Cooking at home helps Pravin Menon be a better food blogger

If not an influencer, Pravin Menon would have probably been working with a software company or spend time reading off his kindle.

Pravin Menon advises new entrants in the food blogging space to not be influenced by a brand. He says that people come to your blog to consume what you have to offer, not the messages that a brand wants to puts across. He further explains how it isn't all about free food either but takes a lot of effort to be good at.

Looking back, where did it all begin?

I started blogging in 2004, under free domains on Google and Wordpress. However, I got serious about it when my better half got me a DSLR as a means to stop playing Farmville, which I was addicted to at the time.

What's in the name?

The world Phenomenal World was chosen because the world is indeed phenomenal if one chooses to make it so. Here, I show the best from my life experiences.

What is your USP in this cluttered space? How does your content give you an edge?

I don't just talk or for the touristy stuff, may it be food or travel. I live the experiences that I talk about.

Please take us through your content creation process. How do you stay relevant and relatable?

I stay relevant in the food space because I cook at home as well. So, when I talk about flavours and methods, it isn't just through my hat.

How do you make moolah with your efforts?

I don't... yet. I have a steady job and my blog helps me fulfil my passion for cooking and travelling.

How do you maintain editorial objectivity with the influx of brand briefs?

I try to weave the brand into a story.

Also Read: Tejeshwar Sandhoo doesn’t work with brands he can’t wear on a regular basis

One instance/experience that made it all worthwhile

Not one, there are plenty of instances when people recognise me and come talk to me. Those are the moments when it all seems worth it.

Weirdest brand brief/request ever

In the case of a condom brand, I could have worked around food with different flavours but it would have been weird!

If not blogging, you would be?

I could have been a project manager with a software company, go on about participating in adventure activities or just read my kindle.

A day in your life...

I live by the Veni, Vedi, Vici funda. I came, I saw and I had fun.

Message/tips for upcoming bloggers

Be true to yourself and don't be influenced by a brand. People come to consume what you create and not what the brand wants. Food blogging is not always about free food either. There is no free lunch!

Your Favorite Influencer

There are many but I follow Monika Manchanda for food as she is very lively.

The Future you foresee for your Personal Brand

I can't see past my own nose. I live in the present and so have no idea.