Meet Hellena (the Karbdashian) | Food Blogger

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hellena (the Karbdashian) and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hellena, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
Deciding whether to keep going or take a step back is often about finding alignment between purpose and wellbeing. When it comes to continuing, I remind myself of my purpose and the passion that sparked this journey in the first place. I focus on the vision and end goal, knowing that meaningful things don’t just unfold on their own — they’re nurtured with time, intention, and persistence. Staying connected to that purpose helps me stay grounded, even when the path feels challenging.

Remaining authentic and staying true to what genuinely resonates with me is essential for maintaining consistency. When my heart is fully in something, I’m driven by an inner motivation that doesn’t waver easily. Authenticity provides a sense of purpose that goes beyond external validation or temporary trends, making the work itself fulfilling. This keeps me showing up, because there’s a deeper connection to what I’m doing, and it’s not just about going through the motions. Consistency then becomes less about willpower and more about following what naturally inspires me and aligns with my values.

At the same time, it’s essential to recognize when to take a break. Burnout can cloud inspiration, and pushing forward without rest can lead to losing touch with what truly matters. For me, stepping back isn’t about giving up — it’s about honoring my need for balance and staying authentic to what I love. By creating space for rest, I’m able to reconnect and recharge, allowing my heart to stay fully invested in the work.

Ultimately, balance, authenticity, and passion are at the core of my creative journey. It’s a rhythm of striving toward my dreams while listening closely to my inner voice, making sure that every step aligns with both my purpose and my wellbeing.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My journey began from, and is fueled by, a genuine love and passion for food. When I started sharing the dishes I love, it was simply a way to tell people about the amazing foods and places I’d discovered. Over time, though, it grew into something more — a mission to share that love and inspire others to try new flavors, support local spots, and embrace the full experience food can offer. My goal is to become a trusted voice in the food industry, someone people can rely on for nothing but the best recommendations. I’d love for my followers, when they’re unsure of where to eat next, to think, What would The Karbdashian do?

What I’m most excited about, and extremely hopeful for, is becoming a trusted and valued part of the amazing food community in Los Angeles. I want to connect with as many local establishments as possible, helping small businesses attract customers while ensuring my followers experience nothing but the best. It’s a big dream, but one that keeps me motivated every day.

Balancing this journey with my full-time corporate job has definitely been a challenge. It means dedicating much of my personal time to traveling, capturing content, writing, and especially editing — which can be incredibly time-consuming. Sometimes, it’s hard to let myself truly relax without guilt because I feel there’s always more I could be doing to build this dream. But I’ve learned that listening to my mind and body is essential, and rest is a necessary part of the process.

Of course, there’s also the financial cost. Traveling and purchasing food (your girl has expensive taste) adds up. And, since time is money, creating content takes significant time, which is challenging when it’s not paying the bills.

Along the way, I’ve learned some valuable lessons. The first is to say yes to as many opportunities as possible. You never know where a “yes” might lead, and life has a way of putting us on the right path. Even if something seems out of reach or intimidating, push yourself. But I’ve also learned not to force myself into things that don’t resonate. Especially when starting out, there’s pressure to take on every opportunity, but authenticity is key. If my heart’s not in it, it won’t be worth the energy. Make sure it’s the right things that drive you.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Start the day with breakfast at Egg Tuck, then head over to the Griffith Observatory for iconic views of the city and the Hollywood sign, along with a hike around Griffith Park. In the afternoon, explore Beverly Hills — wander around The Beverly Hills Hotel, grab lunch at the Polo Lounge, and stroll along Rodeo Drive. Finish the day with a stunning rooftop dinner at Dante.

Day 2: Head Downtown, starting with a coffee at Aquarela in the historic CalEdison Building, then move on to The Broad for some of LA’s best art. For lunch, explore the amazing food stalls at Grand Central Market, then spend the afternoon wandering the Arts District, especially Hauser & Wirth. Grab a glass of wine at Propaganda and end the day with dinner at Bestia.

Day 3: Discover the Venice Canals before strolling along the Boardwalk, with a stop at Abalona Coffee. Head to Abbot Kinney Boulevard for some shopping and gelato at Salt & Straw. Drive to Santa Monica Pier in time for sunset, watch the day turn to night, and enjoy a ride at Pacific Park. Wrap up with a classic LA stop at In-N-Out on the way home.

Day 4: Take a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway with a stop at the beautiful Getty Villa to walk around and enjoy the breathtaking views and gardens. For lunch, stop by Broad Street Oyster Co. and their famous lobster roll. Spend a relaxed afternoon at El Matador Beach, then enjoy dinner with a view at Malibu Farm on the pier.

Day 5: Start the morning with a hike at Runyon Canyon for panoramic city views. After taking in the sights, head to Melrose Avenue for brunch at Great White. Spend the afternoon exploring Melrose and Fairfax, checking out street art and shops, and make sure to visit The Grove and the Farmers Market. End the week perfectly with some of LA’s best burgers at For The Win.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
If I had to give a shoutout, I’d definitely start with my family, especially my mom. Growing up, she encouraged me to try anything and everything, sparking an adventurous side in me when it comes to food. She’s the reason I rarely say no to trying new dishes, and that curiosity has really shaped my love for food.

I’d also like to acknowledge the incredible local restaurants and food spots I’ve discovered along the way. Each place, from the smallest cafés to bustling food markets, has shown me that food is so much more than what’s on the plate — it’s about the stories and people behind it.

And finally, a huge thank you to my followers and online community. Their enthusiasm and love for food keep me inspired to share more. The way they engage and share their own food stories makes this journey feel meaningful and connected, and for that, I’m so grateful.

Instagram: https://Instagram.com/the.karbdashian

Other: https://TikTok.com/@thekarbdashian