Interview with Mahima Iyer: Mahima Iyer is a Food Influencer. Currently, she is pursuing her graduation in International Relations. We had a great discussion while Interview with Mahima Iyer.
Amar Ajnalkar: Tell our readers about yourself?
Mahima Iyer: I completed my BA Hons degree in International Relations a year ago and always had a keen interest in reading & writing so when I finished school I discovered that I had a flare of understanding food, the flavours and the textures after having tried various cuisines for a few years so I randomly started writing reviews which lead to my Instagram blog as I realised I click decent photographs too.
Amar Ajnalkar: How did you come up with the name for your Instagram account?
Mahima Iyer: My username has a South Indian reference as a kid every summer when I use to visit my Grandparents in my Hometown they would tell me that I should eat using my hands and cutlery should be only used for Formal events when there is a dire necessity of using it. They explained that when you eat with your hands your fingers ensure that you feel the food that you eat and that sends signals to your brain hence you relish every meal. This advice had really stayed with me and when I was brainstorming a username this one just struck me immediately and I decided to go ahead with it. Initially when I started off everybody was curious to know more about the name because it was unusual to them.
Amar Ajnalkar: What is the best thing about being an influencer?
Mahima Iyer: The best thing about being an Influencer is that you can reach soo many people. This one incident that I remember very clearly was when I had first started writing reviews somebody had read my review and visited a Restaurant with their family then they had thanked me. Similarly, there have been many such incidents that motivate me to do what I do and I believe in being honest because there is a lot of responsibility for Influencers.
Amar Ajnalkar: What is the best collaboration experience that you have done with a brand?
Mahima Iyer: My collaboration with Daniel Wellington & Starbucks are two experiences very close to my heart because as a child I use to love these two luxury brands and would always want to use their products. When I got a chance to work for them life came to a full circle.
Amar Ajnalkar: How many hours a day do you work and hows your daily schedule?
Mahima Iyer: I am a part-time Influencer plus freelance blogger hence I work on alternate days or sometimes there are a few backs to back projects that is when it is hectic. Generally, I prefer working on the weekends as I have the full day at my disposal and after 7 PM on weekdays after my office hours. I create content for the entire week and post it according to my schedule.
Amar Ajnalkar: Is the influencer profession affected your family life? if yes then how?
Mahima Iyer: The main problem is I am hardly at home, I am either travelling or visiting Restaurants so was unable to spend time with family. But despite that, I would balance my professional and family life.
Amar Ajnalkar: What motivates you in life?
Mahima Iyer: The fact that I have helped soo many people make lovely memories and I am able to influence youngsters to pursue whatever they like this keeps me motivated to work better.
Amar Ajnalkar: What are your favourite books or movies related to your niche?
Mahima Iyer: Julie & Julia, Chef, Burnt are my all-time favourite movies.
The Joy Of Cooking, Exotic Cuisines from around the world & How to cook everything are some amazing books.
Amar Ajnalkar: What surprising lessons have you learned while influencing?
Mahima Iyer:
- You need to be truthful to your audience irrespective of the paid promotional campaigns.
- Content is king, never copy just keep ideating regularly.
Amar Ajnalkar: Top 3 skills required to become a successful influencer.
Mahima Iyer: Dedication, Reading habit & Explore
Amar Ajnalkar: Hows your experience with Amar Ajnalkar?
Mahima Iyer: It was lovely interacting with you, thank you for this lovely opportunity for me to put forth my thoughts.
Amar Ajnalkar: Two lines for our reader.
Mahima Iyer: We need to put in hard work in anything we do and consistency along with dedication will help us succeed.
