Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicolle Martínez-Rivera.
Hi Nicolle, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
During my childhood I grew up in a military family, this lifestyle exposed me to many cultures, cuisines, and experiences. Because of this I was passionate about the travel and tourism industry. after I graduated highschool I decided I wanted to study Tourism/Hospitality Management at the University of Idaho, in Moscow, Idaho specifically to become a special events coordinator, i Originally wanted to become a chef but was talked out of it because my family was worried about me not being able to live comfortably with that career, given that the job is long hours and typically the pay is low.
After a few years in my program i continued to get thoughts about becoming a chef and opening a restaurant no matter how much I tried to let go of those thoughts they continued to occur. So i decided after finishing my degree I wanted to focus more on the food and beverage industry rather than special event coordinating. I felt that If i didn’t give it a chance that I would regret it. So I decided that after graduating with my bachelors I was going to explore culinary schools. Upon graduation in May 2022 I moved to Austin. I felt that this would be the perfect place to start my culinary school journey.
The food scene is huge, there are so many amazing chefs, restaurants, and beyond that so many creatives and entrepreneurs in this city. Being around like minded people has pushed me to want more for myself. With that being said in the year I took to situate all of my culinary school things I decided to pursue content creation (lifestyl + foodie– restaurant recs and recipes) as a creative outlet and as a way to connect with people in the area.
I also took time to figure out what my long terms goals within the culinary world would be. I have worked several service jobs but none of these have been long term careers. going back to school felt like I was back at square one. This was challenging because I felt like I was behind in life and it took me a while to be okay with it. through social media and being in a community college setting I have met several people like me that are multi passionate, going through life and professional changes, and exploring who they want to be. This made me realize that everyone is on their own path and that you shouldn’t compare yourself to others. You’ll get where you want to be when the time is right.
I started my culinary school journey in august 2023 at Austin Community College and am expected to graduate in December of this year! During my time in school I have remained consistent with creating lifestyle and foodie content, doing research and creating plans to start up my business, working part time as a barista and completed an internship with austins iconic fonda san miguel!
Because I decided to pursue social media as a hobby I have been able to make meaningful connections with other Austin creatives, I have also gone to several bars, restaurants, coffee shops, etc all of these experiences have helped me brainstorm ideas for my own business. what things I want and what things I don’t want out of it! As someone who is passionate about hospitality I want to focus on good food and great service. I have also been able to cater an event for tequila 512, host an event for a Mr.Brew coffee, and lastly the most valuable thing that has happened on my social media journey is making connections with other business owner and chefs. it has been amazing to hear their stories and to get advice from them that will help me i the long run.
Sometimes I feel that my story and life is barely just starting because I am in the early stages of my entrepreneurship journey. But I wouldn’t change anything. I feel that all my prior experiences are still valuable. In the meantime I want to continue to build community and help others because I know it will come back to me.
upon graduating In December i am planning to apply for private chef positions while also getting my documents in order to do popups at farmers markets and events.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The biggest struggle has been feeling lost and behind compared to my peers. I am only 25 but many people at this age have been in their career for a few years and are living a stable life. Versus what I was experiencing was alot of confusion and uncertainty. and for a while loneliness before I decided to pursue social media I was struggling to build community in austin.
I know feel that I am on the right path and am enjoying the journey
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Student/Creative.
I create lifestyle and foodie content. I feel what sets me apart is that because I am studying culinary arts I have higher expectations for food/service than most. So when I share a recommendation its because I thoroughly enjoyed it and it deserves recognition. Several people have told me they trust my recommendations or that they tried out my recs and loved them.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
building community matters a lot to me because i think it’s important to feel like you’re a part of something. The connections you make can better your life in so many ways whether its social, professional, or something deeper people need connection and support systems to keep going through in life.
I can’t imagine what my life would have looked like if I hadn’t decided to try and connections in austin through social media.
When I open my business I would love to host monthly events to connect with people. food is a great way to bring people together and I think it would be so special to be able to do that in this amazing city
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ellocin/
- Other: nicollemmedia@gmail.com
