Life & Work with Breeana Smith of Raleigh

Today we’d like to introduce you to Breeana Smith

Hi Breeana, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I moved to Raleigh about 8 years ago after attending college in Durham, NC where I received my degree in fashion merchandising from the Art Institute. During my time in college was when I realized how much I loved blogging and I created my first actual website back in 2017. My first blog didn’t have anything to do with food, in fact it was a fashion blog, but I always had a passion for all things food and I knew I’d create my own outlet for it one day. I’ve always considered myself the “foodie” out of my friends. I took pride in being the friend that had the information about all of the new restaurants and hidden gems in the city. I would always post on my Instagram story about different restaurants, coffee shops, and bars and get DM’s from my followers asking me where I was and etc. It never dawned on me to take it a step further and create another Instagram. I contemplated on creating a third account for a while because I was already managing my personal page and my cooking page. I knew if I started a food blog I had to be consistent and intentional. After a lot of contemplating I decided to just go for it. So in March of 2022 I did just that. I created Breeyanaeats.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I would say it has been pretty smooth, because it’s still an enjoyable hobby for me. Being that blogging is something I’ve done since college it has allowed me to continue to do it in a fun, non stressful way. Although I don’t have a huge following at the moment I don’t allow that to stop me from just posting my content. The main struggle I faced before staring Breeyanaeats was putting too much pressure on myself with actually starting to and comparing myself to other local food bloggers. To get over that fear I had to constantly remind myself that we all have to start somewhere and comparison is the thief of joy.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Full time I work in the retail/fashion industry as a visual merchandiser. I am a creative so I have always done creative and fun roles within my career. As a visual merchandiser no day is the same. I am in charge of updating mannequins, creating visual displays, installing graphics, painting, lighting, and so much more. I am also pursuing a degree in Supply Chain Management and Logistics so I love that I’m in a transition phase in life right now. When I finish my degree program I plan on staying in the retail/fashion industry but take on a different route.

One thing that I am most proud of is my ability to tap into all of my passions. There’s so many things that I’d like to pursue in my lifetime and I hope to do just that.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memories consist of spending my summers in Harlem, NY with my grandparents. There’s so much creativity in NYC and I like to think that’s why I am the way I am today. From an early age I was exposed to art, fashion, good food, and good music and I still have a love for all of those things today.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/breeyanaeats