Meet thisdynamic duo, Amrish Fernandes and kkshitija Fernandes the creators behind "@d_goan_safari", a platform that beautifully captures the essence of exploration and storytelling. Together with his wife, Kkshitija , Amrish has turned a simple idea born during the lockdown into a celebrated initiative connecting people with Goa’s hidden gems.
In this interview, Amrish shares how a viral food post sparked a journey of discovery, their approach to curating unique experiences, and the challenges they’ve overcome along the way. From supporting local businesses to working with celebrities and expanding into new destinations, Amrish takes us through the evolution of their content creation journey and offers invaluable insights for aspiring creators.
The start
Our journey started during the pandemic. Like everyone else, we were in lockdown in Goa. Restaurants were either closed or had very restricted timings. Dining out became nearly impossible. One day, we managed to visit a restaurant, clicked a picture of our meal, and shared it online. To our surprise, that post went viral. People started asking about the restaurant, its timings, and its menu.
That moment was a revelation. I realised that creating and sharing content was more than just posting photos—it was helping people and businesses. During the pandemic, many restaurants were struggling, so I thought, why not bridge the gap between businesses and consumers? We started featuring restaurants, and the response was incredible. It was a win-win: businesses gained visibility, and people found new places to explore.
Curated experiences
As our page grew, we started receiving messages from people visiting Goa. They’d ask for help with accommodations, itineraries, or restaurant recommendations. We saw an opportunity to curate complete experiences for them, from booking rooms and organising transport to planning meals and suggesting activities. This extended beyond regular tourists—we’ve also organised experiences for celebrities and media teams.
For example, we’re the official media partners for the Basilica of Bom Jesus. We had exclusive access during the St. Francis Xavier Exposition, a once-in-a-decade event. Sharing such experiences with people across the globe has been a privilege.
Origin of name
The name reflects the essence of Goa. As a Goan, I wanted something that highlighted our lush greenery and natural beauty. My wife, who’s from Maharashtra, and I brainstormed ideas and landed on “safari,” symbolising exploration. That’s how “@d_goan_safari” was born.
Challenges
One significant challenge was dealing with brand collaborations. We’d spend days filming, editing, and perfecting content, only to have a brand’s marketing team reject the collaboration due to internal policies. It was disheartening, but over time, we learned to communicate better with brands. These challenges are rare now, as brands have come to value our work.
Another challenge is time management. We primarily shoot on weekends to capture the vibrancy of Goa. During weekdays, we focus on editing and planning. Balancing family life with content creation requires effort, but it’s rewarding.
Approach to content creation
I believe the focus should always be on the subject, whether it’s food, a location, or an experience. People aren’t watching to see me—they’re watching to learn about the product or place I’m showcasing. That’s been our key differentiator.
Our process is collaborative. I do the voiceovers, and my wife handles editing. She’s an IT professional, so she’s brilliant with technology. Together, we ensure the final product is polished and engaging. I keep the tone natural and unscripted to create a genuine connection with the audience.
Growing competition
The competition is indeed growing, but I don’t see it as a negative. Everyone has their unique style and perspective. For us, it’s about providing value to both businesses and viewers.
Interestingly, I believe that in a few years, many businesses, especially restaurants and hotels, will have in-house content creators. This shift shows how much the industry values storytelling and content-driven marketing.
Next chapter
The future is exciting. We’re expanding our collaborations, not just with restaurants and hotels but also with national media houses and international destinations. For instance, while most people focus on popular destinations like Dubai or Thailand, I’m keen on promoting lesser-known gems like Azerbaijan, Bahrain, and Sri Lanka. These places offer incredible experiences at affordable prices, and I want to bring them to the forefront.
We’re also working more with celebrities. Recently, several artists and actors reached out for curated experiences in Goa. It’s a privilege to represent Goa and provide them with unique insights into our culture and hospitality.
Dealing with negativity
Fortunately, we haven’t faced much negativity. I believe it’s because our content is genuine and non-controversial. We focus on the experience, not the brand’s reputation. For example, when we featured a resort, some people shared their bad experiences. I always emphasise that experiences can vary, and my aim is to showcase what’s possible.
Advice to aspiring creators
Focus on authenticity and value. Create content that educates and inspires. Highlight unique aspects of what you’re showcasing and help your audience discover something new. And above all, stay true to yourself—your unique perspective is what sets you apart.
