We had the good fortune of connecting with Trina Tran and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Trina, how do you think about risk?
Taking risks is something I’ve been learning to embrace over the past couple of years. I used to fear taking risks because felt like I had to stick to “normal” and I couldn’t predict the outcome or I didn’t think I could handle whatever was to come. I now embrace taking risks and am working towards taking more leaps of faith. I’ve adapted the mindset of “whatever happens, happens but I know I can handle it”. Plus, you never know what will happen if you don’t try – which is what I say all the time when someone tells me their afraid to try something new. Taking risks has played out pretty well in my life so far. I have met some wonderful people, been introduced to different perspectives on life, and have been able to learn more about myself along the way. I’m looking forward to where the next “risk” will take me next!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone since I’m a newbie to the content creation space. I went from rarely posting on my social media to creating a whole page dedicated to my foodie adventures – I still can’t believe it! I started Trillion Dolla Eats as a way to digitally journal my experiences. I never would’ve thought that I would turn into a “camera eats first” person and I’m still getting used to it. It started off as a long list of places in my Notes app of places I wanted to go and checking it off as I visited each spot. I would use a green check mark emoji to indicate if I would go back and a red X emoji if I didn’t enjoy it. Now I’m writing captions and creating reels about my experiences, posting stories about current cravings, and even did my first giveaway! I’m still camera shy and still exploring my content style, but I will always have fun with this. I’m excited to grow in this space, test out my creativity, and to hopefully work with brands/restaurants in the future!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Honestly, it depends on the day and the mood for where I would take them to explore the city. I would take them to whatever local events are going on during the time of their visit or something that we both never done before. Other activities I could take them on are a walk at one of the many parks Grand Rapids has, strike some pins at Clique Lanes, hit up a Grand Rapids Gold or Griffins game, and karaoke/ food and drinks at K-Rok.

As for good eats, I’d take them to Red Geranium for breakfast, Poncho’s Tacos for THE BEST carne asada fries, and Rak Thai for mochi donuts. While we’re at Rak Thai we would explore the Downtown Market then venture off to different bars/ restaurants around the area. Grand Rapids has some pretty good options for eats so you it really depends on what you’re in the mood for.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A huge, huge, HUGE, shoutout to my love and #1 supporter Carlos Coleman. He’s actually the one that encouraged me to start Trillion Dolla Eats! I legit have screenshots in my Notes app from our conversation the day when the name and idea was born. Talking with him, being around him, and watching him create/collaborate with others has definitely inspired and sparked my creative side. I appreciate him for just being himself and being the best. Thank you Big C for everything!

Another shout out to two of close friends, Angelina Arnold (@as_within_beauty) and Selvedina Velic (@_immigreatness), and my cousin, KimAnh Nguyen (@woofandwandergr). Watching them start up and create their businesses/organization from the beginning has been very inspiring as well. These lovely ladies work so hard to provide excellent services to their community and I’ve loved being apart of their journeys and watching them grow!

Lastly, shoutout to my other friends, family, coworkers, and followers that have been supporting me by following my page, giving me inspiration and suggestions for places to go, and enjoying the experience of trying new places with me. Thank you all!!

Instagram: @trilliondollaeats

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=scY9bMPaei5Af0LNzmCz3A&utm_source=ishare

Image Credits
Carlos Coleman Tran Vo Trina Tran

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMichigan is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.