Meet Sarah Steedman

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sarah Steedman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Sarah, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I found my purpose when I moved to Wilmington in mid-2020. It was a fresh start for me, and I wanted to immerse myself in everything this vibrant city had to offer. One of my favorite ways to connect with loved ones is through dining experiences—trying new foods, exploring local eateries, and sharing those moments. That’s why I started the Peckish_Wilmington Instagram account. It began as a fun idea to document my culinary adventures and activities, but it quickly evolved into something more meaningful.

As I posted more and engaged with my followers, I started receiving heartfelt feedback. People would tell me they tried new restaurants because of my recommendations, or they discovered hidden gems they didn’t know existed. Even local businesses reached out, thanking me for helping to spread the word and support their endeavors. Coming from a family that owns a small business outside of Charlotte, I understand the dedication and fulfillment that comes from building a community around something you love. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see the impact of my posts, fostering a community of individuals who appreciate Wilmington and support its small businesses.

Now, I see my role as more than just documenting food and experiences. It’s about fostering a community—a community of locals and visitors who share my passion for Wilmington and its small businesses. I want to showcase what makes this city special and build connections through shared experiences. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that I’m contributing to a thriving community and helping others discover the joys of Wilmington’s culinary scene.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

After graduating college in 2020 and moving to Wilmington, I found myself in a new city during what was undoubtedly a unique time for everyone. It also sparked a new chapter for me—one that I decided to share through the Peckish_Wilmington Instagram account. I’ve always had a passion for exploring new places to eat and activities to do, so starting this account felt like a natural extension of that love. Initially, it was a personal project where I shared my dining experiences with a small group of friends and followers. Little did I know, it would grow into something much more.

Initially, the account was a personal project—a way to share last night’s dinner with friends and a handful of followers. But as I continued to explore Wilmington and document my adventures, something unexpected happened. The account began to grow, and I started receiving incredible feedback from followers, local businesses, restaurants, and fellow influencers in the area.

Through Peckish_Wilmington, I’ve had the privilege of meeting amazing people, from fellow foodie Instagrammers to passionate Wilmington locals. What started as a way to inspire my followers to try new places evolved into a platform where I became part of a community of talented local women and men running their own inspiring accounts. It’s been an incredibly fulfilling journey, fostering connections and sharing the best of Wilmington’s culinary and cultural scene.

What excites me most about this journey is the continual opportunity to discover new spots, attend local events, and support businesses through collaborations and partnerships. I’m always thrilled to work with local companies looking to amplify their presence on social media and contribute to the growth of Wilmington’s community spirit. This journey has been incredibly fulfilling, and I’m eager to see where it leads next as I continue to share my passion for Wilmington living and local delights through Peckish_Wilmington.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

My Peckish_Wilmington Instagram account has been a labor of love since I moved to Wilmington. It began as a personal project to document my exploration of this vibrant city’s food scene and local activities. Over time, it has grown into a platform that not only connects me with fellow food enthusiasts and local businesses but also allows me to contribute to and be a part of Wilmington’s community.

Three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have been most impactful for me in managing Peckish_Wilmington are:

1. Passion for Exploration: My innate curiosity and love for trying new places have been essential. It fuels my content creation and keeps me motivated to uncover hidden gems and share them with my audience.

2. Community Building: Building a community around my Instagram account has been crucial. Engaging with followers, local businesses, and other influencers has not only expanded my network but also enriched my experience by fostering meaningful connections.

3. Content Creation and Storytelling: Effective storytelling through visuals and captions has been instrumental in conveying the essence of each dining experience or local adventure. It’s about more than just showcasing food—it’s about sharing the atmosphere, the people, and the stories behind each place.

For those looking to start their own local Instagram account, my advice would be:

1. Authenticity: Stay true to yourself and your experiences. Authenticity resonates with audiences and builds trust.

2. Consistency: Regular posting and engagement are key to growing your following and maintaining interest. Consistency helps establish your presence in the community.

3. Engagement and Networking: Actively engage with your followers, collaborate with local businesses and influencers, and participate in community events. Networking not only expands your reach but also enriches your content and opportunities.

Starting a local Instagram account is not just about showcasing places—it’s about sharing your passion and contributing positively to your community. Embrace the journey, be open to learning from others, and enjoy the connections you make along the way.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

Throughout my journey with Peckish_Wilmington, I’ve been fortunate to connect with a community of incredibly talented local influencers who have been instrumental in my growth and development. These individuals not only excel in their own Instagram endeavors but also generously share their insights and experiences with me.

I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with these influencers, sharing ideas over a glass of wine, and learning from their journeys. They’ve generously imparted their wisdom on the business aspects of running an Instagram profile—everything from content strategy and engagement techniques to navigating partnerships with local businesses.

Beyond the “business” side of things, these relationships have blossomed into genuine friendships. It’s inspiring to see so many women thriving in the digital space, unapologetically sharing their passions and making meaningful connections with their audiences. Their enthusiasm and dedication have motivated me to continuously improve and innovate with Peckish_Wilmington.

Overall, these local influencers have not only been mentors but also friends who have made this experience incredibly enjoyable and fulfilling. Their support has been invaluable in shaping my journey with Peckish_Wilmington, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from such talented individuals in our community.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @peckish_wilmington

Image Credits

Sarah Steedman, Peckish_Wilmington