Welcome to our “Get to Know” series! Each Tuesday (for the next year), we’re going to introduce you to a creator in the wellness space that we think you NEED to know. The creators we feature are of various backgrounds. Whether they’re an online content creator, coach, or owner of a product-based brand, they each have their own niche in the wellness world and contribute to the space, as a whole, in an incredibly meaningful way. We’re setting this up Q&A-style so that you can learn more about each creator’s why, the content that they’re most proud of, and exactly how you can be a part of and contribute to their journey. We hope you enjoy our conversations with these wonderful people and brands. We know they’re going to enrich your lives!
This week, we’re interviewing Takera Gholson of Flights and Food. Takera says, “I originally started Flights and Foods to encourage people who look like me, who may have grown up like me, to travel.” Follow along as we learn more about Takera:
Why did you start your business?
Takera: I originally started Flights and Foods to encourage people who look like me, who may have grown up like me, to travel. I had one of my first travel experiences pretty fresh out of college, traveling with almost no money, but I got the travel bug. My husband and I love trying new foods and we often select travel locations based not only on sites, but the new foods and cultures we would like to explore.
What’s your mission/purpose statement?
Takera: Flights and Foods highlights amazing food and travel destinations, while focusing on advocacy for small businesses. We help small businesses by aiding them with improving their social media presence using creative visual content & marketing. We also share stories from the hospitality industry, exposing our audience to foods, cultures, and people from around the world.
What 2 (or 3!) pieces of content are you the proudest of?
Takera: Since I first started Flights and Foods I have learned so much and gone through several transitions. From blogging, to influencing, and now food photography. Something that has become important to me is transparency. I have a blog post where I share 10 Black Food and Drink Bloggers to follow. Not only am I sharing about some of my local colleagues, but I share a bit about what it is like to be a Black Food Blogger. Another post that makes me proud highlights a local gem. 2fifty Texas BBQ is run by a family who started out serving their BBQ one day a week. It’s been great to see them grow from a once a week pop up to now have two locations in the DMV and be recognized by major publications. Additionally, I have a directory of 60 Black Owned Restaurants in the DMV with Outdoor Seating. The directory continues to be updated and seemed to be a great resource for the community when there were no other options other than dining outdoors.
Where are you going next? What’s your goal for the next year?
Takera: I am looking forward to expanding the Flights and Foods brand by creating greater connections locally and abroad. My goal is to continue to share stories from those in the hospitality industry, bringing increased awareness to their food, their stories, and their experiences. I’d like to serve them the way they serve us everyday.
How can we (and the Fed and Fit community) best support you?
Takera: I would love it if folks would follow along with Flights and Foods on Instagram @FlightsandFoods. Additionally, as I continue to grow and expand my brand outside of Instagram, it would be invaluable to have folks subscribe to my email list to stay up to date on all things Flights and Foods.
