Nadia Khatib, a social media marketer and content creator based in Mapusa, Goa, has carved a unique niche for herself in the world of digital marketing. With an Honours degree in Psychology, Nadia's journey into marketing was driven by her passion and drive for social media. Over the past four years, she has grown her platform, Tiny Hoomans Adventure, to over 7,000 followers and 1.1 million views, all organically. Her content, which includes restaurant and cafe reviews, food challenges, and home-cooked recipes, showcases what makes each brand special, connecting with audiences on a deeper level.
Building THA
Tiny Hoomans Adventure (THA) began out of my love for food, cooking, and culinary adventures. The name is a nod to my height (I'm 5'1) and my passion for all things Yum! For the past four years, I’ve managed the page solo and kept it all organic. It's all about sharing the joy of great food and connecting with fellow food lovers.
The social media journey
My social media journey kicked off during an internship at NV Creative Co, a creative agency in Panaji. There, I learned the ropes of social media and content creation. It was an experience that provided valuable insights and skills I still use today.
Overcoming challenges
Covid-19 significantly impacted my content, which often features restaurant and cafe reviews. To adapt, I incorporated food challenges like the Jolo Chip challenge and Samyang's 3X Fire Noodles challenge, which set me apart. I also shared home-cooked recipes which people could try during lockdowns. These changes kept my audience engaged and my content relevant.
Branding efforts
To build my brand, I maintained a blog and sent my media kit to various agencies. I collaborated with Barcode Entertainment as a part-time content creator for Moj, a video app, and worked with Alcohowl, a platform for fine and experimental drinking. I also honed my brand-building skills at MindShift Interactive, where I gained hands-on experience working with luxury clients such as Mary Budden Estate in Uttarakhand, Vivanta in Goa, Moxy International Airport in Bengaluru, and more. These experiences taught me invaluable lessons in creating and maintaining a strong brand presence. My mentors, Zafar Rais, Arshadeep Sandhu, and Marilyn Pinto, played a crucial role in my development by helping me understand the nuances of brand strategy and execution, which I’ve successfully applied to enhance and grow my personal brand.
Distinct strategies
To stand out from other content creators, I emphasise my unique voiceovers, script writing, and discovery of hidden food gems. I was among the first to highlight viral items like Kefi’s Supreme Croissant and Perfect Cup’s Monster Burger in Goa. I further differentiate myself by collaborating with fellow creators for fun food challenges, which is still relatively rare in Goa.
Trend check
To stay updated with industry trends, I focus on 2-3 that align with my brand's tone and add my unique twist. For example, I adapted the popular “One Love” song trend to highlight Goan cuisine, garnering over 520K views. This approach keeps my content fresh and engaging while staying true to my brand’s identity.
Algorithm pressure
Balancing social media pressures with personal life is challenging, especially given the saturation of content creators. As a micro creator, standing out and building a portfolio requires extra effort. The competition is intense, and algorithms can be unpredictable, making it tough to maintain visibility. To navigate these pressures, I focus on producing meaningful, authentic content that resonates with my audience rather than chasing trends or numbers.
The journey forward
Personally, I aim to explore more eateries outside Goa. I’ve covered a lot in Hyderabad and plan to expand to Bangalore, Chennai, and Mumbai. For 2025, my goal is to be more consistent with YouTube and grow my presence there.
A piece of advice
If you're looking to become an influencer or content creator, my advice is to just dive in and follow what makes you happy. Focus on creating content that you genuinely care about, and your enthusiasm will shine through. Keep pushing forward, even when things get tough, and stay true to your unique voice.
An alternate approach
Looking back, I would have started earlier and trusted myself more. Being an ambivert, it took me some time to fully showcase my potential, and I missed out on opportunities due to a lack of confidence. While I’ve learned a lot from those experiences, I now understand the importance of seizing opportunities and believing in my abilities.
