Twenty nine year-old Kevin Pinto, from Tivim is making the waves in the travel and food influencer space, his educational path has been as diverse as his career. Starting with architecture he eventually found his calling in engineering. After exploring various career options, Kevin now thrives as a project manager in digital marketing at a IT firm in Goa. However, it’s his passion for travel that truly defines him. This love for exploring new places and cuisines inspired him to become a travel and food influencer, where he blends his professional expertise with his wanderlust, sharing the beauty of the world through his captivating content.
Passion for creativity
My journey as a content creator started with my love for creative work. I’ve always been passionate about making short films and was a freelance photographer before diving into social media. People often said, “You travel so much… show us too!” This inspired me to create my first YouTube video in 2018. As Instagram gained popularity, I shifted my focus there. It wasn’t easy—shooting, editing, scripting. Today, all that hard work has paid off, and I’m now associated with big brands.
Building 'wander_with_kevin'
My Instagram page, 'wander_with_kevin,' initially served as a space to document my travel experiences. As reels gained traction, I seized the opportunity to express my creativity through engaging videos, allowing me to share my travel stories in a more immersive way. The focus of my page is on travel, lifestyle, and food, offering more than just beautiful pictures and videos.
Engaging the audience
To expand my online presence effectively, I focus on storytelling to engage my audience beyond just photos and videos, using Instagram Stories to weave compelling narratives. Relevance is crucial; my content is tailored to what resonates with my followers and current trends. I also prioritise sharing educational and informative content, like the history of a place or details about a dish.
Keeping up with trends
To stay updated with industry trends, I follow leading influencers and industry news to keep up with what’s new and popular. I also participate in webinars, workshops, and conferences to learn and connect with others. Listening to my audience’s feedback helps me understand their evolving interests. A major key is paying attention to Instagram itself—it offers plenty of hints on trends and features to explore.
Work life balance
Keeping up with social media algorithms can be challenging, and it did affect me initially. I used to stress over not going viral or gaining followers quickly, but I’ve learned not to take these fluctuations to heart. Instead, I focus on the genuine followers who appreciate my work and value. I remind myself that maintaining quality and delivering valuable content is what truly matters. Balancing this with personal life involves setting boundaries and taking time to recharge.
Overcoming challenges
Building the brand 'wander_with_kevin' came with distinct challenges. Initially, I had to work with limited gadgets and resources, which made producing high-quality content difficult. Finding the right brand identity and establishing a unique voice in the travel, food, and lifestyle space was another major hurdle. Balancing the demands of a full-time job, personal life, and content creation meant managing time effectively and dealing with the stress of meeting expectations across all areas.
Leveraging digital marketing experience
I learned about brand building through my experience in the digital marketing field over the past 7 years. My journey began with my first job as a digital marketing executive, where I was introduced to the fundamentals of brand development and strategy. This role sparked my interest in the field and provided me with hands-on experience in building and managing brands. The knowledge and skills I gained there laid the foundation for developing my own brand, 'wander_with_kevin.
Standing out
To distinguish myself, I’ve built a trusted travel brand that goes beyond typical influencer content. I incorporate storytelling, detailed voiceover reels, and educational posts to engage my audience and add value. Each post is carefully planned to ensure purpose and quality. Authenticity is my priority—if I don’t genuinely like a place, I won’t promote it, even in paid collaborations. This approach keeps my content memorable and engaging.
Future goals
Looking ahead, my goal is to continue growing 'wander_with_kevin' while staying true to my mission. I want my brand to be recognised for offering not just photos and videos, but meaningful "experiences" through my content. Whether it’s travel tips, food insights, or lifestyle advice, I’m committed to promoting, educating, and helping others create their own memorable moments. Personally, I plan to expand my knowledge and creativity to keep my content fresh and engaging. I always say that "wander_with_kevin" isn’t just me—it’s the community that makes it happen.
Celebrating achievemnts
Throughout my journey, I’ve been honoured to receive several awards for my work as a travel influencer. I was named Travel Influencer of the Year by the IFBA, which was a significant milestone. I also received the Critics' Choice award for travel from SimplySocial, and the Offbeat Travel Influencer of the Year by Siba, both of which recognised the unique impact of my content. Additionally, I’ve been empanelled as an official influencer by the government of Goa, a role that allows me to contribute to promoting our beautiful state.
Advice for aspiring influencers
If you aim to become an influencer or content creator, consistency is key—it builds trust and keeps your audience engaged. Stay updated with trends, and focus on creating authentic content that reflects your true self. Success takes time, so don’t stress over numbers. Instead, connect genuinely with your audience and give back to the community that supports you. Additionally, to monetise your Instagram, partner with brands for sponsored posts, use affiliate links, offer exclusive content, and host paid workshops. Building strong, long-term brand relationships can also provide a steady income.
