Meet Ridhima Sharma | Content Creator | @thatasianfooodie

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

Hi Ridhima, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Hi, I’m Ridhima Sharma, an IT Consultant. Born and raised in Delhi, India, I called it my first home until August 2022, when I relocated to Atlanta, USA. Alongside my consulting career, I started a side hustle as a Content Creator, focusing on food blogging and sharing my culinary adventures on Instagram as @thatasianfooodie. This start was a little different though!
My interest in creating short videos showcasing restaurants and food started as a personal hobby of photographing meals whenever I dined out. Initially, I never considered venturing into food blogging or content creation seriously.
However, everything changed after October 2023 with the heartbreaking loss of my mother. Since moving to the States in August 2022, we had been apart for 14 months. I had looked forward to reuniting with her in November 2023. Sadly, her sudden passing left me devastated — a pain that continues to weigh heavily on me.
To cope with my grief, I turned to food blogging and content creation on Instagram – @thatasianfooodie. What began as a distraction soon grew into a profound passion. I dedicated myself to shooting and editing videos, and delving into research on global culinary experiences.
Food blogging allowed me to express my creativity through photography, writing, and content creation. I loved the artistic process of styling dishes, capturing beautiful images, and crafting engaging narratives around food.I started finding joy in sharing my food adventures and recommendations with a community of like-minded individuals who appreciate good food.
And now It’s rewarding to connect with others who share a passion for culinary exploration. Through food blogging, I have the opportunity to influence others’ dining choices, inspire them to try new foods, and promote appreciation for diverse culinary traditions.
On a personal level, moving from India to USA was a significant risk. It involved leaving behind familiarity and starting afresh in a new country. This decision brought both opportunities and challenges, from cultural adjustments to building new professional networks. However, taking this leap of faith broadened my perspectives, enriched my experiences, and opened doors to new opportunities that I wouldn’t have encountered otherwise.
It was a departure from my comfort zone, but it provided a creative outlet and eventually evolved into a fulfilling passion.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
@thatasianfooodie has become like my baby now – I enjoy nurturing it. Beyond just enjoying and documenting food, I often spend hours planning, researching, photographing, and editing my content before it ever reaches the audience. One thing about the food blogging industry that may not be widely recognized by those outside of it is the significant amount of time and effort that goes into each piece of content. Creating engaging and visually appealing content requires not only culinary skills but also adaptation to trends in both food and digital marketing – staying updated on social media algorithms, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) techniques, and audience preferences to effectively grow and engage follower base.In essence, while food blogging may seem glamorous from the outside, it demands a considerable amount of dedication, creativity, and technical proficiency behind the scenes.

What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to authenticity. I believe in capturing genuine experiences and sharing them in a way that resonates with my audience. Whether it’s through visually appealing photos, engaging videos, or compelling narratives, I strive to convey the true essence of food and its cultural significance.Authenticity has played a crucial role in shaping how I engage with my audience, create content, and build relationships. It’s about being genuine, transparent, and true to myself and my values. This authenticity resonates with people because it fosters trust and connection.I don’t buy followers, and I don’t endorse anything that I personally don’t like or believe in. There was an instance where I was asked to endorse a restaurant despite having a negative experience with their food. In that situation, I chose not to endorse it. Maintaining authenticity and honesty is crucial to me. My integrity is paramount when it comes to recommending experiences or products to my audience. I believe in providing genuine and trustworthy content.

I’m most proud of the community I’ve built around @thatasianfooodie on Instagram. It’s incredibly rewarding to connect with fellow food enthusiasts who appreciate my recommendations and share their own culinary adventures. The trust and engagement from my followers mean everything to me, and it’s a testament to the authenticity and quality I aim to deliver in every piece of content. I am also very proud of the fact that I did not give up. During those challenging times, motivating myself to take action, network, and engage creatively became my lifeline. It was this persistence and determination to keep moving forward, even when faced with adversity, that ultimately propelled me towards achieving my goals.

My journey into food blogging wasn’t without challenges. Moving from India to USA was a significant leap into the unknown. It involved cultural adjustments, building new professional networks, and navigating life in a different country. The loss of my mother in October 2023 was another profound challenge that pushed me towards food blogging as a form of healing and creative outlet.
Overcoming these challenges required resilience and perseverance. I had to push through moments of doubt and grief, consistently showing up to create content even when it felt difficult. Each hurdle taught me valuable lessons about resilience, authenticity, and the importance of staying true to my passion amidst adversity.

I want the world to know that my journey as a food blogger is driven by a deep love for food and a passion for storytelling. It’s about more than just creating content; it’s about sharing experiences, inspiring others to explore new flavors, and fostering a genuine connection with my audience. My brand is built on integrity and trust—I prioritize authenticity in every aspect of my work, from the dishes I showcase to the recommendations I make.

Ultimately, my goal is to encourage others to appreciate diverse culinary traditions, find joy in exploring food, and embrace the creativity that comes with sharing these experiences. I’m grateful for the support I’ve received along this journey, and I’m excited to continue growing, learning, and creating meaningful content that resonates with food lovers around the world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Absolutely! If my best friend was visiting Atlanta for a week, here’s the itinerary I would create to ensure they have an unforgettable time exploring the city:

Day 1: Arrival and Cuisine
Morning:
Start with breakfast at Goldbergs for their famous Bagels and locally sourced ingredients. Their Avocado toast is a must.
Afternoon:
Visit the Atlanta History Center to delve into the city’s rich history and explore gardens and historic homes.
Grab some mediteranean food at Delbar in Midtown.
Evening:
Dinner at Herban Fix: Enjoy plant-based Asian fusion cuisine in a stylish setting

Day 2: Cultural Exploration
Morning:
Breakfast at Flying Biscuit Cafe in Midtown for their Southern breakfast and famous biscuits.
Afternoon:
Explore the High Museum of Art, featuring a diverse collection of art from around the world.
Evening:
Dinner at Ponce City Market, enjoying a variety of food options from vendors like Ton Ton for ramen or Botiwalla for Indian street food. Enjoy a game at Activate Games thereafter.

Day 3: Outdoor Adventures
Morning:
Breakfast at Café Sunflower: Enjoy a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes in Sandy Springs.
Afternoon:
Hike or walk along the BeltLine, starting from Piedmont Park and exploring the Eastside Trail with its murals and parks.Take a stroll, rent a bike, or have a picnic in Atlanta’s largest urban park.
Evening:
Dinner at Planta a rustic-chic spot with outdoor seating and a menu featuring vegan dishes.

Day 4: Local Markets and Neighborhoods
Morning:
Breakfast at Dulce Vegan Bakery & Café: Delight in vegan pastries and breakfast sandwiches.
Afternoon:
Visit the Krog Street Market for a mix of local eateries and artisan shops.
Evening:
Dinner at Nathus in Decatur for their exceptional Indian food.

Day 5: Historic and Modern Atlanta
Morning:
Breakfast at Another Broken Egg Cafe for their unique brunch dishes and cozy atmosphere.
Afternoon:
Tour the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and visit the historic sites associated with Dr. King’s life and legacy.
Evening:
Dinner at Yalda : Enjoy Mediterranean vegetarian dishes in a family-owned restaurant downtown.
Afterwards, Go to Buckhead for some party at Habitat.

Day 6: Music and Nightlife
Morning:
Breakfast at Wahlburgers.
Afternoon:
Explore Little Five Points, known for its eclectic shops and vibrant street art.
Evening:
Enjoy live music at Terminal West, a popular venue for indie bands and artists.Dinner at True Food Kitchen: Relish in nutritious, seasonally inspired vegetarian dishes at Lenox Square.

Day 7: Relaxation and Farewell
Morning:
Brunch at Pricci
Afternoon:
Visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden to unwind amidst beautiful gardens and art installations.
Evening:
Dinner at Pera Bistro for a fine dining experience to conclude the trip.

Additional Recommendations:
Fox Theatre: Catch a show or take a tour of this historic theater.
Atlanta Zoo: Spend a morning exploring the animal exhibits.
Georgia Aquarium: Discover marine life at one of the largest aquariums in the world.
This itinerary blends Atlanta’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant culinary scene, and diverse neighborhoods to create a well-rounded and memorable experience for my best friend. Each day offers a mix of local favorites and must-visit attractions, ensuring they get a taste of what makes Atlanta such a dynamic city to explore.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family and friends have been incredibly supportive throughout my food blogging endeavors. They have encouraged me to pursue my passion for food, provided constructive feedback on my content, and cheered me on during both successes and challenges. Despite wanting to give up on everything, I pushed myself to get out of bed, connect with people, and consistently show up to shoot and create content. All this wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my spouse and family.
I’m also grateful to the mentors in the food blogging community who have generously shared their knowledge, expertise, and insights with me. Their guidance has been invaluable in shaping my approach to content creation and navigating the industry.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatasianfooodie/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ridhima-sharma1892

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=cJ78UPHyU8q_UMQnxbo39w