Daily Inspiration: Meet Fiona Quiban

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Fiona Quiban.

Hi Fiona, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story started with my deep love for exploring new food experiences. I grew up surrounded by the incredible flavors of Filipino and Hawaiian cuisine, with every family gathering being delicious. My grandma always used to say, “Eat some more,” and it wasn’t just about the food; it was about building connections with those we love.

So, naturally, I started sharing my restaurant experiences on my personal Instagram. Friends and family always asked for recommendations, which got me thinking: why not create a dedicated Instagram account to share my restaurant adventures? And just like that, I made my food Instagram—@bonappetitmysweet—right before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the challenging circumstances, I refused to let my passion fizzle out. I found creative ways to showcase food while staying safe. As restrictions eased and Colorado’s food scene came alive again, I dove headfirst into exploring new restaurants and offering my honest opinions. With time, my little food blog grew into something more. I started collaborating with restaurants, food brands, and events. And let me tell you, meeting other foodies along the way has been an absolute blast.

Today, my Instagram page is buzzing with attention, allowing me to continue doing what I love: sharing the incredible food scene of Colorado and my travels with a community that shares my passion. From those first few posts to where I am now, it’s been a ride fueled by my love for food and the joy of sharing it with others.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it hasn’t exactly been a smooth road. One of the first challenges was kicking off my food Instagram right before the COVID-19 pandemic. Talk about bad timing! Suddenly, I found myself unable to enjoy the whole restaurant experience, and I couldn’t soak in the ambiance or judge the service properly. But did I let that stop me? Absolutely not.

I had to get creative. With COVID restrictions in place, I started focusing on takeout options and sharing my thoughts from home or on the go while strictly following safety protocols. As things slowly started to ease up, I was itching to return to dining in person and capturing those authentic moments.

But let me tell you, even now, the struggle is real. Some days, I find it hard to muster the motivation, especially when I have a creativity block or when my posts don’t get the attention I hoped for. But I’ve learned that staying true to myself is key. Social media can be overwhelming, but authenticity is important.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a social media influencer/creator, particularly on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, my focus revolves around food. What truly fills me with pride is the connections I’ve made and the content I’ve created, spotlighting restaurants and culinary experiences around Colorado and the different cities I’ve visited. This passion of mine helps me find expression through social media platforms and showcase them to my friends and family.

What set me is my love for exploring diverse food, whether it’s in Colorado, Hawaii, Italy, the Philippines, or beyond. I take delight in showcasing the array of restaurants I’ve encountered, both in my hometown and across various cities.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve picked up on my journey is to always stay true to yourself and have fun while you’re at it! I’ve had my fair share of struggles, especially with staying creative and figuring out what food content resonates best with my audience. Social media can be a whirlwind, with trends changing constantly, but I’ve learned that it’s crucial to prioritize doing what brings you joy.

For me, starting my food Instagram was all about sharing my love for food and discovering new restaurants with my friends, family, and fellow foodies. I strive to keep it real by giving honest reviews while still having fun along the way. It’s not just about following the crowd; it’s about sharing what excites me.

My food journey has helped me connect with different communities and their food traditions. Exploring new cuisines has always been a passion of mine, and I live by the motto of giving everything a try at least once – you never know what delicious surprises await!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonappetitmysweet/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bonappetitmysweet?_t=8kkatviVdsJ&_r=1