Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Levine.
Samantha, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in September 2013 when I was 19 years old. This diagnosis came along after years of suffering through various health issues and not having answers for why I was experiencing them. Though finally having an explanation seemed like a light at the end of the tunnel, it was shortly followed by one of the most overwhelming transitional periods of my life.
Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disorder that is triggered by gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When someone with Celiac Disease ingests gluten, their immune system will respond and begin to attack their small intestine. If left undiagnosed or untreated, the more damage will be done to the small intestine, and in turn will lead to more long-term side effects. For those with Celiac, the only treatment is to adhere to a strict gluten-free diet. Hence, the overwhelming transition that I mentioned earlier.
By the time I was diagnosed, I had spent almost 20 whole years eating a completely gluten-filled diet, not having to give even a little thought as to what ingredients were in the food I was eating. I then had to learn everything from what foods have hidden sources of gluten, to how to avoid cross-contamination, to what restaurants I can eat at safely without getting ill. Throughout this time, I kept thinking to myself, “I wish that I had some sort of guide to help me through this new gluten-free lifestyle.”
Now fast forward 4 years to 2017, I often would find myself having conversations with other gluten-free individuals about restaurants, products, etc. and then one day it dawned on me: I could now be that guide that I wished I had all those years back. I started my Instagram account, @glutenfreereality, where I share some of my favorite celiac-safe restaurants, new product finds, and even some of my homemade meals. I have made lots of connections with my followers through their comments and private messages for advice, and I have even become friends with some other gluten-free bloggers. I have also since then made a Facebook page and am currently in the process of finishing up my website.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
For the most part, building up my page has been a very pretty smooth road. It did take a little while for me to start building up a real following, but I’ve learned that it’s SO important to just keep adding new content on a regular basis to pull people in and keep them engaged. Be as genuine and passionate as you can be, and people will feel all the more interested in what you are sharing with them. Another thing that I can’t stress enough is how important networking is as an influencer. From big brands, to local businesses, to other bloggers in your field, the connections that you make will only help you grow and get your name out there. Plus, you might end up meeting some awesome people in doing so!
Please tell us about Gluten-Free Reality.
The main focus of Gluten-Free Reality is to share gluten-free food options around New England, primarily in the Providence and Boston areas. As someone with Celiac Disease, it is very important to do research before dining out to make sure that the restaurant is able to accommodate, and is knowledgeable about avoiding cross-contamination. I spend a great deal of time doing this type of research and then share my dining experiences with my followers as a way to try and help them find new celiac-friendly places that they may not have known about otherwise.
In addition to restaurants, I also share some homemade gluten free meals and lots of new products as I discover them. As my following has been growing more and more, I have also been doing some collaborations with brands to help them get the word out about their products. These partnerships can often involve discount codes to share with my followers, and sometimes even contests to giveaway free products.
The one thing that I strive for with my account is to show people that not only are there so many gluten-free options out there, but also that gluten-free foods are not always as bad as people may think they are. My biggest goal is to help people who are gluten-free and feeling deprived learn to love food again. If I can accomplish that for just one person, it is absolutely the most rewarding feeling for me.
Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
I have been so lucky this far to be surrounded by some incredible people on through my Instagram account that have not noticed any particular barriers to female leadership. I am a huge proponent for women supporting women, and I am so thankful to be surrounded by like-minded individuals in both the gluten-free and foodie communities.
Contact Info:
- Email: glutenfreereality@yahoo.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/glutenfreereality
- Facebook: facebook.com/glutenfreereality
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
