve come back from wherever you started and that i suppose that’s a really smart one and a great inspiration for me. Thanks for sharing.
Joshua,
Thank you for listening! I’m so glad I can be an inspiration as if I can do it anyone can! Blessings to you and your success.
Mahalo.
~Aloha