Today we’d like to introduce you to Penny Perez of FoodieFeastSA .
Hi, Penny Perez; thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My foodie journey started during the COVID-19 pandemic. My husband and I are both registered nurses, and as we all saw during the pandemic, there were limitations on everything. From how much meat and eggs you could buy to all the shortages of many things. At that time, we saw many local restaurants donating meals to healthcare workers and hospitals, not only to healthcare workers but also to children. Since everyone was being home-schooled during this time, children had to eat at home. Well, remember the grocery limitations? How long would 1 dozen eggs last? At this time, I thought, wow! Restaurants are donating meals to children and healthcare workers. Restaurants were struggling as it is, yet they were willing to be sure we were fed. As a nurse, I always say we’re no good if we don’t have food and caffeine. Healthcare workers were so blessed. Now, I’m a big supporter of our local San Antonio businesses, but I must also say that even big franchises were gifting healthcare workers with meal donations and coffee. That, too, was a blessing. No one had to give us anything during this time. No one owes anybody anything, and these beautiful businesses didn’t have to participate, yet they did. Despite the financial struggles, they were there for us. So with that, I thought, “Let’s help local businesses get their name out. If I can showcase a local business on my page, and if even one person sees it, they may try it out and tell their friends about it. My motto is that if we’re not drinking our caffeine or eating well, we’re no good. Also, when ordering coffee, go big or go home.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
So, one of my struggles is learning technology. Let’s be honest: my version of the iPad back in the day was an etch-a-sketch, and I wasn’t even good at that. We can all take photos with our phones, but I am learning little things like lighting, phone settings, and different cameras, and last year, I began incorporating drone footage in some of my content. So far, all the businesses I have worked with have been accommodating and grateful. I am also thankful for the opportunity to work with such awesome folks.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar with what you do, what can you tell them about what you do?
My husband and I have been nurses for over 20 years. Working in healthcare can be stressful at times yet very rewarding. We both specialize in adult and geriatric care. I also specialize in nursing education. I am most proud of our nursing profession and where it has led us. As many nurses can agree, nursing school can be a beast, and I am so glad we are where we are. It is so funny how our profession has also led me to be a content creator. That is something I am proud of as well. I always tell my nursing students that we are always young enough to return to school and never too old to learn. We are always learning every day.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory would be growing up with a sister who is also my best friend. Watching her grow into the successful woman she is today also makes me proud. We are a pair of siblings who still laugh at things from childhood. Our time together is always pleasant and full of laughter. Her children are the same way, always giggling away. When they go out to eat with me, they are patient in allowing me to have Instagram eat first.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodiefeastsa?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100074149254743&mibextid=JRoKGi
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@foodiefeastsa?_t=8kXQcS0tfTy&_r=1
