Lifestyle

Tim Cheung Builds a Food Blogger Community

Published

4 years ago

August 5, 2020

In the era of technology, social media has allowed people to connect with those who share the same interests and passions. Some share tweets or posts they know their followers will enjoy. Others review products or restaurants to let their followers in on the hottest trends. But there is a special group of people who have connected and created friendships and professional relationships to help each other design the appropriate content to fit their brand’s aesthetic. These people have created an extremely supportive community.

When Tim Cheung began his food blogging journey five years ago, he realized not a lot of people were talking about the local food scene. As he started sharing his experiences and visiting minority-owned spots, he gained more Instagram followers on his Bay Area Foodies account and received messages thanking him for the inspiration to become food bloggers themselves. Because of this, he was able to connect with people who were as passionate as him about food. Therefore, building a collaborative and strong food blogger community in the Bay Area.

For Cheung, it is important to create consistent yet fun content in order to make his work fun. If he starts seeing food blogging as a chore, he knows he is more than likely to stop enjoying it. He says “the best way to be consistent is to constantly find ways to make this hobby fun for yourself. I have met a lot of people that have eventually given up because they started seeing food blogging like a chore.” This is why he has surrounded himself with a community that motivates him to continue outdoing himself. It was by connecting with these other food bloggers that he realized food tastes better when it is being shared.

How did this foodie who is crazy for all the newest food hypes connect with people like him? Social media was the key. Once he established a connection with other food bloggers who were interested in helping get the word out on all the amazing mom and pop restaurants in the Bay Area, Tim organized collaborative food crawls once or twice a week. Before COVID-19 hit and lockdown was set in place, these food bloggers would visit several spots together in one day. Thus, allowing to motivate each other and help create captivating content for their respective accounts.

“Following a posting schedule is important in keeping your audience interested and definitely helps in growing your following,” says Cheung. Creating this special community helps hold one another accountable. It is easier and more enjoyable for food bloggers to drive everywhere together to try the most exciting and newest foods to later blog about them and keep their followers interested. This support group also serves as a great source of inspiration when it comes to editing photos or videos in a more appealing manner and thinking of catchy captions for every post.

Tim Cheung has always been passionate about food and was able to successfully turn that into a career by utilizing his digital marketing and social media marketing experience. Since the beginning, his goal has been to bring attention to minority-owned businesses that were not getting the recognition they deserved. As he embarked in this delicious venture, he connected with other professional food photographers who shared his interests. It was then Cheung was able to build a food blogger community in the Bay Area that inspired him to keep his journey fun and his content consistently captivating.

Lifestyle

Kristien Surya Jewelry: A New Standard in Affordable Luxury Jewelry

Published

1 day ago

December 19, 2024

Michelle Langton

Photo credit: Kristien Surya Jewelry

Byline: Sarah Kingston-Powell

Kristien Surya Jewelry combines cultural heritage with contemporary design from its Newport Beach headquarters. Launched in November 2023, the brand draws from Western, Indian, Chinese, and Islamic design elements. The signature pieces include the Hamsa hands collection with natural gemstones and the organically shaped Sunyata series, both crafted in sterling silver, solid 14K, and 18K gold.

“Each piece tells a story of cultural connection through carefully selected materials and meaningful symbolism,” says founder Kristien, who bootstrapped the company as its sole angel investor.

Social Impact Through Accessible Pricing

Despite its recent launch, the brand experienced significant early success, reflecting strong consumer interest. With global shipping and plans to expand its reach, Kristien Surya Jewelry is poised to attract an international audience that values culturally meaningful and socially responsible luxury.

While fine jewelry typically commands premium prices, Kristien Surya offers installment payment options and competitive pricing without compromising materials or craftsmanship.

A portion of sales supports the National Pediatric Cancer Association’s Sunshine Project, which develops non-toxic cancer treatments for children. Proceeds also help fund education and fair wage initiatives for women and children facing economic hardships.

Sustainability and Customization Focus

The brand’s ECO-LOVE Program incorporates lab-grown gems alongside natural stones, addressing growing consumer interest in sustainable luxury goods. Market research from McKinsey indicates that 73% of millennials are willing to spend more on sustainable brands.

“We select natural gemstones and crystals not just for aesthetics, but for their unique properties that promote emotional and spiritual well-being,” Sun explains. Customers can personalize their amulets by choosing specific gemstones, creating individual meaning for each piece.

Market Strategy and Growth

Currently serving North America through its e-commerce platform, Kristien Surya plans to expand to additional online marketplaces. “Our goal is more than about selling jewelry—we’re building a brand that celebrates diverse cultural heritage while making fine jewelry accessible to more people,” says Kristien. The company maintains a strong social media presence on Instagram and Facebook to engage with customers and showcase its cultural influences.

Kristien Surya Jewelry sets itself apart with its focus on cultural inspiration, sustainability, and social impact. Leveraging digital platforms like Instagram and Facebook, the brand aims to foster a vibrant online community. Special promotions, such as Blind Box Gifts for early followers, enhance its engagement strategy.

Design Philosophy and Production

Each collection draws inspiration from specific cultural elements: Western philosophical traditions, Indian spirituality, Chinese harmony concepts, and Islamic artistic patterns. The manufacturing process combines traditional craftsmanship with modern production techniques to maintain quality while achieving competitive pricing.

The Hamsa hands collection features double gemstone settings—an innovation within its price category. Production standards match luxury specifications: all pieces undergo multiple quality control checks and come with authentication certificates.

Future Developments

Kristien Surya plans to introduce new collections quarterly while maintaining its core design philosophy. The company’s near-term objectives include expanding its online presence and developing additional customization options for customers.

The brand recently began developing partnerships with retail locations in major U.S. cities, though specific details remain private. Current data suggests strong market potential for culturally-inspired fine jewelry at accessible price points, particularly among millennial and Gen Z consumers who prioritize meaning and value in their purchases.