Today we’d like to introduce you to Chrissy Palanjian.
Chrissy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up with a love for baking and being in the kitchen. As a teen, I started baking treats for my family and did tons of holiday baking with my grandma every year. Fast forward to around 2018, I was looking for a creative outlet for myself. I started baking more often and taking pictures of my baked goods with my phone for fun. I started an Instagram page as somewhat of a personal portfolio so I could see all of the fun treats I had baked.
When the pandemic hit in 2020, I was temporarily furloughed from my job and ended up having a lot more time at home. My interest in experimenting with my own recipes and photography continued to grow. I purchased my first DSLR camera, took an online food photography course, and really focused on improving my skills behind the camera. I landed my first brand partnership in 2021, and I realized that I was extremely interested in pursuing this path and turning it into more than just a hobby.
Jumping to today, I am so fortunate that I have been able to turn my strong passion for food and photography into a career. Being able to share recipes that families can create memories while making, or that just put a smile on someone’s face while enjoying is truly a blessing.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When I started The Hungry Kitchen, I was balancing having starting my day job again and trying to put as many hours towards my business as I could. I found myself working a lot of nights and weekends trying to squeeze in time for my business wherever I could. Coupled with simply navigating life, a family, and working through different obstacles life can throw at you along the way, I found myself getting burned out and constantly overwhelmed.
Another challenge I have experienced is learning to work around an ever-changing economy. This has come in the way of trying to create recipes being mindful of grocery prices, various food shortages, etc. Additionally, it can impact trying to build a client base for food photography. At times, finding clients can come easily, and other times it can feel nearly impossible. I know those changes are inevitable, especially for small business owners, and I’ve had to learn to pivot and roll with the punches as they come.
It has definitely been a long road of hard work getting here, but I wouldn’t change a thing. All of the challenges I faced along the way and continue to work through make me so proud of the person I’ve become and the business that I’ve created.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a food photographer and recipe developer based in Michigan. I work with food brands and companies in a variety of ways; I develop recipes using their products, provide high-quality food images that can be used by the brands for social media, websites, or other marketing avenues. I also provide services like product photography and video creation. I specialize in capturing light and bright food scenes that are styled in ways to really showcase the detail of the food, as well as a brand’s packaging and products.
I also create dessert recipes for my personal brand, The Hungry Kitchen, as well as capture the photography for them. All of the recipes I create are free to access and are available on my website, thehungrykitchenblog.com.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Spending time with my family and my dog make me so truly happy. There’s nothing better than surrounding yourself with people who love and support you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thehungrykitchenblog.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehungrykitchenblog/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehungrykitchenblog/
