five minutes with pop

I had the pleasure of meeting Pop a few months ago through a family friend. She is humble, inspirational and a jack of all trades. Meeting people like Pop is why I love blogging and photography. It allows me more opportunities to meet these amazing people who inspire me to hustle and stay grounded. Here is your five minutes getting to know Pop Annemarie. 

Enjoy!

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My name is Pop Annemarie, I’m from Manila, Philippines and I wear many hats. I’m the owner of VNTGPOP. Im also a Certified Lifestyle Coach and I’m a mom of three boys. When I have time in between I assist with planning events for The Container Yard.

Wow that's a lot hats! So which hat do you wear the most?

Depends where I’m at. When I’m in Long Beach, I’m wearing the mom hat, but when I’m here in DTLA, I’m wearing my Lifestyle coaching hat mostly and my VNTGPOP hat, and everything else falls in between.

Tell me more about VNTGPOP.

VNTGPOP originated 2 years ago, but its been manifesting since I was 9. My mom was a model in the Philippines and my dad was the Rick Dees of radio back in their day. I kind of grew up in that environment where fashion and the lifestyle was second nature to me. I remember in Junior High, I would stay up late to put together outfits for the week for school and tried some on and had my sister take pictures with a disposable camera so I can document what I look like. It’s crazy, I found some of those photos of me in 6th grade wearing bell-bottoms and a flannel! All which are so relevant today. But like I tell everyone fashion is a continuous cycle. So be discerning with what you keep and donate. Stylish staples usually make its way back one way or the other, as we’ve all seen.

What are you working on right now?

Currently I am focusing on building my clientele for my Lifestyle Coaching career. I am collaborating with my current clients in a thought provoking and creative process that inspires and maximizes their personal/professional potential. My coaching career will always be tied in under the VNTGPOP umbrella. Most of my sessions are conducted in VNTGPOP.. its been an inspirational environment for some and a unique space for a coaching session for most.

I am also working on buying for the upcoming seasons to keep VNTGPOP relevant in this ever evolving fashion cycle whilst staying true to my personal outlook of what style is to me. Until we fully open our doors to the public at The Container Yard and foot traffic is flowing, VNTGPOP will take the passenger seat continuing to be my passion and I'll continue to build its foundation as I focus on collaboratively coaching clients as my money maker.

Can you tell me a little bit more about The Container Yard, and your space within it?

So The Container Yard will be and will always be a space for innovation, design and art, for anything really. When people ask what it is, we can never give a definite answer, and we’ve kind of grown into it and we like that it’s not just one thing or another. Right now it’s an innovation / think lab creative space if you will. VNTGPOP has been the first fashion component at The Container Yard that sits in our little cozy corner since day one.

What is your goal for VNTGPOP?

Since VNTGPOP is the fashion aspect of the Yard, and eventually my role as this part of the corner, I want to give other up-and-coming brands a unique platform to showcase their work/product. Id love to be a catapult for these brands and creative businesses. So basically become somewhat of a broker for the VNTGPOP space/brand. I’m really open to ideas that are unique, stylish, innovative and creatively fun. Thats the beauty of being in the shipping container, I don't have to be confined to one thing, it is always interchangeable.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

My mom, my boys and women who are continuously on their “humble hustle”. VNTGPOP is the epitome of who my mom inadvertently taught me to be. Everything you see hanging on my racks has some sort of inspiration of my mom – so VNTGPOP is mainly focused on the 70s.

Has your mom come by to see what you’ve been doing?

Yes, she only found out when she came to the space last year for our first event, and I had framed some of her old modeling photos from the 70s and she had no idea until she literally walked into it. She walked in and immediately was taken aback when she saw herself on my shelves. Oh it was a glorious moment for the both of us!

What’s the biggest change you’ve experienced?

Perspective - Perspective on so many aspects of my life. In our minds we imagine things to be a certain way but to actually do it and live it breath it each day has changed my outlook on so many levels. Being able to do some of things I do and to be able to connect with some of the amazing and talented folks that I have.. has taught me to stay humble and to quietly continue with my own hustle.

What’s the best thing about what you do?

Being able to meet the people I encounter each day, like you for example - creative people that have a vision for certain things. Being able to share that same vision is what its all about. For me, it’s not about creating something, but it’s about reinventing something and tailoring it to your style. Somebody has already done it. So for me it’s more about what your take is and how you style it. Letting things organically grow – letting things happen and unfold on its own. Being in LA for so long, you start to get jaded, and you have to keep your guard up a little bit as so not to get too caught up in the mix. You can easily lose sight of why you started to begin with in this crazy growing fast-paced city. So staying grounded is always at the forefront for me.

OK! So let’s change up the pace here and switch to the fun questions! What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up?

What I was going to wear. Even though I spent hours last night choosing my outfits, I still woke up without a clue and everything I tried on the night before went out the window.

What are some essentials you always carry in your bag?

Lotion, Chapstick, my roll-on perfume, gum, and a book. Living in LA there’s always a moment where you’re waiting for something so being able to catch up with a book I'm reading is always good even if its for two minutes.

Favorite TV Show.

Oh my gosh.. Can it be more than one? I’m going to be really honest and dont judge!!.. The Kardashians .. don’t ask! Haha I also love Amy Schumer, Candidly Nicole.. all the stylishly mindless reality “trash” that’s just so stupid and funny!

If you had a dinner party, and you could invite anyone in the world, who would you invite?

Yoko Ono. She has always been an amazing avant-garde, experimental artist, and such a hardcore peace activist. Through everything she's been through and seen she's still the same kooky person. It would be interesting to hear some of her stories.

What would you cook her?

Oh man! I have to cook for her? Hmm. I would probably cook her one of the few things I know I can cook which would be coconut flavored tilapia fish with some steamed veggies over jasmine rice. Super simple.

If you had to wear two pair of shoes for the rest of your life, what would they be?

TWO?! I would pick a pair of booties and some kind of sneakers for sure.

Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner?

Breakfast. I love breakfast. Depending on my mood but its usually between granola with fruits and berries w some milk. Or German pancakes!

Anything else you’d want to share with us?

I will always be about a work in progress. I would love to connect and work with as many people on different levels of collaboration. It will never be just one thing, but it’ll always be rotating through different avenues. This is a lifestyle and an experience. I want people to have a different yet positive vibe every time. It’s all about creating that lasting impression through the experience and making that dope connection.

Follow: 
VNTGPOP
Pop Annemarie
The Container Yard

Five Minutes with Alyssa Bernal


Hi, I’m Alyssa Bernal and I’m 25 years old from San Antonio, Texas. I am a singer/songwriter and got my start on YouTube. I'm now living out my dream in Los Angeles!

How did you get into music?
I got into music because I grew up into a family of musicians. All of my dad’s side of the family are musicians and it’s in my blood.


How old were you when you started?
I’ve been singing since I was 3 or 4, there are so many home videos. I grew up pretty shy! I came to the realization when I was about 18. I went to a private catholic high school, where the new music director inspired me to put myself out there. That’s about the time I got an account on YouTube and realized I wanted to do music because of the comments and positive feedback I was getting and how much my music impacted people.

What was it like putting up your first YouTube video?
It’s funny because I created an account to put up silly videos of friends and I knocking off. And then I realized people put up singing videos, but there weren’t that many at that time. I got inspired because the ones that were up weren’t very good, haha. So I thought “Hey I can sing.. I’m pretty good..” so I started doing that. The first video I did was “Killing Me Softly” and it was really cheaply set up. I didn’t even set up the camera on books or anything. I just held the camera like a recording device and just sang into it with the instrumental playing. I got really good feedback and made me feel good, so I continued!


What’s the best story you’ve heard?
There was a soldier and his roommate that got stationed together and went into battle together. His roommate passed away and when he cleaned his stuff up, he saw his laptop open watching one of my videos. That soldier sent me a request to sing “Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley and it’s one of my most viewed videos. I’ll never forget where I came from because of that and that’s one of the main reasons what moved me to do music.


What’s the weirdest comment you’ve ever gotten from a fan?
Oh… Once in awhile you’ll get those feet comments. Hahaha.. Like, let me see your feet or something. I’m sure there are weirder ones but it won’t be appropriate to share. People on YouTube are not shy about speaking their minds!


Who are your top inspirations?
Musically, I listen to a lot of soul, blues, and acoustic. Like John Mayer, Joss Stone, Norah Jones… just that singer/songwriter circle growing up, which kind of molded me to who I am today as an artist. Everyday life, people that I meet out here, like you, my boyfriend, our friends, dancers, just people who are striving to do what they love. The idea of doing what you love and getting paid for that.. I mean there’s stress but at the end of the day you do what you love and that’s inspiration for me.


How would you describe your music?
Just recently, I changed my sound drastically. I’ve gone more of a darker path kind of like a mix of Lorde and Ellie Goulding. I say that as reference but when you hear my music, it still sounds like my own thing. It’s more mature sounding, 808, hard beats and lots of synth. If I had to categorize it, it’d be… dark pop.


What are you working on right now?
It’s been so long since I put music out that I think I’m going to put out single by single. I have a few songs and music videos ready on deck. I want to reintroduce myself and intrigue my followers again.

What are your goals for your career?
Put out an EP. Put out an album. And I really want to go on tour. I’ve only been on one nationwide tour and it was amazing. But I really want to go to the Philippines. It’s cool because on YouTube you can check out the demographics of your followers. I really want to hit up all those top countries and meet my “lysseners” – that’s what my followers call themselves. :)


Favorite food.
For the longest time, it was Chicken Phad Thai. It’s a cross between that or sushi, but lately, Pho has really been creeping up there!

Favorite meal of the day.
Dinner, but my dinners are always super late like 10:30pm, 11pm.

What time do you sleep?
Anytime between 11pm – 4am. Hahaha. Life of a musician…

Instagram or Twitter?
Hmm.. I’m favoring towards Instagram right now.


What do you do during your down time?
Sleep hahahaha. I also like to snack! Hahaha. I like what everyone else likes to do, hang out with friends, watch scary movies.. go get pho!


What’s your day-to-day like?
Hmmm. It’s different everyday. When you’re self-employed, it’s really laidback. I wake up around 10 or 11. My boyfriend is a producer and he always has tracks that he wants to bring to life with lyrics so when I’m really bored, I’ll work with him.


Do you have any tips or advice for someone who wants to get into the music industry?
Put yourself out there on every outlet. Back then I was super fortunate when YouTube wasn’t as popular and I just got really lucky. I did it for fun, and at the end of the day you should do everything for fun.

Get creative.. Think of new things and do something that makes you YOU. Something that makes you stands out. Always update people! You have to start somewhere, whether it’s word of mouth from family or friends. People will always support you. When I was starting out, I was so scared of rejection, but I found that sharing your talent with the world only inspires others and will in most situations get lots of support.


What’s the best way to follow your music?
YouTube: Alyssa Bernal
Instagram: @alyssabernal89
Twitter: @alyssabernal
Facebook: @alyssabernal

photographs by Courtney Yeh

five minutes with sheri chiu


Sheri was born in New York City, raised in New Jersey, and uprooted to Hong Kong in a matter of 10 years. Sudden change was difficult, but she discovered her passion for writing in high school. After graduating, she returned to New York to pursue her journalism and sociology studies at NYU. At that moment Sheri stepped into the world of modeling to explore her interest in beauty and art. Now, as the Paris Editor of Schön!Magazine, she spends her time interviewing those in the fashion industry and critiquing art exhibitions.


How did you start becoming a model?

I had spent four years organizing high school fashion shows in Hong Kong, and was curious what it meant to be on the other side of the catwalk. I attended NYU’s Asian Cultural Union model audition with absolutely no knowledge of a proper runway strut and was rejected. At the time, I believed this rejection to be the equivalent of “You’re not beautiful enough.”

The Chinese Student Society was also holding auditions for their own fashion show, so I mustered all the courage I had to try “modeling” one more time. A second rejection would confirm that I didn’t have what it took. An additional “no” would have probably propelled me into other activities and cultivated outside interests.
They said yes. One of the leaders of the fashion show suggested that I create a Model Mayhem profile if I wanted to collaborate with photographers to build a photo portfolio. I was 18-years-old and had never been photographed professionally, but the idea was enticing. I explored the website and found images of everyday girls looking absolutely confident. They were alive and happy, and I wanted exactly that. Some part of me wanted to be captured as I was, because I understood how ephemeral youth was. Another part craved to be seen as beautiful enough to be photographed. It was a way for me to construct a better self-image.

And now you work for a magazine as well? 

I'm a Paris Editor of Schön! Magazine, I discovered the publication because I was a model in one of their editorials way back when. I contacted the Editor-in-Chief to express my interest in covering Paris Fashion Week. Slowly but surely, I received bigger and more exciting assignments such as interviewing model Coco Rocha and Italian Vogue Senior Photo Editor Alessia Glaviano. The Schön! family has been very supportive and fun; I consider myself lucky to be part of the magazine.   
What's your favorite type of photo shoot?

My favorite type of photo shoot is one where I feel I’m inspiring the photographer and vice versa. I love to interpret a concept or emotion and illustrate it through pose. No matter if it’s a fashion editorial or artistic nude shoot, the energy on set is really important because it helps to create that unique image.

How do you feel about nude modelling?

Since I consider myself an art model, I would say that I love nude modeling! If done tastefully, photographs that depict nude models can be considered art. In terms of modeling, I think it’s a wonderful form of liberation that allows me to explore ideas and sensations through movement and body language. It’s graceful and honest. It questions preconceived notions of the female figure, sexuality, and censorship. I think nude modeling can show others the importance of appreciating and taking care of the human body.

How have people in general reacted to your work?

People in the art and photo industry have been supportive of my work because I think it speaks more to them. Friends from high school and college have reached out to me, after years of separation, to talk about their own struggles of beauty and acceptance. I think that is what really makes me happy – knowing that others appreciate my work for the message behind what meets the eye. 

Top 3 inspirations
Film director Lars Von Trier. He was the first director to shake my core to the point that I sobbed for 15 minutes after watching the movie “Dancer in the Dark.” From that moment on, I’ve watched his most important films, all of which are ambitious and profound in meaning and cinematic scope. Von Trier inspires me to explore the magic in darkness.
Malala Yousafzai is known for human rights advocacy for education in Pakistan. She’s the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate, and continues to fight for female rights even after being shot on a bus. Yousafzai is constantly threatened by the Taliban, but never backs down from what she truly believes in. She calls for worldwide access to education and rights for young girls, especially in countries who prohibit them. Yousafzai is inspirational on so many levels; I really admire her.
Lastly, my husband Nicolas Guérin, has been my creative fuel for the past five years. He has taught me so much about cinema, literature, and the arts. I would say that I began to develop my cultural mind after meeting him. With Nicolas, I’ve been able to explore deep and personal photo shoot themes. We have worked on image-making together, both of us behind the lens as photographers. Where Nicolas brings his technical know-how and portraiture expertise, I add a dose of naivety and experimentation, which in total can create unexpected photographs. He has supported and pushed me in this critical stage in my life, for which I am truly grateful.


Who's the dream photographer you'd like to work with? 

Paolo Roversi or Sarah Moon because they create more than just photos. They are artists. Their work resembles paintings, masterpieces that could never go out of style. I feel that Roversi and Moon’s images provoke splendor in use of color and light; they are narrative and dark.

What do you like to do on your down time?

I really enjoy cooking and trying new recipes. I also love to discover new films with my husband. He’s taught me so much about the most captivating directors in cinema such as David Lynch and Stanley Kubrick.


 I read in one of your posts that you work out everyday. What is your workout routine?

 That used to be correct! I stopped for several months, but I plan to get active again. I suppose like most people, I tend to hibernate during the winter months! For a normal workout routine, I do 30 – 40 minutes of cardio, followed by intense stretching. I do abdominal exercises next because that’s my most fickle zone. I like squats too. If I go to the gym, I would use the machines focusing on arms and legs: 3 sets of 15 repetitions. To wrap it up, I generally do yoga for 15 minutes to cool down and meditate.

What’s your favorite thing to cook?

I really like cooking chicken panang curry. It’s easy, and it was the first successful dish I served at dinner parties. Now when a new person visits the house, I serve them the coconut milk based curry that puts them in a comfortable mood.

Favorite food.
I love anything made out of potato. French fries, baked potato, mashed potatoes, they’re all good! I also can’t resist chili or macaroni and cheese. I’m a sucker for anything that sticks to the ribs.


If you could have one super power in the world, what would it be?
To be in two places at once.

If I could grant you this wish right now, which two places would you choose first and why?

 I would love to be simultaneously in New York City and Australia because New York is my home and I think a part of me will always stay there. I chose Australia because it’s summer there right now! I’ve only visited Sydney for one day during a plane layover, but I would love to return to Australia and see the Great Barrier Reef.  

Which photo is your favorite so far?

If I had to pick, I would say the image with the headpiece and dress made out of vegetation. This image is actually a snippet of a much larger video project produced by Nicolas Guérin. We had an entire day of reenacting different scenes, written by Nicolas himself: from a “fawn” dancing and meeting a man for the first time, physical and emotional domination, and a moment of complete serenity in the photo you see here. The entire creative team was exceptional, especially hair stylist Mike Desir and makeup artist Daria Day who transformed me into a creature of nature. This image means a lot to me because it was a terrific day of imaginative exploration, a day where everyone brought their very best to set. It’s really fun and rewarding to work on a personal project with a team of close friends.

What is your future goals for your work and for life?

I’ve been producing and creatively directing photo shoots with my husband for several months now. I would love to do it more professionally and see where it goes.

Do you have advice for those who want to pursue modeling?

First and foremost, finish your education, because modeling isn’t a reliable source of income that will support you throughout your entire life. Study the work of photographers and other influential personas in the industry. Study something that isn’t related to fashion to broaden your knowledge so you can use it in modeling or outside of it. Being a model is like fulfilling certain job requirements. I cannot be a rocket scientist because I didn’t take a science course since high school and I don’t have the technical training. Likewise, I can’t be a runway model because I’m too short. It’s important to understand what you can and cannot do, but not feel rejected because you don’t fill a certain criteria. Work with what you do have, and do it to your best ability. Learn about body movement or dance because no matter where you go, grace is always important. I used modeling as a tool to repair my broken self-image, so before you seriously consider doing it, I’m going to tell you what someone once told me: You don’t need anyone telling you that you’re beautiful. Believe it yourself.


See more photos and follow her amazing journey in Paris below!

Instagram: @nakiesheri
Twitter: @schiuonthis
Blog: www.nakiesheri.blogspot.com

five minutes with @fashiongrandpas


My name is Christina Belchere, I was born in the United States but I grew up overseas in Hong Kong. I have been living in NYC for almost 3 years now. I work in Fashion PR for LVMH. 

When did you start Fashion Grandpas, and how did you come up with the idea?
I started fashion grandpas a few months ago... I think it was April 2014 - It was one grandpa I saw one day that was the most incredibly dressed and sassiest man on the street. Working in menswear, I always look for inspiration on the streets. After noticing a few more throughout the day I wondered if this was a "real thing" - "this" being "fashion grandpas". Are there actually a population of incredibly dressed senior men concentrated in New York? From my collection of street photography - the answer was yes - more than I had originally anticipated- and not just in New York, turns out they are all over the world. The portfolio started to look marvelous. I feel in love with seeing them every day and photographing them and publishing their image. The most shocking part, after realizing that "fashion grandpas" wasn't already a thing, was how positive people responded to the idea after I had created it! 
How does it usually work? Do you ask them if you can take their picture, or do you walk by and snap a pic secretly?
I would say I do a bit of both. I set up photo shoots if the subject is not available right then and there, or if I am the one that is busy rushing to something - I take a sneaky shot. I often like the unplanned, sneaky shots the best. I often get the most likes on the "unplanned" street shots too. I think my fan base likes the idea of being incognito on the streets noticing all the fashion grandpas. I like to sometimes keep their "stories" secret. It is the way that they dress that allows your imagination to run wild. That is kind of the point of dressing nice - you could be anyone. 
What are some upcoming projects that you're working on?
Upcoming projects I am working on are the fashion grandpas blog. It is in the works but it is going to be a multi dimensional site. I am currently working on a page for all of my fans who email me and/or tag their grandpas, a page for my street photography, a page for my interviews and photo shoots, and one for my regular NYC photography. Half the battle is getting out on the streets with my camera and getting the images I need. That has proven to take time. 
What's your goal with Fashion Grandpas?
Eventually I want to set up an e-commerce page for the site as well, along with a book and a documentary and a line of clothing. dream big right!?! Grandpa inspired cashmere sweaters and cardigans, glasses, frames and hats. I would LOVE to do a collaboration with happy socks and Birkenstock. Socks with Birkenstocks aren't just for the Olsen twins - Grandpas love it too. 
There are a few collaborations in the works for apparel but I cannot go into too much detail yet unfortunately... :) I have a page in a coffee table book coming out in Urban Outfitters this October! 

 What's your favorite picture and why?
It is probably the worst quality photo with the worst editing - but it was my first fashion grandpa picture. his navy beret, his entire being, his standing in the middle of the road on one of the busiest (not to mention most stylish) cross streets of new york with zero f*cks given. effortlessly chic. unexpected. I envisioned myself or an editor wearing a quilted jacket like that and a navy beret, or an editor, and i thought - wow that is actually a pretty dope outfit. 

 Follow Tina @fashiongrandpas and watch out for her blog and upcoming projects!!

Five Minutes with Follow Me Foodie

My name is Mijune and I am the voice behind Follow Me Foodie. Follow Me Foodie is a food and travel blog/website. I started Follow Me Foodie in July 2009. I am based in Vancouver, but travel frequently for work.

What do you do as a food/travel blogger?
My business is hard to explain, but it involves an umbrella of different services. I do promotional/marketing campaigns with tourism companies, businesses, and other lifestyle industries. It really depends. I also write for hire and am involved in ambassador programs. My blog is where I share my stories of food and travel. It's used as an educational resource too so it's read by locals, tourists and industry professionals.  I also do public speaking on various topics from social media to personal branding, to restaurant recommendations and education, I also host event and private food tours occasionally by request.
How do you spend your day to day?
Wow! It really depends where I am. Every day is different especially if I'm traveling. On a typical day in Vancouver I'll be writing, answering e-mails, engaging with people on social media, trying restaurants or attending events. If I'm traveling I'll most likely be dining out. I also like to read and research a lot (about food and place).
What was your latest project and what’s upcoming?
I just got home from a 2 week trip in Italy to celebrate Rustichella Pasta's 90th birthday in Abruzzo, and to attend their PrimoGrano pasta competition to support Vancouver chef Alex Tung. My next trip will be Omnivore Festival in Montreal where I'll be meeting young and upcoming chefs who are inspiring ideas and leading food movements. 

What’s your favorite part about your job?
It has to be the learning aspect. Of course getting to eat and travel is AMAZING and I'm very grateful to never be hungry and to be able to see so many places, but meeting people and learning about things is invaluable. I've learned so much about food, culture, place, myself, and just life in general. 

Are you an amazing cook? What do you like to cook? Are you known for something?
Ha! I'm not sure if I'm an "amazing cook", but I love to cook and cook for others. I don't have as much time anymore, but when I cook I like to entertain for about 4-6 people and go all out. I rarely repeat a recipe or follow one and kind of go with the flow. I like being creative in the kitchen, although it's important to be able to follow a recipe and learn from it. 
I love the “shit foodie’s say” video because I do exactly all those things as someone who loves food styling and eating. What happened after the video caught so much attention?
The video was so much fun! It ended up going on the front page of the entertainment section in a major newspaper in Vancouver, The Vancouver Sun. It also spread international all the way to Australia which was unexpected. With internet nowadays it's so easy for things to go viral, but it still has to be good content. I'm not sure if my video was good content, but I think it made people laugh which is good enough for me!
How does living where you are help with your job?
I'm very lucky to live in Vancouver, BC. We have the water and the mountains so we get incredible produce from our backyard. It rains a lot which I actually don't like, but in return we get a bountiful harvest. We have a great farm to table scene and it's multi-cultural and diverse, so I get to try some of everything. We have some incredible chefs and restaurants and they inspire my work... without them, I have nothing.
What's your big dream in life?
Every day has been a dream. I have to pinch myself sometimes and be grateful for the moment I'm living in. Of course I have bigger dreams and future goals, but I try and live in the moment because it could all disappear tomorrow. In the last few years I've been able to dream new dreams, and that in itself is enough of a gift. Can't wait for the future, but living in the present. 

Favorite travel spot.
Ohhh too hard! It really depends! Every city and country has something to offer and I leave no place unvisited if I have the opportunity to visit. It doesn't matter how big or small the food scene is... as long as there are people or any sort of life (be it in animals and plants etc etc), there are ideas and things to learn. 
Worst foods you’ve ever tried.
I try things until I like them, so I hate saying something is "gross" or "bad" (presuming it's edible and cooked correctly). I didn't enjoy tarantula or sheep's penis in China... that being said, I'll try it again. I'm open minded about food and they eat these things in other cultures, so I don't want to judge. 

What kind of food feels like home?
Mom's cooking. Mom cooks with her heart. A lot of the time it's nothing really traditional. She's an artist so she gets creative in the kitchen! 

What are some challenges you’ve encountered? 
I'm still encountering challenges and my career is full of them. It's not easy being a full time food and travel blogger, let alone getting any respect as a "blogger" or "foodie". I still have challenges everyday and I've had to learn to be patient, persistent, and positive. The challenges are good because I learn from them... they can be super frustrating as well, but what job isn't? When you love something so much, it's going to break your heart. I'm happy to love what I do. 
How do you look for new restaurants, recipes etc?
I meet a lot of people and research a lot. I ask a lot of questions too and one thing leads to another... before I know it, I have a bucket list of 50 new restaurants and recipes to visit and try. 

For someone wants to blog or become a foodie, what advice would you offer?
Just start. I have no advice because it's an industry where everyone finds their own way. It's really your personal voice and a way of sharing it. My advice is just to start... start and let everything else figure itself out. It has to start from an honest passion.
How long did you blog for until you got a loyal fan base?
Hmm I'm not sure... at some point we all started with one follower. I prefer to call it a social network base or "friend base" rather than "fan base" though. It's not about numbers for me. I just want people to share this passion with me and if I can get people inspired, that's fantastic! I want to engage with everyone!

What would you say is the next upcoming food trend? 
Hmm I'm not keen on using the word "food trend" because everything has been done before. Just like fashion, "food trends" recycle themselves. We remember old ideas and repackage them. 
You might like to check out these posts:
However, if I have to name a few places getting more attention, I'd say all eyes on Peru. Peru's food scene has been bubbling in the last couple years and I can see it getting more popular in the North American market. 

Follow Mijune's foodie adventures here!