Nicolas Norena - How Creating The Succulent Bite Changed My Life (Food Influencer)

It requires strategy, commitment, time investment and constant creation of top, impeccably curated content that adds value to the viewer.

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

My name is Nicolas Norena and I’m a Miami-based food influencer and entrepreneur, founder of The Succulent Bite. I grew up traveling the world and being touched by diverse cultures, foods and experiences. I hold a degree in Marketing and Business Administration from FIU.

In 2015, I saw the opportunity to create and put together my company with the vision of touching people’s lives through my work. Within 5 years, I combined my passions for food, photography and travel to create a now globally recognized brand of mouth watering food content!

I made this possible all while working as a pharmaceutical sales representative at a multi-national, Fortune 500 pharmaceutical company, a position which I later moved on from to dedicate my full energy to The Succulent Bite.

Some of my clients include M&Ms, McDonalds, Burger King, Coca Cola, Bud Light and Tostitos among others, and holds year-long sponsorship contracts with companies like My/Mo Mochi ice cream brand.

I also work with both local and major restaurant chains. Since launching, I have built an expansive network, accumulating over 1,500,000 followers across Instagram (900K+), TikTok (550K+) and Facebook (81K+).

I love to share the most succulent food experiences as well as travel destinations through social media. You can follow along on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, all @succulentbite.

2. Which is your favorite cuisine and dish?

Definitely a tie between Japanese and Mexican cuisines! Admittedly in our household we eat both several times per week. Some of my favourite dishes are Tacos al Pastor, Tacos de Cochinita Pibil, and an array of nigiri and sushi pieces from a variety of restaurants!

Living in Miami we have plenty of excellent options including some of my favourites: Makoto, Tacology, Mr. Omakase, Cantina La 20, Omakai and newly opened Los Buenos Tacos.

3. Should food blogging be just a passion or can it become a regular career?

I think it has to start with a passion and can definitely develop into a career. This is exactly how I started, out of a passion for food, photography + video and traveling! Influencer marketing is becoming more relevant every day and it’s important to understand the difference between blogging and developing a career as a digital influencer.

In my opinion it requires strategy, commitment, time investment and constant creation of top, impeccably curated content that adds value to the viewer! Implementing and strategizing these components is key for a successful career as an influencer.

4. Which restaurants/food joints would you recommend to food lovers?

Ah there’s so many! I’d have to break it down by city, but as a Miami local I’ll spotlight some of my favourites (in addition to the previously mentioned for Japanese and Mexican cuisines)!

For the daily breakfast and brunch, there’s two spots which I particularly enjoy: B Bistro & Bakery & Bebitos Cafe. Other musts in the city: Le Chick, Planta Queen, Mandolin, Carbone, PokeOG, Mister O1 Pizza and Bachour, to name a few!

5. Is there a dish you particularly associate yourself with?

More than a dish, with a concept! If there’s one thing I love for a casual dinner at home is a good sushi box! We have excellent options here in Miami from Poke OG and Omakai, which include an assortment of sushi, nigiri and sashimi, all conveniently placed in a to go box! (Plus it looks amazing on IG!)

6. Which is your favorite book and why?

My favorite book is Rich Dad Poor Dad, by Robert Kiyosaki. This book taught me financial structural basics as well as set me in the right mind set in order to be successful as an entrepreneur! In today’s competitive landscape, mind set is one of the key components in balance for business success.