We’re looking forward to introducing you to Maddie Humbert . Check out our conversation below.
Hi Maddie, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
If you’ve ever heard of the phrase “eat the frog” from Mark Twain I live my life by this saying. If you’re avoiding something or want to do something hard, you should do it first thing in the morning. Therefore, I wakeup at 5::15 am to do a 6:00 am barre3 workout (shoutout to the wonderful Barre3 Brentwood studio!) first thing after waking up. In this instance I very much look forward to it, but it’s hard and it’s also something that might get pushed to the side if I don’t do it first thing. The end of the class has a short boxed breathing and mindfulness exercise which also really sets a positive tone for the whole day.
I’ve grown to love the peacefulness in the morning. At 6:45 am when my workout is finished many people are just waking up or starting their day and I feel like I’ve already accomplished something. My day is very fast-paced and this morning workout is the one time in my day where I am doing something truly for myself and it feels good to move my body.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Maddie Humbert and I’m a digital creator/founder of BNA Best Bites. I create content (reels and photos) I post across TikTok, Instagram and now Facebook.. My social media is focused on showcasing small, local businesses in Middle Tennessee with the majority of spots being in the Nashville area. I showcase my favorite spots to eat and drink but I also do foodie experiences (think creek dinners, crafting at breweries, etc.) There is an immense diversity in the Nashville food scene so I do my best to try and cover that.
This is not a full-time job for me (I already have that covered) but this is a passion project. I occasionally take paid partnerships but I say no to partnerships if it’s not a business that feels authentic to me and what I would naturally want to put on my socials. I think because this isn’t my main source of income I have a certain level of autonomy over what I cover. I don’t chase where the money is but I let partnerships come to me organically.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
As an eldest child I was born to be an “influencer” because my younger sister would hang on every word that I had to say. I realized I could tell her anything and because she was younger and impressionable she would believe me. I think that’s also when I realized that I have a responsibility to not use my power to be destructive.
The oldest child stereotype is absolutely true in my situation—I am confident, bossy and ambitious and those qualities have served me well in many situations. As I’ve gotten older I’ve tried to use any influence/power I have to be an ally to those who need me.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I learned through my own struggles that it’s okay and reach out to ask for help. Sharing with other people builds a bridge from you to them so that you are not isolated. In some situations I felt like a burden to tell other people what I was going through. I realized that the people who love and care about me want to me there to support me so I have gotten better about opening up. Suffering taught me that I am not alone in it. I learned a new openness that I would not have otherwise. Showing vulnerabilities can be uncomfortable but you won’t truly be known to people unless you open up.
In the nine years I’ve lived in Nashville, I’ve learned more about collective suffering. COVID, tornadoes and floods have taught me that we live in a resilient city and it’s been inspiring to see how people in this city come together. If a local business has experienced a tragedy or is raising funds I try and spread awareness for that situation. Asking for help and others giving it is what binds us all together.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
Fads you might see or hear about for several months but don’t stick. These often do feel like something that you’d be okay with never seeing again after hearing about it non-stop for a short period of time. Think Dubai Chocolate, the matcha craze, etc. I don’t mind food fads and this can keep things fun and exciting.
The foundational shifts will stick around for some time, and in some instances maybe forever. The biggest shift I’ve seen in a while is the shift towards making non-alcoholic drinks a priority. By making these a priority, I mean that they actually use NA spirits and craft a mocktail with the same level of care and thought they’d put towards a cocktail program. In a city like Nashville that is very spirit-forward, this is huge that there are more and more NA options.
I think there’s a place for both fads and foundational shifts. I can tell that health is a main concern and I’m glad to see that its a driving factor in the shifts.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
I think recognition is something that everyone wants because it feels good to have people recognize your efforts, hustle and vision. However, when you really believe in something you also don’t need someone to pat you on the back. True vision you are following your own light and you don’t need others to shine their light for you to find your own way.
I work harder now that I have more recognition because I realized that others might notice if I falter or disappear. Worker harder does not mean that I give anything less but might put in a bit more effort to meet quicker deadlines or put things out in a timely manner. If no one praised me I would be fine but on your hardest days having people be in your corner means a whole damn lot.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/bnabestbites
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bnabestbites/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/BNA-Best-Bites-61555627195694/?_rdr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@bnabestbites
