Jenna Urben, a graduate of UT Dallas, is passionate about connecting with others with food allergies. The 28-year-old shares allergy-friendly recipes for everybody on her blog – with new ones going up every Monday – and offers options for navigating food allergies and intolerances while entertaining or traveling! She also posts on Instagram and TikTok, with the goal of getting her followers excited about cooking – even when allergies make it seem daunting.
Her Campus: Tell us about your site/platform and why you launched it.
Jenna Urben: I launched The Urben Life to share what I eat in a day. I’m dairy-free and egg-free and wanted to connect with others who have food allergies. In the beginning I shared everything from recipes and travel to home decor, wedding content, and more. Since then I’ve really niched down. On theurbenlife.com you can find easy allergy-friendly recipes for everyone and foodie travel guides. I also share content on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and TikTok!
HC: What do you hope your followers get out of following you?
JU: I hope my followers feel encouraged and excited to get in the kitchen and try out new recipes!
HC: What does your week currently entail?
JU: Depends on the day, but in general I wake up at 8AM, have my tea and breakfast, and dive into emails. From there I’ll check my calendar and trello board to create a daily to-do list. Some days I’m batch cooking and taking photos, others I’m editing those photos, writing content, pitching brands, or working on my eBooks.
HC: What is the best and worst part about being an influencer?
JU: The best part about being in the influencer marketing field is that I’m able to connect with so many people around the world who are dealing with the same things I am.
The worst part is that it’s nearly impossible for me to “log off.” I love what I do, so it’s easy for me to want to work late hours and on the weekends.
HC: What advice would you give to a college woman with similar aspirations?
JU: I would advise new bloggers and content creators to establish a schedule and stick to it!
HC: Is running your platforms your full time job or a side hustle?
JU: My blog and social media extensions are my full time job! In addition to blogging, I create exclusive content for brands, produce eBooks, and pick up freelance projects here and there.
HC: Which people have had the most influence on you, and why?
JU: I follow so many accounts! I really enjoy reading through Taste of Home and getting inspiration for how to make popular traditional recipes allergy-friendly/plant-based. I also religiously watch The Kitchn to keep a pulse on what’s trending.
HC: How has being an influencer affected your friendships and relationships?
JU: My family and friends are all super supportive of my blog and are my biggest cheerleaders when I partner with brands on paid collaborations!
HC: What has been the most surreal thing that’s happened to you as an influencer?
JU: I love partnering with brands that I love and believe in! Working with household names is always so surreal. Some of the partnerships I’m most proud of include Walt Disney World, Mr. Coffee, Sprouts Farmers Market, and Silk.
HC: What are your three favorite tools for content creation?
JU: Lightroom for editing photos, Ink & Elm backdrops, and Photoshop for creating pins and graphics!
HC: What does the future of influencing look like for you? What’s next for you personally?
JU: I really like partnering with brands on long-term partnerships, so I hope to continue that! Additionally, I hope to include more video and branded video in my upcoming content. As for what’s next, I plan on producing more eBooks and templates. I currently sell a dairy-free holiday recipe eBook, a guide for pitching brands as a blogger, and media kit/rate sheet templates. After working with so many of my dream brands as an influencer under 10K, I want others to feel empowered to monetize their influence in a genuine manner.
Behind the Feed is a weekly series showcasing a different member of the InfluenceHer Collective every week. Are you an influencer? Apply to join the IHC, and you could be featured in the future!