Meet Kaiya Nelson | Social Media Influencer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kaiya Nelson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kaiya, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
Post-COVID, after graduating, the world felt completely different—full of uncertainty. At the time, I was unemployed, which gave me a lot of free time to reflect and explore my passions. I’ve always loved food, and I’ve been eating blue crabs since I was two years old! Growing up, my parents made sure my sister and I had home-cooked meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

When I moved to Atlanta for college, I had to learn how to cook for myself. Over the past few years, I’ve not only mastered my mom’s recipes but also started creating my own. Cooking became more than just a necessity—it became a passion. One day, I decided to record myself cooking and posted the video on Instagram. The immediate love and positive reactions hooked me! I kept creating more recipes and sharing more content, realizing just how much I enjoyed it.

Toward the end of 2023, I began transitioning from at-home cooking videos to restaurant reviews and brand collaborations. That’s how @eatswithkaii_ was born—blending my love for food, content creation, and community.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a Baltimore native who grew up surrounded by the rich culture of blue crabs and seafood. My culinary journey started when I moved to Atlanta for college, where I had to start cooking for myself. That’s when I began recreating my mom’s recipes and experimenting with my own.

Over the past eight years, I’ve developed a deep passion for food and cooking. In the last two to three years, I’ve taken it a step further—traveling to different cities and even exploring international food scenes. Through food reviews and travel experiences, I share hidden gems and must-visit spots on social media.

This journey hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been fulfilling. During a time when I felt lost about my next steps, content creation gave me direction. Of course, there have been challenges—like working with brands or restaurants that weren’t professional—but I’ve learned one major lesson: stay confident in who I am and what my brand represents. I know my worth, and I only align with those who respect it and trust my vision.

I want the world to know that when you visit my page : @eatswithkaii_, you’re getting the full experience—a guide to nightlife, good food, and exciting activities in and around Atlanta. From the newest restaurants and late-night eats to fun experiences and travel destinations, I’ve got you covered!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Must-Try Activities in Atlanta:
Picasso’s Splat Room – Get creative and splatter some paint!
Six Flags Over Georgia / Fun Spot – A thrill-seeker’s dream.
Stone Mountain – A mix of nature and adventure.
A Play at The Fox Theatre – A classic Atlanta experience.
Netherworld (Halloween Season) – The ultimate haunted house.
Beat The Bomb – A high-energy, immersive game experience.
Tuft Rugs ATL – Create your own custom rug!

Best Blue Crab Spots in Atlanta:
The Piink Krab
Blazin Blue Crabs
Sea Boyz ATL

Top Places to Eat:
Wisteria – Southern Cuisine & charming atmosphere
Mandolin Kitchen – A Mediterranean dream.
Roc South Cuisine – Southern comfort at its finest.
Weezy’s ATL – A hidden gem.
Frida’s Bar & Grill – Amazing vibes & delicious Mexican flavors.

Best Seafood Spots:
The Juicy Seafood ATL
SGC Chicken and Seafood
Pirate’s Broil
Krush ATL
Mama Jane Seafood (Crawfish)

Best Happy Hours:
Fin and Feathers
Side Bar
Frida’s
Elite Lounge
Harold’s Bar & Grill
Serene ATL

Hidden Gems in the City:
Atlanta Fish and Grill
Golden Wings
Woody’s Cheesesteaks
Mad Dad’s Philly
Tassili’s Raw Reality Café (Vegan lovers, this one’s for you!)
Ike’s Café

Best Breakfast & Brunch Spots:
Thumbs Up – A classic breakfast joint.
Toast on Lenox – The brunch spot everyone talks about.
The Breakfast Boys – A must-visit for brunch lovers.
Milk & Honey – Southern breakfast perfection.
Grits & Eggs – Comfort food done right.

Favorite Fast Food Joints (Because I’m a Chicken Connoisseur!):
Bojangles
Dave’s Hot Chicken
Church’s Chicken
Publix (Yes, the chicken is that good!)

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a huge shoutout to my support system—my parents, my family, and my community!

My mom has been my #1 supporter since day one, never missing a beat. She’s my rock, my biggest cheerleader, and the reason I fell in love with food in the first place. My sisters are my backbone; they always have my back, front, and sides. They mean everything to me!

A special thank you to my boyfriend—he is always there for me, no matter what. Through every late-night edit, every content shoot, and every up and down, his support never wavers.

I also have to give a huge thank you to my assistant (aka my Pooh)—she goes above and beyond, pouring her time and energy into supporting my business in every way possible. I truly appreciate her dedication.

Lastly, a big thank you to my fellow content creators who welcomed me with open arms into the foodie community. And, of course, to my supporters—thank you for rocking with me, liking my post, sharing my content, and believing in me. Your love keeps me going!

Website: https://canva.com/design/DAF9ncUKcnM/m2v3PiqUyi2lp51C6_b3fw/edit?utm_content=DAF9ncUKcnM&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatswithkaii_?igsh=MXN1dWlmejY3YnpmNw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15ecny9yR1/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=56rOSDWmIhFLeQczvc4NTw&utm_source=ishare

Other: Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@eatswithkaii_?_t=ZT-8uQpamZY7IM&_r=1