Shrishti Prabhu Desai is a dynamic content creator who manages two engaging Instagram pages. On her personal account, @shrishti_prabhudesai, she curates captivating content on food, lifestyle, and cultural experiences. Meanwhile, her second page, Susegad Tales (@susegad_tales), delves into food, travel, and insightful interviews with special guests. In 2022, Shrishti was honoured at the prestigious Indian Food & Beverage Awards (IFBA) with an award for promoting regional cuisine on Instagram, an achievement celebrated at the grand ceremony held at Jio World Drive, Mumbai. This recognition underscores her passion, creativity, and significant influence in the digital space.
In this exclusive interview with The Goan, Shrishti opens up about her inspiring journey, the challenges she has overcome, and her advice for aspiring creators.
Beginning
My journey as a content creator and influencer began during the pandemic. I used to post recipes online and that got my posts attention. I then decided to do it full time and the risk paid off. However, there were many challenges that I had to face initially. For example, when I began my journey I was doing my Master’s in Belagavi. So I would travel to Goa on the weekends and then edit and post the content throughout the week. I spent around two years doing that. It was not easy to leave the field I was studying to pursue this but I had to take the chance.
Challenges
Biggest challenge was converting my passion for content creation into a business. I have never done a barter deal with any brand. If there is a brand deal, it has always been paid. The main idea is that I am running this page as a business and I had to make it work since I choose to make it my full-time career. I work at least 12 hours a day everyday and also sometimes the work goes for 15-16 hours. This line of work runs on engagement and there is a lot of effort that goes behind the scenes.
Steps to stand out
I have been authentic. That is the sole thing I have focused on so far. Being creative is one thing, but if people find that you are not showing the real thing then there will be a problem going forward.
Another thing to focus on is consistency of your posts. There is constant demand for content from the audience and if you can cater to a part of it, it helps both me and the audience. One of the tricks I try to stay consistent is that I keep experimenting with content. Other than food, I have started making content on lifestyle, festivals and cultural activities. This has been well received by my audience so far. It also keeps me motivated to keep doing it on a daily basis.
Expansion
After initially doing it all by myself. Later on, I took up social media marketing projects for some brands in the hospitality and fashion sector. Now I run a marketing agency with three employees. Besides for my page, we create content for my clients. We also provide event management services. Since we were already into digital marketing, it was natural that we venture into event planning. Our clients get the best of both worlds.
Online competition
So far the audience has shown me a lot of love and support. I have been consistent with my posts and that has paid off with the engagement I get. I don’t feel pressured to do anything just for the sake of engagement.
Plans for future
I want to cover more of our local businesses, provide them a platform. I also want to cover more of our local cuisine. Bring forward things that have not been covered so far or things that haven’t received enough of a spotlight. I feel it is important to support local businesses since they serve a larger purpose in the society.
Advice for aspiring creators
Be authentic. A lot of people are getting into content creation but the only way to distinguish yourself is by being authentic to yourself.
