Conversations with Kayla Zevchik

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Zevchik

Hi Kayla, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up immersed in the competitive world of sports, with both of my parents working in sales. Naturally, I thought I had the personality for a career in that space. I attended Ohio University, where I studied sports business and had the incredible opportunity to intern with the Cleveland Cavaliers. After college, I landed a sales and marketing corporate job in Columbus.

During college, I also started a health and wellness blog to document my personal journey. I was dealing with some health issues and began experimenting with different foods and recipes to heal naturally. As I saw positive changes in my own health, my passion for wellness deepened. Over time, brands in the CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) space began reaching out to collaborate. I found myself loving the creative process, so much so that I decided to pivot my career.

I picked up a professional camera and started photographing food and creating content in my Columbus apartment. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working with several brands in the CPG space, doing micro-influencing, and also working on the brand side. Now, I’m proud to say that I have two dream jobs. I work with Eat Local Ohio, creating content and shooting for local businesses in Columbus, and I freelance for Kellogg’s cereal—two passions that blend my love for food, creativity, and community.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been managing my own health while pursuing my career. When I first started experiencing health issues, I didn’t have many answers, which made it difficult to balance everything. It took a lot of trial and error to figure out what worked for me, especially when it came to healing through diet and lifestyle changes.

Another struggle has been navigating the uncertainty that comes with switching career paths. I initially thought I’d follow a more traditional route with my degree, but I realized that my passion was elsewhere. Shifting from a corporate job to freelancing and content creation was intimidating at first—especially when you’re essentially starting from scratch in a creative field. There’s a lot of self-doubt and learning to trust your own instincts along the way.

And like with any entrepreneurial journey, finding consistency in work and income can be tough, especially in the early stages. There were times when I questioned whether I had made the right choice, but ultimately, pushing through those challenges has led me to where I am today, doing what I love

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I wear a few different hats in my work, but at the core of everything I do is content creation, photography, and social media strategy. As a freelancer, I specialize in food photography and content creation, primarily for brands in the CPG space. I also specialize and have background in social media management where I bring my skills to life on social platforms.

I’m known for capturing vibrant, natural moments with food and creating stories that connect on a deeper level. I love taking something as simple as a bowl of cereal or a cup of coffee and turning it into something that feels meaningful and exciting. What sets me apart is my ability to weave together beautiful visuals with a story that draws people in. I’m not just photographing food; I’m creating an experience that’s relatable, personal, and impactful.

I’m especially proud of the connections I’ve made through my health and wellness blog, where I document my own journey with chronic health issues. I’ve been able to create a space for others who are going through similar challenges to feel seen, and I’ve shared the foods and recipes that have helped me along the way. This personal connection with my audience is what I’m most proud of.

What sets me apart is that I blend creativity with authenticity. Whether I’m working with a big brand or engaging with my blog audience, I always strive to create content that’s not just visually appealing but also genuine and meaningful

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The quality that I believe has been most important to my success is adaptability. Whether I’m working on a creative campaign for a major brand or connecting with someone through my health and wellness blog, being able to pivot and adjust has been key. The world of content creation and social media is always evolving, so staying flexible and open to new ideas has helped me grow and take on new challenges.

Adaptability has also been crucial in navigating my own health journey. Learning to listen to my body and make adjustments when things aren’t working has not only helped me personally but has also influenced my work. It’s allowed me to approach projects with a fresh perspective and continually refine my skills. Being adaptable keeps me motivated and open to opportunities that I might not have expected but end up loving.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://healwithkayugc.com/food-photography
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healwithkay/