Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyrie Patterson
Hi Kyrie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
It all started as a creative outlet. I didn’t set out with the intention of becoming a food content creator—I was just someone who loved cooking and wanted to share my recipes online. I began posting on Instagram to document my favorite dishes and show others that cooking could be simple, approachable, and fun. At the time, I had no idea this passion project would turn into something bigger.
Over time, I noticed that the recipes resonating most with my audience were Japanese and Asian-inspired dishes. As someone who is half-Japanese, I’ve always had a special connection to this cuisine. But growing up, it wasn’t always something I felt proud of. I remember being embarrassed to bring Japanese food to school for lunch because it was different from what everyone else was eating. Those experiences stuck with me, but as I got older, my confidence in my culture grew, and I developed a deep passion and pride for it.
Now, having a platform to share my love for Japanese cuisine feels incredibly rewarding. I realized I could offer a unique perspective—understanding what can feel intimidating about Japanese cooking and breaking it down to make it more accessible. Sharing my culture in a way that feels authentic yet approachable has been a transformative experience. It’s amazing to see others embrace the flavors and stories that are so personal to me, turning something that once made me self-conscious into a source of inspiration for others.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey to becoming a full-time food content creator wasn’t an easy one. In fact, there was a time when I wasn’t even sure it was possible. I was working full-time at a tech company—a job that provided stability but didn’t spark any real joy or fulfillment for me. I knew deep down that I wanted to pursue something I was passionate about, something that truly aligned with who I was. But I also knew that diving headfirst into content creation wasn’t realistic without building a stable foundation first.
So, while working my corporate job, I committed to working on my business at least 30 hours a week. That meant late nights, early mornings, and using every spare moment to create recipes, shoot videos, engage with my audience, and learn the ins and outs of running a business. Balancing both roles was exhausting—there were days when I questioned if I could keep going. But I stayed focused on my goals, knowing that every piece of content I created and every connection I made was one step closer to where I wanted to be.
Eventually, the hard work paid off. I reached the point where my business was sustainable enough to become my full-time career, allowing me to step away from my corporate job and fully embrace my passion. Looking back, it was one of the most challenging and rewarding periods of my life. That experience taught me resilience, discipline, and the importance of believing in the long-term vision, even when the short-term challenges felt overwhelming.
I don’t think many people understand the business strategy and knowledge that is required for running a content creation business. I definitely didn’t. And I’m still learning! But I’ve accepted the journey and I’m trying to have fun as I go. I credit much of the knowledge I’ve gained and skills I’ve learned to my husband, Jeff, who is so business savvy. He has been an incredible partner (both in life and business) to have along the way!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Kyrié the Foodié?
I’m a food content creator with a focus on approachable Japanese and Asian-inspired recipes. Growing up half-Japanese, I’ve always had a strong connection to the food I ate at home, but I also understand how intimidating it can feel to recreate traditional dishes if you’re not familiar with the ingredients or techniques. What sets me apart is my unique perspective: I’ve taken my cultural background and combined it with a passion for making these recipes simple and accessible for everyone.
I got started by sharing my own recipes on Instagram, where I focused on easy, everyday meals. Over time, I noticed my Japanese and Asian-inspired dishes resonated the most with my audience, and that encouraged me to lean into what I knew and loved. Today, I create recipes, videos, and food content that not only teach others how to cook delicious meals but also share the stories and culture behind them. I’m proud of how my work helps people feel confident trying something new in the kitchen, whether it’s making dashi from scratch or using unfamiliar ingredients for the first time.
What I want people to know about my brand is that it’s all about celebrating food and culture in a way that feels inclusive and welcoming. Whether you’re new to cooking or just want to explore Japanese flavors, I aim to make it fun, approachable, and inspiring for everyone.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always the chatterbox—something my second-grade teacher made sure to mention at every parent-teacher conference! I was a social butterfly, always talking to anyone who’d listen, making friends wherever I went. But I was also a bit more introverted than people might have expected, and that introverted side of me is what helped me develop the ability to sit down and focus for long periods of time, whether it was on schoolwork, hobbies, or eventually building my business. Growing up, I moved around a lot—every couple of years—and I think that constant change forced me to become more social (despite being a natural introvert), adapting quickly to new environments and making connections wherever I went.
That balance between being social and introverted has been really valuable throughout my life. On the social side, it’s helped me build strong connections, whether it’s with friends, coworkers, or my audience. Being able to talk to people and engage with them has opened doors and created opportunities that I might not have had otherwise. But there’s also a deeper side to me that has always cared about fairness, equality, and inclusivity. Growing up, I was the one who stood up for what was right, even when it was uncomfortable or when it meant going against the grain. I’ve always had a strong sense of justice, sometimes to a fault. I can be stubborn, and I don’t easily let things go until I feel that justice has been served, whether it’s standing up for others or fighting for what I believe in.
This stubbornness has been both a blessing and a curse, but it’s also what has fueled my determination to grow my business. Even when others doubted me or when things got tough, my refusal to give up pushed me forward. It’s this combination of social energy, introverted focus, and unyielding stubbornness that has shaped me into who I am today and helped me keep pushing toward my goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kyriethefoodie.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyriethefoodie?igsh=NHk0MHNueng4Mjhk&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@kyriethefoodie?si=UdiyH25xQGR0Ye9j
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kyriethefoodie?_t=8rLFvh3kh5T&_r=1
