Meet Kem Phanna | Social Media Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kem Phanna and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kem, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
One thing that outsiders might not realize about the content creation industry is how much behind-the-scenes work goes into it. It’s not just about the fun or the end product people see. Content creators often handle everything themselves, from writing scripts, filming, and editing, to planning, negotiating, and managing all the logistics. There’s a lot of creative and technical effort that goes into each piece of content, and it can all fall on a single person, especially when it comes to smaller creators. It’s a full-time job that demands a lot of multitasking and consistency, not just the glamorous side of being on camera.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My journey really started in the wine industry, and it’s been an exciting ride ever since. I learned so much about the world of wine — from the vineyards and production processes to the art of pairing wine with food. I had the privilege of seeing behind the scenes in many restaurants, where talented chefs carefully crafted dishes that perfectly complemented the wines. The combination of food and wine fascinated me, and it became a passion that I continue to nurture today. What’s not to love about food and wine, right?

However, it wasn’t an easy start. I had zero knowledge about wine or the restaurant industry when I first got involved. I started from scratch, applying to work at a wine company with no experience, and 14 years later, I’m still in the industry. What helped me was embracing the learning process — going through wine education, honing my skills, and continuously improving. That foundation gave me the confidence to move into social media consulting, where I could teach companies and restaurants of all sizes how to stand out on social platforms.

The most rewarding part of what I do now is helping businesses understand the logistics and analytics of social media, but also teaching them the creative side — how to capture great videos and reels to showcase their brand. It’s incredible to see businesses grow when they apply the strategies I share.

If I could sum up my journey and what I want the world to know, it’s this: Be true to yourself and your brand. Don’t try to duplicate others. Be a pioneer, create your own path, and lead by example. For all the young entrepreneurs out there — take the risks. Be authentic, be original, and carve out your own space. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. That’s what I’ve learned along the way, and I’m proud to be where I am today because I stayed true to my passions and my journey.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting and I wanted to show them the best time ever, I’d definitely plan the trip around the fall season, especially since I was raised in Boston and now live in Rhode Island. The weather in Boston during the fall is beautiful, with the stunning foliage giving the city that cozy, classic vibe.
Day 1: Explore the City We’d kick things off with a visit to the Museum of Science or the New England Aquarium, depending on our mood. Both offer great ways to spend a few hours and learn something new. After that, we’d stroll around Faneuil Hall — a lively spot with tons of shops, restaurants, and street performers. We could grab lunch at Quincy Market (think seafood or classic New England fare) and then check out some of the local shops.
Day 2: Sports and Local Flavors If my friend’s into sports, we’d definitely go to a Celtics game (Boston is the city of champions, after all) or, if it’s baseball season, catch a Red Sox game at Fenway Park. Can’t visit Fenway without grabbing a sausage and peppers sandwich from one of the food trucks outside — it’s a must!
For dinner, we’d head to Chinatown for some of the best authentic Chinese food. We’d enjoy an authentic Chinese cuisine at Peach Farm—it’s one of my go-to spots, and the food never disappoints! If we’re still hungry for dessert, a visit to Mike’s Pastry in the North End is a must. The cannoli there are iconic.
Day 3: Seafood and Italian Delights For seafood lovers, a visit to Union Oyster House in the North End is essential. We’d get a classic lobster roll and some creamy clam chowder. The North End is also Boston’s Italian hub, so after lunch, we’d walk around and grab an espresso or a pastry at a local café. There are so many amazing Italian restaurants here, like Mamma Maria or Caffe Vittoria for some authentic, old-school vibes.
Day 4: Shopping and Relaxation We’d spend the day shopping along Newbury Street — it’s basically Boston’s version of Rodeo Drive, with high-end boutiques, art galleries, and amazing restaurants. Afterward, we could take a relaxing walk along the Charles River — it’s a beautiful spot for a jog, a walk, or just hanging out by the water and soaking in the views of the city skyline.
Day 5: Day Trip to Rhode Island If we were in the area for a longer stay, I’d suggest a day trip to Rhode Island, where I now live. We could head to the beaches in Newport for some gorgeous coastline views or visit Block Island for a more laid-back day of exploring. Newport is home to beautiful mansions and the iconic Cliff Walk.
Day 6: A Taste of History No trip to Boston is complete without a dose of history, so I’d take my friend on the Freedom Trail to see some of the city’s oldest landmarks, including Boston Common, the State House, and Paul Revere’s House. We’d finish the day with a relaxing dinner at The Capital Grille or No. 9 Park for a nice dinner with an amazing view of the city.
Day 7: Relaxing Day and Farewell On the last day, we’d take it easy. Maybe visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum for a quiet afternoon, or go to Boston Public Garden for a peaceful walk and a swan boat ride. We’d end the day with a sunset dinner on a rooftop restaurant like Lookout Rooftop Bar for amazing views and good vibes.

In short, Boston has a little bit of everything — from sports and history to great food and shopping. It’s a city that’s fun, dynamic, and rich in culture. And if we needed a relaxing day in Rhode Island, we’d be able to balance out the adventure with some laid-back coastal beauty!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I want to dedicate my shoutout to my mother, who recently passed away. It may sound cliché, but she was the one who always believed in me, especially when it came to my creative side. She instilled in me the importance of having faith in myself and encouraged me to follow my passion, no matter the obstacles. Before she passed, she told me to take risks and do whatever was best for me, whether it was starting my own business or taking a leap in life. Her unwavering support and guidance have had a profound impact on my journey, and I can honestly say that the risks I took and the path I’m on now have paid off. She truly shaped the person I am today, and I’ll always be grateful for that.

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