How to build a creator career on Instagram without following trends!

In today’s episode (177) of the EAT, CAPTURE, SHARE podcast, I’m joined by my former FOUNDATION food photography and food styling online course student, now Ireland-based lifestyle content creator, Ella Smyth, for a truly inspiring and honest conversation about what it really takes to become a full-time creator online.

We talk about the financial reality behind content creation, how Ella built a brand that feels authentic to her, how she chooses collaborations that align with her values, and the practical tools she uses to plan her content and stay consistent. This episode is full of insight for food photographers, lifestyle creators, and anyone who wants to grow online in a way that feels sustainable, intentional and true to who they are.

Here’s what else you can expect from today’s episode…

• Ella introduces herself.
• Ella describes her evolution from only food content to sharing broader lifestyle content (and how this shift affected her bottom line).
• Ella shares how she found her authentic voice.
• We talk about why it was important for Ella to stay true to her content even when it wasn’t Instagram-trendy.
• Ella explains how she manages boundaries around what she does and doesn’t share online.
• Ella talks about how exactly she monetises her content.
• Ella gives her top tips for navigating content creation for growth and success.
• Ella reveals what she’s learned from going viral and why it's a double edged sword!

LINKS MENTIONED:

• Order my new book HOW TO MAKE YOUR FOOD FAMOUS HERE! It’s all about developing a social media strategy that works!
• My first book, Creative Food Photography is available HERE! It’s for food photographers who want to find their own unique style and up level their photography
• Find out more about my Food Reels Online Course HERE and grab your discount using code PODCAST10 at checkout!
• Find out more about my Foundation Food Photography & Food Styling Online Course HERE and grab your discount using code PODCAST10 at checkout!
• Find out more about my Instagram Reels & Growth Courses HERE
• Form Nutrition - Get a 20% discount using the code KIMBERLY20 at checkout (applies to sales in the UK, US and EU)
• 10+ years as a full-time creator on Instagram: 10 lessons learned that helped me find success! Read more about it in this blog post HERE
• Ella's Instagram, YouTube and Substack
• Julia Broome physical social media content planners
• UNUM app
• Preview app
• Find the full show notes HERE
• Find my Instagram HERE