Meet Maddie French

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maddie French.

Hi Maddie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
In August 2021 I launched the digital content for BNA Best Bites. My main focus when I started was connecting with local businesses and foodies on Instagram but I’ve slowly grown the TikTok page as well.

My best friend in Nashville urged me to start sharing my experiences on social media when she noticed my passion for finding places to go all over the city. When I moved to Nashville in 2016 I explored the city by visiting cafes, bars, and restaurants all over and learning about those neighborhoods. In the past year, I’ve worked on building my knowledge of the city into the content to showcase local businesses I want to highlight and give more recognition to.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No new venture comes without its trials and tribulations. I have taught myself everything I know about food photography and video editing which are two big skills for any digital creator. I constantly am testing out new ideas and see if they land. Sometimes they are successful and sometimes not. As I’ve gotten to know other digital creators they’ve been kind enough to share with me their tips and also to commiserate when something doesn’t go right.

The biggest challenges I face currently are staying relevant by putting out new content consistently and also engaging with a local audience. There are some days that I am so busy that I don’t know how I find time to do a post or a story but that connection is something I strive for so I’ve kept at it.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Although I’d love for BNA Best Bites to be my full-time venture, my day job is in education.

I work directly with students as a counselor and I love the daily interaction with them. I enjoy doing things that help other people and since I integrate my passions into every facet of my life my cup feels very full. I’m grateful to wake up every day with my purpose.

What matters most to you?
People matter most to me and the COVID-19 pandemic has shown me a lot about how bad isolation is for us. Life is all about relationships and the pandemic made it so that all avenues of connection are so important including social media.

The support I’ve gotten from family and friends and my partner has been integral in propelling me forward and motivating me. The new relationships I make every day with others help me retain that connection with Nashville and the community.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/bnabestbites/
• Other: https://www.TikTok.com/@bnabestbites