The food journey started in Dec 2019, Then in 2019, a YouTuber came to Agra and we both explored the City. I got really inspired by him
My name is Virat Raghav, I have born and brought up here in Agra, I have my family background of doctors, my past 2 generations of my family are doctors and I'm Persuing my pharmacy, Apart from that, I'm also a passionate food blogger my Instagram handle is @gareebpanda
2. What led you to start this journey and your page on Instagram and what is it about?
I remember In my tweens, I use to watch many food shows like Zaika India ka on NDTV or later food, Zee Khana khazana and was always fascinated by the food stories.
I always use to tell my mother that I want to do this job where my only purpose is to eat different varieties and cuisines of food and explore unique places. It was a dream back then which I had no idea of how to achieve back then.
The food journey started in Dec 2019, Then in 2019, a YouTuber came to Agra and we both explored the City. I got really inspired by him, At that time I used to post my food pictures on my personal profile then some of my friends suggested me to start a food page and then that's how GareebPanda born.
Joined the team #thehapsisquad in January this year and it's been an overwhelming journey of food since then.
3. How would you distinguish the term blogger from an influencer?
According to me Blogger and influencers are interconnected terms and can't be isolated. Where the basic need to be a blogger is to have a blog, for being an influencer, there are multiple options of social media for example be YouTube or Instagram or other various platforms. But both do the like quality work
4. Is it financially sustainable to be a food blogger today? How can someone make money out of it?
As of now, I would say one need to work really hard to be financially sustainable in this career.
There are so many brands on Instagram nowadays where you can collaborate with them and help them in promoting their products.
Also by doing promotions of cafes restaurants and hotels you can earn a good amount of money. So yeah it's tough and unconventional, but not impossible.
5. What is your idea of success or your mantra in life?
Just be unique, don't start doing things just because other people are doing it.
6. How can someone become a successful food blogger?
As of now, I'm also on the path to be successful in food blogging and for that, I need to work very hard.
Social media take most of the time, I have to post multiple posts a day, and for that, I need to have a lot of content in my gallery, anyday have more photos of food then my own face in my gallery, I work for all 7 days without taking any holiday because you need to be consistent on the gram if you want reach on your posts and followers also post-processing plays a big role in creating content, Instagramable photos are very important.
7. Which is your favourite book and why?
Not a book nerd, but I do listen to the podcast.
- "Agra Food Blogger" (@gareebpanda)
Interview by - Rupali Rawat
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