Today we’d like to introduce you to Aya Mackhoul.
Aya, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve been a foodie my whole life. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve loved to cook and eat. Growing up in a Middle Eastern household and constantly being around other foodies and chefs definitely influenced my love for food and it shaped me into the woman I am today. I love exploring the city to find new and diverse cuisines. I started taking pictures of my favorite meals for myself to look at and to be inspired to cook at home and after a while I thought it would be fun to turn my personal album in to an account to share with other people who love food as much as I do. Now, a year and 1,500+ followers later I’m so glad I did!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has been a fairly smooth road so far. Before starting the blog, I was actually looking for a hobby or something interesting to do in my free time. I’ve always had an interest in food and I already had a photo album full of content. So launching atl.foodz just seemed like the right thing to do! I did struggle in the beginning with running and keeping up with the blog, but learning how to grow a follower base, increase engagement, and improving my photography skills has become easier with time, and I continue to learn something new every day.
Please tell us about your work.
Atl.foodz is a food/restaurant blog on Instagram. It gives a look into Atlanta’s food scene through the eyes of a native ATLien. I focus on highlighting hidden gems, new restaurants, and different cuisines all around the city. I also post my recipes and creations from time to time. As a Foodie, I’m proud to have this platform to showcase my unique discoveries and share honest reviews. The feedback I’ve received on my recommendations and recipes has been so rewarding. What sets me apart from others is that this isn’t a job for me, it’s something that I genuinely enjoy doing, and so my followers know that my posts, comments, and opinions are genuine and true. I love knowing that I have a positive influence on people and that they value my thoughts.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My family! They are my biggest supporters, cheerleaders, and teammates. They’ve been there for me every step of the way, from holding up their flashlights in a dark restaurant to always being the first to like and comment on my posts. I wouldn’t have been nearly as confident in my work if it wasn’t for them. Having their constant love and support is how I’ve been able to stay consistent and motivated to continue posting!
Contact Info:
- Email: atl.foodz.blog@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atl.foodz/?hl=en
Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
