Two years ago, I embarked on a journey to share my passion for cooking with the world. Armed with zero camera presence and no filming or editing skills, I launched my YouTube channel. My initial goal was simple: to spread the love of cooking. In that first year, I produced 50 videos, accumulating a modest 38,000 views and 886 subscribers.
My progress may have seemed slow, but I was determined to pursue my dream of creating food content full-time. I made a bold decision: I quit my well-paying corporate job, abandoned my grad school applications, and after seven years of independent living, moved back in with my parents. My plan was to dedicate at least two years to building my online presence.
The following year, I ramped up my content creation, producing 114 videos. I experimented with different formats, from a dedicated Taco Tuesday series to perfecting the Smashburger. I explored various culinary styles, even venturing into comedic cooking relief (though perhaps not my forte). I also embarked on my own version of a Mark Wiens-inspired street food tour in Mexico City. This year was a period of immense learning and growth. Despite moments of doubt, I found myself increasingly drawn to the creative process: the research, the filming, the editing, and most importantly, honing my cooking skills. Even if the view count wasn’t skyrocketing, I could see tangible improvement in each video, and that’s what kept me motivated.
After the first year of my two-year plan, I moved to the West Coast with a friend. The intention was to find part-time work and use my remaining savings to cover living expenses while continuing to pursue my YouTube dream. Then, almost overnight (okay, it was more like two weeks), our subscriber count exploded from 20,000 to 100,000. One year and two weeks after leaving my corporate career, we had achieved the seemingly impossible. And I emphasize “we” because without the support of my viewers, this dream wouldn’t have materialized.
This milestone prompted a Q&A session with my audience, a chance to connect and share more about my journey. From my roundabout career path to my self-taught cooking adventures and weight loss transformation, I answered questions about my background, cooking tips and tools, and future plans for the channel.
My background is a bit unconventional for a culinary content creator. I started as a business student at the University of Pittsburgh, then transferred to a Professional Golf Management program. A chance encounter with a tax accounting competition led me to pursue an accounting degree, eventually landing me a consulting role at Deloitte. The demanding travel schedule of client projects sparked my desire for a creative outlet, leading me to start my YouTube channel.
My cooking journey is entirely self-taught, fueled by a lifelong love for food and inspired by creators like Brothers Green Eats (now Pro Home Cooks). My early videos, filmed on an iPhone, were far from polished, but they ignited a passion that continues to drive me.
My filming and editing skills, like my cooking, are entirely self-taught. I learned through online resources and by observing other creators like Binging with Babish, Matt D’Avella, and Peter McKinnon. Their intentional framing and storytelling inspired me to develop my own style.
My weight loss journey, from 240 pounds to 160, has been a long and non-linear process. It involved a combination of consistent exercise, mindful eating, and a focus on sustainable habits.
I shared some of my key weight loss tips, emphasizing the importance of understanding basic nutrition principles and finding a sustainable approach that works for you. I also discussed my preferred cooking tools, including a sharp chef’s knife, a thermometer, and a kitchen scale, and my favorite cookbooks, such as “Salt Fat Acid Heat” and “The Food Lab.”
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue creating content, experimenting with new series, and potentially collaborating with other creators. My ultimate goal is to continue sharing my passion for cooking and inspiring others to explore the culinary world. This 100K subscriber milestone is just the beginning.
