Hi! I’m Lindsey. The solo gal behind LemonHearted.

I’m not a self-proclaimed “influencer” or a food critic. I’m just someone using my platform as a creative outlet to share information.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?

I started LemonHearted back in 2013 as a way to get more connected to Orlando as it began to thrive. I wanted to focus on supporting the local businesses that were redefining our city. I wanted to share the places I explored, so everyone had more than surface knowledge of local companies. I believe that when we feel more connected to these establishments, we have a higher propensity to patronize them.

WHY DON’T YOU ACCEPT HOSTED OPPORTUNITIES?

Having worked in corporate hospitality and retail, I’m all too aware of how hosted and sponsored content works. It’s not always a true-to-life experience from an anonymous paying customer compared to those who are scheduled, doted on, and comped. I strive to remain transparent and honest in all my experiences. I would also love to be a food writer one day, so in that vain I try to stay anonymous and dine on my own dime. With that mindset, what I write about is personally chosen by me, not because someone asked me or paid me to do so. This ensures it’s an authentic experience, not one that has been manufactured for me personally in exchange for advertising.

To be clear:

Paid collaborations = you have been given a rate to post, essentially an ad for a business.

Hosted = you were not paid, but you were not charged for your food or experience in hopes that you would supply marketing content for the business to help them gain traction, but there was no exchange of money.

I do neither. I explore, pay for my own experiences, and share only what I want. If I ever do attend an event, details will be disclosed, not hidden.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO SUPPORT BUSINESSES AND NOT ASK FOR FREE ITEMS?

People who ask for or request free food or perks in exchange for a post on their social media accounts have really given food bloggers a bad reputation. Paying for your food and tipping your server helps businesses and their employees stay afloat and keep the lights on.

ARE YOU A FULL-TIME BLOGGER?

No, this blog is not my secular job, but rather a fun and creative expression that has allowed me to form bonds within my community and support and highlight local makers. I have no desire to insert myself into the toxic atmosphere of competition that seeps into so much of the creative world, which has made competitors out of neighbors. We all have strengths that we can bring to our collective community. It’s wonderful to see how many creators try to support local businesses by spreading the word about them, but we can all go about doing that in whatever form makes us the most comfortable.

If you want to see what I do for work visit the Hire Me page and review my professional resume on LinkedIn.

CAN WE MEET FOR COFFEE SO I CAN PICK YOUR BRAIN?

No. All meetings must have a professional capacity.