Today we’d like to introduce you to Malika Bowling.
Hi Malika , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started blogging about 15 years ago and it was on restaurants as I love to dine out. It was date night for me and my husband. I quickly rose the popularity with my blog, Atlanta Restaurant Blog. I was tapped to write the book, Food Lovers’ Guide to Atlanta and followed that up about five years later with another Atlanta dining guidebook. That evolved into more content creation – writing and creating videos of travel and cars. I even begun professional travel writing and my work has been features in National Geographic, Fodor’s, Thrillist, USA Today, and Lonely Planet among others. I also love being a judge at culinary competitions and am a World Food Championships certified judge. Over the last handful of years, I’ve added cruising to my portfolio of writing and have found it is one of my favorite ways to travel.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, not at all. When I began blogging, I thought I would consult for businesses and take on their social media. But I found that really didn’t make me happy. I am most happy when creating content for myself about travel or dining out. When I began blogging, I was one of the only ones in Atlanta doing so, now things have evolved to be less about writing and more about Instagram and Tiktok. Though I’ve embraced video and short form content, it is a lot of competition because of the low barrier to entry. However, my travel content and articles have picked up and it seems I am always in the midst of planning my next trip. It is a reminder, that sometimes you have to let go of what doesn’t serve you anymore and something even better may be waiting for you.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Being a published author is something I am very proud of and definitely sets me apart from others. Though often times if I am invited to a restaurant to create content, I am often greeted with “You’re the influencer, right??” I just nod and smile. I am passionate about travel and sharing unique destinations with my readers and followers. One of the most recent experiences was visiting Costa Rica and learning about the sustainability efforts of a hotel in the beach town of Santa Teresa as well as getting to visit a turtle rescue sanctuary. I am so excited to share that in an upcoming story.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
People don’t value anything they get for free. I have offered my services at no cost and it is never appreciated.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.roamilicious.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roamilicious
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/malikabowling/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malikabowling/
- Twitter: https://x.com/malikabowling
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Roamilicious
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@roamiliciousofficial
