The Ones to Know sat down with Mariah Winter, a content creator, cook, and author of an upcoming zine. Read on to hear what drives her work, how she fostered her online community, and where she finds inspiration.
How did you get started with content creation?
I originally started in traditional media. I was working on set as a photo assistant, photographer, and occasional music video director. During the pandemic, I was starting to make some content here and there since my industry was asleep. Plus, I was freelancing during the time, filming content for some friends, which got me curious about it. I didn’t really start taking it seriously until 2022 or 2023 and since then, it’s been a journey!
What came first: your love for making food or making videos?
I mean, I love both so much! But if I had to answer, I definitely had a more developed passion for videos first and foremost. I’m actually looking to get away from food content going forward. I kind of burnt myself out on it. I’m also incredibly inspired to explore other interests of mine and expand my storytelling skillset in other areas. But I still love eating and making food! I just need a break from making videos on it for a long time [laughs].
Congrats on your upcoming zine! Can you tell us a bit about how you decided to make your own zine and what that process has been like so far?
Thank you! I’m honestly so excited about it. The process was a little slow at first but it’s coming along. I kind of want it to be a time capsule of this year's creative explorations. I’m just enjoying working on something that’s outside of videomaking and flexing other creative muscles. I'm also so excited to have something tangible to hold and share with people when I’m finished as well!
What does the community you’ve fostered online mean to you?
I’m grateful for it everyday. I’m still learning how to show up in the creator-to-audience dynamic as it’s something that still feels new to me. But it has been such a wild experience hearing people connect to something I made, or even finding fellow collaborators just through sharing my work! I think that the coolest part to me is seeing who you meet and how you connect to others as a byproduct of doing something as brave and simple as sharing the things you make.
What inspires you? How do you tap into your creativity?
I draw inspiration from everything. That’s not to say I’m inspired all the time by everything, but I draw inspiration from wherever it strikes me. I also go through phases where I hyperfixate on something and that takes over my brain for a while. I think tapping into creativity is like a muscle. Some days it’s harder and there’s more resistance, but once you build the habit up, it gets easier to overcome. It’s just about showing up.
