Facing failure and fear on the journey to success with Joanie Simon

In today's episode (161) of the EAT, CAPTURE, SHARE podcast, I'm talking with family photographer and host of the This Can't Be That Hard podcast, Annemie Tonken. But this time, the tables have turned — Annemie is interviewing ME for her show!We dive deep into a topic that so many food photographers ask about: Is it still possible to grow a following and book clients on Instagram in 2025? (Spoiler alert: it is!) I’m sharing practical, proven strategies you can start using right away to boost your reach, attract the right clients, and create content that converts.Here's what else you can expect from today's episode...The biggest misconceptions photographers still have about Instagram — and why they’re holding you back.My top three Instagram strategies for standing out and growing your audience.How to use Instagram effectively to expand your reach and connect with your ideal clients.The difference between what to post on your Instagram grid vs. Instagram Stories. My best advice for curating a picture-perfect Instagram grid.The one most powerful thing you can do on Instagram to see real results.Bonus: My essential tips for improving your storytelling and making your posts resonate.LINKS MENTIONED:Order my brand new book HOW TO MAKE YOUR FOOD FAMOUS HERE! It’s all about developing a social media strategy that works!My first book, Creative Food Photography is available HERE! It’s for food photographers who want to find their own unique style and up level their photographyAnnemie's website and InstagramInstagram Strategies for Photographers with Kimberly Espinel – This Can’t Be That Hard episode 318Form Nutrition - Grab your 20% discount using the code KIMBERLY20 at checkout (applies to sales in the UK, US and EU)Find out more about my online Reels for Food Content Creators Course HERE and grab your discount using code PODCAST10 at checkout! Find the full show notes HEREFind my Instagram HERE 

In today's episode (160) of the EAT, CAPTURE, SHARE podcast (the first of season 14!) I'm chatting with brand strategist, creative director, food stylist and host of the Nourishing Creativity podcast, Carla Contreras.If you've lost focus and vision in your creative business, or just feel stuck and are ready to make the rest of 2025 count, then this is your episode! Tune into a nourishing chat where we explore working with the inevitable changes in our businesses and showing up fully as creative beings. Carla's fearless, positive energy will encourage you to embrace opportunities and growth in your business this year. Here's what else you can expect from today's episode...Carla introduces herself.We talk about how to re-connect to your goals (or your word of the year) and why it matters.Carla gives her best strategic advice for how creatives can embrace change on Instagram.Carla shares her story of how and why she made a major pivot in her creative business.We share the secret to staying successful in our creative businesses.We talk about how we balance creating content for brands versus creating content for ourselves.Carla explains how she's continued to grow her audience despite spending less time on Instagram (you won't want to miss this nugget of wisdom!). LINKS MENTIONED:Order my brand new book HOW TO MAKE YOUR FOOD FAMOUS HERE! It’s all about developing a social media strategy that works!My first book, Creative Food Photography is available HERE! It’s for food photographers who want to find their own unique style and up level their photographyWe backed out of buying our dream home. Read more about it in this blog post HEREInstagram post on not selling our homeCarla's website, podcast, Instagram and SubstackQuarantine Cooking Tips for Health and Joy - Eat Capture Share Podcast episode number 41Sharing Beautiful Things Even in Dark Times, with Kimberly Espinel - Nourishing Creativity episode 109How to Create Community + Share on Instagram with Kimberly Espinel - Nourishing Creativity episode 2How to go from 10k to 100k followers on Instagram! – Eat Capture Share Podcast episode 157Form Nutrition - Grab your 20% discount using the code KIMBERLY20 at checkout (applies to sales in the UK, US and EU)Find out more about my online Reels for Food Content Creators Course HERE and grab your discount using code PODCAST10 at checkout! Find the full show notes HEREFind my Instagram HERE 

In today’s BONUS episode (159) of the EAT, CAPTURE, SHARE podcast, I’m joined by Zach Spuckler, founder of the online marketing company Heart, Soul & Hustle and host of the podcast by the same name. Zach takes us through a clear, practical A-Z on everything you need to know about Instagram and Facebook ads, making this often intimidating topic feel accessible and actionable for creatives like you. We dive into why understanding the basics of social media advertising is so important and how ads can help you grow and sustain your creative business. If you’ve never ventured into the world of Instagram ads, or if you’ve dabbled with boosted posts and felt underwhelmed, THIS is the episode for you. Here's what else you can expect from today's episode...Zach introduces himself.Zach explains how food photography led him into online marketing.Zach reveals the three key things to think about for anyone starting to advertise their food photography business!Zach talks about when (and if!) to hit the 'boost' button on Facebook or Instagram.Zach explains why it's in your best interest to learn how to use the Ads Manager on FaceBook and Instagram.Zach shares the biggest mistake new entrepreneurs make with ads on social media.Zach gives his best advice for food photographers and food bloggers starting to run ads on a budget.Zach gives his top tips for food photographers using ads to attract new business. LINKS MENTIONED:Order my brand new book HOW TO MAKE YOUR FOOD FAMOUS HERE! It’s all about developing a social media strategy that works!My first book, Creative Food Photography is available HERE! It’s for food photographers who want to find their own unique style and up level their photographyZach's website, Instagram and FaceBookZach's podcast episode on his core ad strategy for 2025Are Instagram ads worth it? – Eat Capture Share podcast episode number 21Form Nutrition - Grab your 20% discount using the code KIMBERLY20 at checkout (applies to sales in the UK, US and EU)Find out more about my online Reels for Food Content Creators Course HERE and grab your discount using code PODCAST10 at checkout! Find the full show notes HEREFind my Instagram HERE 

In today's BONUS episode (158) of the EAT, CAPTURE, SHARE podcast, we dive into the incredible story of The Happy Pear — from small-town vegan enthusiasts to creators of a plant-based movement that's inspired millions around the world. We chat about how social media transformed their journey from a local café to a thriving global community, and what makes their brand new cookbook, The Happy Pear 20, so special. Their passion for farm-to-fork sustainability is so contagious, you might just find yourself rethinking your next grocery shop! Whether you’re a foodie, entrepreneur, or just someone looking for a little extra feel-good energy in your day this episode is for you!Here’s what else you can expect from today’s episode:Steve from The Happy Pear introduces himself.We chat about how Steve and Dave kickstarted their plant-based revolution and turned passion into purpose.Steve shares his unmissable advice for anyone dreaming of taking their food brand and turning it into a thriving business.Steve shares the transformative moments that drove the growth of The Happy Pear brand.Steve gives a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how The Happy Pear uses and grows their social media and business.Steve explains how he and Dave find inspiration, even after 20 years.Steve shares why they believe success isn’t about size — and the surprising lessons behind ‘bigger isn’t always better’.Steve chats about the part of the business that lights him up the most, and why it keeps him showing up with so much joy.LINKS MENTIONED:Order my brand new book HOW TO MAKE YOUR FOOD FAMOUS HERE! It’s all about developing a social media strategy that works!My first book, Creative Food Photography is available HERE! It’s for food photographers who want to find their own unique style and up level their photographyThe Happy Pear’s Instagram and websiteThe Happy Pear 20 bookGiveaway! Remember to share this podcast episode on your Instagram stories by the 21st of May 2025, for a chance to win a copy of The Happy Pear 20 book. Tag @thelittleplantation and @thehappypear so we don’t miss it!Form Nutrition - Grab your 20% discount using the code KIMBERLY20 at checkout (applies to sales in the UK, US and EU)Find out more about my online Reels for Food Content Creators Course HERE and grab your discount using code PODCAST10 at checkout! Find the full show notes HEREFind my Instagram HERE 

In today's episode (157) of the EAT, CAPTURE, SHARE podcast, I'm chatting with entrepreneur, influencer and content creator based in Lyon, France, Caroline Fazeli.  We talk about how Caroline started on Instagram, the secret to her rapid growth on Instagram and the one thing that changed EVERYTHING on Caroline's content creation journey. Caroline's infectious, no nonsense, upbeat outlook will inspire you to up your Instagram game AND your followers!Here's what else you can expect from today's episode...Caroline introduces herself.Caroline talks about how she used Instagram to grow her business.Caroline shares her honest opinion about attending one of our in-person retreats. Caroline reveals how she posted content every day for three months and what she learned from it.Caroline talks about the pros and cons to going viral.Caroline gives her best advice for consistently creating and posting content.Caroline shares the valuable lesson she learned from burn out!Caroline gives her top tips for growing on Instagram if you have no time and no resources! LINKS MENTIONED:Order my brand new book HOW TO MAKE YOUR FOOD FAMOUS HERE! It’s all about developing a social media strategy that works!My first book, Creative Food Photography is available HERE! It’s for food photographers who want to find their own unique style and up level their photographyCaroline's website and InstagramLyon Wine Tasting on InstagramNiko, a Lyon food photographerQuarantine cooking: virtual round table discussion – Eat Capture Share podcast episode number 40Form Nutrition. Grab your 20% discount using the code KIMBERLY20 at checkout (applies to sales in the UK, US and EU)Find out more about my online Reels for Food Content Creators Course HERE and grab your discount using code PODCAST10 at checkout! Find out more about my online Foundation Food Photography and Food Styling Course HEREFind out more about my Fearless Focus Mastermind & Mentoring Program HEREAdvanced food videography and lifestyle photography workshop - Finland. Read more about it in this blog post HEREViola Minerva on InstagramFind out more about my free Instagram Food Photography Challenge HEREFind the full show notes HEREFind my Instagram HERE 

In today's episode (156) of the EAT, CAPTURE, SHARE podcast, I'm chatting with the lovely Madison Wetherill, host of The Vine Podcast. We're spicing things up and Madison is interviewing me in one of my most personal interviews yet!We talk about why storytelling is still such a powerful way to connect and why niching down may no longer be the best way forward in your creative business. Plus, in sharing my own personal story of creativity, burnout and choosing to say no to £10,000s in money this year, I hope there's something in this episode that meets you right where you're at!Here's what else you can expect from today's episode...I share how I started as a food content creator.I give my top tips for connecting with your audience on Instagram.I talk about the most effective strategies for authentic storytelling.I explain why it's important to have different ways to connect with your audience on social media.I share how I lost--and then re-found--my creative spark last year.I give my best advice for avoiding creative burnout.I reveal how to balance your business needs while keeping the heart in your content.I make my Instagram predictions for 2025 and beyond.LINKS MENTIONED:Order my brand new book HOW TO MAKE YOUR FOOD FAMOUS HERE! It’s all about developing a social media strategy that works!My first book, Creative Food Photography is available HERE! It’s for food photographers who want to find their own unique style and up level their photographyMadison's website, Instagram and The Vine podcastBalancing Instagram Strategy with Connection with Kimberly Espinel – The Vine Podcast episode 210How to Leverage Instagram as a Food Blogger with Kimberly Espinel – The Vine Podcast episode 123Why you need to start a blog today! – Eat Capture Share podcast episode number 91Why personal branding matters - Eat Capture Share podcast episode number 153Find out more about my online Reels for Food Content Creators Course HERE and grab your discount using code PODCAST10 at checkout! Offer valid until 11th April 2025.Find out more about my Fearless Focus Mastermind & Mentoring Program HEREFind the full show notes HEREFind my Instagram HERE 

In today's episode (155) of the EAT, CAPTURE, SHARE podcast, I'm talking with author, photographer and podcaster Sara Tasker. We chat about how recipe creators and food photographers can best use Substack and why having a Substack is TOTALLY worth it. Sara's tips are essential for every food creator, photographer or creative business owner, no matter where you are in your journey. You're going to want to come back to this episode again and again!Here's what else you can expect from today's episode...I share some exciting news!Sara introduces herself.Sara explains exactly what Substack is.Sara gives the pros and cons of starting on Substack vs starting a blog.Sara talks about how to start and grow your Substack newsletter.Sara shares how Substack can complement your marketing strategy.Sara gives her top tips for encouraging your Substack subscribers to pay for your newsletter.Sara gives her best advice for how to price your Substack newsletters.LINKS MENTIONED:Order my brand new book HOW TO MAKE YOUR FOOD FAMOUS HERE! It’s all about developing a social media strategy that works!My first book, Creative Food Photography is available HERE! It’s for food photographers who want to find their own unique style and up level their photographyThe Arkon Remarkable Creator™ Pro+Plus Mount w/Ring Light camera stand. Use code TLPcreate at checkout for 20% off!Sara's Instagram, podcast, Substack and bookJosie George Porridge Brain on SubstackHow to build community on Instagram, with Sara Tasker – Eat Capture Share podcast episode number 25Investing in yourself, with Kimberly Espinel – Hashtag Authentic episode 97Find out more about my online Reels for Food Content Creators Course HERE and grab your discount using code PODCAST10 at checkout! Offer valid until 11th April 2025.Choosing a creative life, with Viola Virtamo (re-release) – Eat Capture Share podcast episode 81Advanced food videography and lifestyle photography workshop – Finland 2025. Read more about it in this blog post HERE.Find the full show notes HEREFind my Instagram HERE 

In today's episode (154) of the EAT, CAPTURE, SHARE podcast, I'm chatting with the wonderful Megan Porta, host of the Eat Blog Talk podcast. We're switching things around and Megan is interviewing me in an episode packed full of actionable tips which first aired on her show.We talk about why it's important not to get caught up in making your videos 'perfect', and how to build your audience and monetize your Instagram. I'm confident that there is an insight here that will help you take your Instagram to the next level!Here's what else you can expect from today's episode...I talk about how I got my book deal.I reveal common qualities shared by the most successful creators I interviewed for my book.I share exactly how videos can help you reach your audience more effectively.I give my top tips for better connecting with your followers and improving engagement.I share THE secret sauce that will help your content perform better.We talk about the key mistakes food content creators make that stop them from growing.I share my best advice for how to improve your Instagram reels NOW.LINKS MENTIONED:Order my brand new book HOW TO MAKE YOUR FOOD FAMOUS HERE! It’s all about developing a social media strategy that works!My first book, Creative Food Photography is available HERE! It’s for food photographers who want to find their own unique style and up level their photographyThe Arkon Remarkable Creator™ Pro+Plus Mount w/Ring Light camera stand. Use code TLPcreate at checkout for 20% off!Megan's website, Instagram and the Eat, Blog, Talk podcastSecrets of Top Instagram Food Creators – Strategies to Build and Monetize Your Audience with Kimberly Espinel – Eat Blog Talk episode 6295 Photography Styling Tips, Plus How To Find Your Own Unique Visual Identity with Kimberly Espinel – Eat Blog Talk episode 360The #eatcaptureshare food reels challenge is back! Read all about it and sign up in this blog post HERELondon videography & food styling workshop 2025. Read more about it in this blog post HEREFind the full show notes HEREFind my Instagram HERE

In today's episode (153) of the EAT, CAPTURE, SHARE podcast, I'm chatting with Madison Wetherill, founder and CEO of Grace + Vine Studios, a web design company creating sites for food bloggers and food content creators. We talk about how to improve your website for a better consumer experience and more revenue in your business. Madison's done the research, so you don't have to! Just grab a cup of tea, a pen and a piece of paper, and be ready to absorb all of the wisdom Madison shares in this unmissable episode.Here's what else you can expect from today's episode... Madison introduces herself.Madison defines personal branding and explains why it's essential for food photographers and food bloggers.Madison reveals how to navigate the threat of AI.We talk about how to allow your blog posts to better reflect your brand.Madison talks about user experience and why it matters.Madison shares her top tips for how to most effectively combine personal branding, user experience and SEO.Madison gives her best advice for what to do when your audience isn't growing.LINKS MENTIONED:Order my brand new book HOW TO MAKE YOUR FOOD FAMOUS HERE! It’s all about developing a social media strategy that works!My first book, Creative Food Photography is available HERE! It’s for food photographers who want to find their own unique style and up level their photographyThe Arkon Remarkable Creator™ Pro+Plus Mount w/Ring Light camera stand. Use code TLPcreate at checkout for 20% off!Madison's website, Instagram and The Vine podcastBalancing Instagram Strategy with Connection with Kimberly Espinel – The Vine Podcast episode 210How to Leverage Instagram as a Food Blogger with Kimberly Espinel – The Vine Podcast episode 123Why you need to start a blog today! – Eat Capture Share podcast episode number 91Find out more about my in-person, 1-2-1 workshops HERELondon videography & food styling workshop 2025. Read more about it in this blog post HEREFind the full show notes HEREFind my Instagram HERE 

In today's episode (152) of the EAT, CAPTURE, SHARE podcast, I'm talking with the amazing Jillian Leslie, host of the Blogger Genius podcast and founder of MiloTreeCart. We're changing it up today and Jillian is interviewing me in an episode recorded for her show! We chat about why content creators' authenticity matters so much right NOW and how to keep up with the ever-evolving social media scene. Get out your pen and notebook because you'll want to come back to these Instagram tips again and again.Here's what else you can expect from today's episode...I explain why every creative needs a blog.I reveal the most important thing every content creator should do to connect with audiences on social media.We talk about why food photographers and food content creators shouldn't feel threatened by AI.I give my top tip for growing your Instagram audience in 2025.I outline the super easy strategy I use to figure out what content resonates with my audience the most.I give my best advice for increasing engagement.I share the risk I took last year to avoid burnout and why it was the BEST decision ever!I give my best tip for staying relevant in the constantly evolving social media landscape.LINKS MENTIONED:Order my brand new book HOW TO MAKE YOUR FOOD FAMOUS HERE! It’s all about developing a social media strategy that works!My first book, Creative Food Photography is available HERE! It’s for food photographers who want to find their own unique style and up level their photographyThe Arkon Remarkable Creator™ Pro+Plus Mount w/Ring Light camera stand. Use code TLPcreate at checkout for 20% off!Jillian’s Instagram, podcast The Blogger Genius, websites MiloTreeCart and Catch My PartyHow to earn an income with digital products! – Eat Capture Share podcast episode number 148My episode on The Blogger Genius - The Future of Blogging: Why Authenticity Beats AI Every TimeMy episode on The Blogger Genius in 2020 - How to Grow a Successful Business Teaching What You KnowLondon videography & food styling workshop 2025. Read more about it HEREFind out more about my food photography workshops HERE The art of food styling with Silvia Bifaro – Eat Capture Share podcast episode number 23Choosing a creative life, with Viola Virtamo – Eat Capture Share podcast episode number 81Find the full show notes HEREFind my Instagram HERE