Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Le.
Alright, thank you for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us how you got started?
I am the human behind the Instagram account @LNC_eats, and I was born a foodie! I am an Independent mom of two boys and two sponsored girls, and I am also an ER Nurse. Growing up as a first-gen Vietnamese-American, Sunday gatherings after church always involved family-style meals with lots of food pics taken by the “elders” because the food was integral to our family memories.
I love to support small eateries as a way to give back to the community. My number one rule is to never be in a position where I use #AD because my page is my hobby, and I prefer to post as I please without conflicts. I want my posts to remain honest and not influenced by finances. I am merely doing what I have always done- posting recommended foods. I will never post about a negative dining experience because what I dislike may be the best thing someone else has eaten. We all have different taste preferences. I also use my food page to raise awareness on causes that I hold dear to my heart, one of which is Domestic Violence. My biggest career goal is to one day become SANE certified (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) because I strongly believe in being a nurse for my patients, not an organization. Although my page started as a focus on my hometown, Lancaster, PA, within the past two years, I have found myself venturing out more, especially in the DMV area, which I have grown to fall in love with. One of my work best friends and I rarely have a day where we both are available from our demanding careers, so when we find that rare time, we enjoy decompressing by exploring DMV. I have family who also loves Baltimore, so we sometimes take short vacations together by taking the cousins to Baltimore. There are just endless options to explore! Plus, let’s be real, the Guinness Brewery is in Baltimore; need I say more?? =P
🖤 Laugh often, Be kind always, Carpe diem
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It was smooth at first because I was at a different stage in my life. Once I started nursing school, I had to shift my attention. Then once I became a nurse in the middle of the Pandemic, I was also in the process of becoming an Independent mom- which was when I found myself unable to support the local eateries as often as I used to. So for a good 2+ years, I was not “as active” in the food scene. Now that (fingers crossed) the dust is starting to settle, I love the opportunities to get back out there to support more.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an ER RN. I am pretty quiet until I feel comfy around you so I can be more of a “social butterfly.” I am proud of the type of nurse I set myself to become. A nurse for my patients, not for an organization. Yes, I may be on an organization’s payroll, but I will always be the nurse who has my patients’ best interests. I will always advocate on their behalf, even if my voice shakes. What sets me apart? Well, I always wear a mustache sticker on my work mask, and my badge reel consists of an “Asian” Lego person =) No one plans for the ER, so the least I can do is provide a positive surprise for patients.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role you feel it’s played for you.
I have family members who own small businesses, so I understand the struggles and sacrifices to maintain the dream they achieved. My IG page helps small businesses who need more positive news exposure to help them grow. As for my career as a nurse, I have had the unfortunate experience of burying many loved ones before the age of 30. And have had to advocate for myself and my children with a shaky voice. Because of these experiences, I am the nurse I am today and am thankful for those blessings in disguise.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.LNCeats.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lnc_eats/?hl=en
Image Credits
Shepherd’s Pie taken at Tír na nÓg Irish Bar & Grill Dessert taken at The Spot in Rockville Grand Marnier Wall at One-Eyed Mike’s in Fells Point
