"Do Not Pay Heed to Haters"

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1. Tell us about your background and journey.

I am Akanksha Singh and I hail from Lucknow, famously called 'The city of nawabs'. I completed my Post graduation in mass communication.
I will describe myself as someone very outgoing and I just like little punch of fun in my life.

I have 2 younger sisters, that obviously makes me the eldest. Being the eldest comes with its own responsibility but I have been enjoying the perk of being the most pampered and spoiled.

Talking about my life. My father had a transferable profession, so we all have been shifting a lot before finally settling down in Lucknow and then for my Post graduation and life ahead, I came to Delhi, 8 years ago.

Luckily I did because this is where I met the love of my life. I will forever be grateful for this city.

2. When did you first decide that you wanted to create content and how did you start?

I really had no idea how the world of blogging, blogging, and content creation words, I had zero ideas. While I was dating this boy (my now husband), we used to hang out a lot and loved exploring all the new eateries, cafes, restaurants, and whatnot.

I being a food lover, used to just click photos of it and started putting it up on Facebook. It became something like a mad passion, we would always look out for new places, make lists to where we want to visit next. I enjoyed it immensely, so did he.

My husband, who was my boyfriend then, suggested me to create a FB page dedicated to pictures and stories about food that I eat and places I visit.
Something that started out as a fun activity or hobby, turned into a serious business idea, and together we created Instagram handle and named it- Desiduniyafoodtalk.

And then I never stopped, I finally found my happy place, a place where I can be completely happy and as time passes by- I started to know more and more about the algorithm, content creation, and all of those things.

3. Is vlogging and Instagram content creation a financially sustainable career?

It is, absolutely!

Just like my other business, it demands- efforts, hard-work, the talent, of course, some investment- money wise and also like dedicating your daily time into creating content.

Once you have figured out a bunch of basics and got the talent and engaging social media personality, blogging and blogging is definitely a long-term career. Just like any other profession, it is a daily grind, you will have to come up with innovative ideas every now and then.

4. Who is your favorite creator and why?

I have so many favorite creators and it will be unfair to mention just a few, but if I have to answer, these few names are always at the back of my mind-
Amit (he cooks she eats)- He is just a great cook, I absolutely love it when I see a man cooking, it is a delight to watch him breaking the stereotype. He is passionate about cooking and very innovative and creative with his ideas. He is the OG.

Priyanshu (The raw texture) He brilliantly creates amazing homemade food. No one can beat his platting style in such a simple way.

Shalu (s.b kitchen )- She is perfect in whatever she does, shes got her unique style and stands out completely. Being a dentist is an exhausting profession but she manages to be consistent with her upload schedule on youtube and Instagram. It is a perfect representation of how if you follow your passion, there's never 'not enough time'.

Diksha (Fatgirlkitchenchronicle)- I have seen her rising and shining during this lockdown, she's given it all. She creates some amazing content, is so diligent with whatever she does and I just admire her. Lockdown has brought the best in her and I am here for it.

5. How and where do you find inspiration to churn out content?

Initially, I only posted pictures of takeaway foods or whenever we went out to eat. Then, I thought of leveling it up. I became more 'health-conscious', so I decided to cook and I started out with a few easy recipes and they came out really well. It gave me some confidence to try more and then I never stopped experimenting.

While I was at it, the messages and comments started pouring in of how much people are loving my recipes and some are even trying it at their home. I will not lie, I was loving the attention I received and I will always be grateful to the people who supported me from the very beginning and also to the people that are following my page as time is passing, I am just thankful to all of them.

It always motivates me to keep trying to come out with new ideas.

Also, cooking is a great stress-buster, it keeps me engaged. I like clicking pictures of food and I also love getting clicked with the food, it is like a mini trophy to myself. I have learned a great deal about social media in these years like- photography, promotion, content creation, and obviously more cooking,

6. What does your typical day look like?

I always think about what I am going to cook next (Is it weird, lol). I like to pre-plan the entire day's meal. I am mostly about quick, easy, and healthy recipes but once in a while, I indulge in grand cooking. I think I like the mix.

7. Which is your favorite book and why?

I think I am the wrong person to ask that question. I was never into books, not even course books (Guilty). I think I can read a long article on the internet but books intimidate me. So, No! I don't have a favorite book.

8. What piece of advice would you like to give to future and aspiring creators?

Stay true to yourself, create content that you believe in, and do not blindly follow the trends. If you create something from your imagination, it will always be unique and it will make you stand out.

Your content has to be your USP, no amount of promotion will help you if you do not believe in the content you are creating. Keep learning, there is so much to learn and try, and fail and then succeed. Like, do not give up without trying.

Even if there is a downfall in your page, do not be disappointed, keep working for it, and if you are a unique, talented and little patient, you will get where you want to one day. Always respect your fellow creators, maybe just stay from unnecessary drama.

One more advice, do not pay heed to haters, there will always be some and will always have to look beyond them. In this career, you will come across many desktop warriors, churning out unnecessary hate, but you will have to look past it and appreciate the ones who love your work.

To all the creators in making, do not give upstart, start your journey- looking beyond the numbers and the idea of success and failure. Just start somewhere.
All the best to all new creators.

- Akansha Singh, Blogger

-Interviewed by Shilpy Sharan