Influencer
Cord And The Kitchen – Cordarrius Green – Making Cooking Accessible And Fun
Cordarrius Green, hailing from the vast landscapes of Texas, has etched a niche for himself as a beacon for budding chefs and everyday food enthusiasts alike. At 29, he stands as the dynamic mind behind the celebrated “Cord and the Kitchen,” social media channels engineered for two kinds of followers: those who step into the kitchen for the first time, hesitant and seeking guidance, and those who, already adept with a pan and spatula, crave to innovate and elevate their culinary routines.
He remarked, “If food is your passion, much like mine, my channel is where your appetite meets its match.”
But dig a little deeper and Cordarrius’s journey unravels layers that resonate with many in the creator economy. “Truth be told,” he mused, “I’ve always been a content creator. It just took me a while to realize and embrace it.” Today, as ‘Cord and the Kitchen’, Cordarrius is a recognizable name across various social media landscapes. However, his trajectory wasn’t always aimed at gastronomic delights.
Peel back a few years and his content painted a different picture. With the spirit of a personal trainer, Cordarrius’s posts were tailored to those who found gyms intimidating or didn’t know how to initiate their fitness journey. “From workout videos to nutritional guidance, I provided tools for those who wanted to embrace a healthier lifestyle,” he shared. But, like many creators who experiment with their craft, his stint with fitness content was transient.
The global pandemic, while bringing life to a standstill for many, catalyzed Cordarrius’s dive into the culinary world. With time at hand and a renewed perspective, the idea of blending his content creation skills with his culinary dreams was born. He seized the opportunity, pivoting from fitness to food.
Cord And The Kitchen – Cordarrius Green – Making Cooking Accessible And Fun
First Viral Hit and Building on Success
“I remember it vividly,” Cordarrius recalls, eyes twinkling with a mix of nostalgia and amusement. “It was a compilation—snippets from several videos I had produced till then. When it soared past a million views, I remember the adrenaline rush.” But to Cordarrius, the views were just one side of the coin. “Sure, virality is a great metric,” he noted. “But, I wasn’t chasing numbers. Even if only a single individual tried out my recipe and felt that joy of creation, my mission was accomplished.”
This grounded approach forms the crux of Cordarrius’s brand, where success isn’t solely defined by virality but by the authentic connections he fosters with his audience. Shedding light on the milestones that marked his path to influence, he elucidates, “There’s immense satisfaction in seeing your recipe recreated in someone else’s kitchen. The first few loyal supporters, who not just followed but replicated and shared my recipes, made me realize the reach and impact of my work.”
But it’s not just about the dishes. For many, food is interwoven with memories, relationships, and emotions. “Receiving DMs like, ‘Hey, I made this for my wife and she loved it!’ solidified my belief in the transformative power of food,” Cordarrius expressed. “Beyond just sating hunger, it mends fences, it sparks conversations, and, sometimes, it’s a salve for the soul.”
In a light-hearted moment, he chuckled, “Food is definitely my love language.” Expanding on that sentiment, he delved into the nuanced art of baking. “Baking,” he mused, “is another form of expression altogether. While cooking offers the luxury of improvisation, baking is all about precision. One might call it a beautiful alchemy—demanding, yet deeply rewarding.”
This duality between precision and freestyle is emblematic of Cordarrius’s journey in the creator economy. Through his art, he underscores an essential narrative: success is not just about massive hits or viral moments. It’s also about genuine connections, the stories shared over a meal, and the emotional resonance a simple dish can evoke in the heart of its beholder.
Stoking the Culinary Flame: The Inception of a Lifelong Passion and Creative Itch
Cordarrius candidly opens up about the origins of his culinary journey, “At the age of ten or eleven, visits to my grandparents in Mississippi were frequent. Like many kids, I was an early riser. Yet, the delay between waking up ravenous at 6 a.m. and waiting for a late breakfast at 9 a.m. seemed almost eternal.” His solution? Learning the basics. “Cereal was not my go-to. So, I pleaded with my grandparents to teach me simple dishes. Scrambling eggs, microwaving bacon—just so I could whip up a quick sandwich to satiate my morning hunger.”
But this pragmatic approach soon morphed into a deeper infatuation. As the channels switched between popular kid’s shows, Cordarrius found himself increasingly drawn to the Food Network. “Rachael Ray, Garvin G, Emeril Lagasse—they weren’t just TV personalities to me,” he reminisces. “They were my early mentors, igniting my curiosity and setting me on a path of culinary exploration.”
This exploration found a monumental moment when Cordarrius was 13. “Mother’s Day,” he recalls with a fond smile, “was when I realized the joy of serving. Following a recipe from a chef named Tyler, I prepared a special meal for my mother. The gleam in her eyes, her joyous surprise—that’s an indescribable feeling. Witnessing someone relish a dish you’ve poured your heart into is unparalleled.”
Beyond the early steps and pivotal moments, the spirit of creation for Cordarrius is multi-faceted. “My inspirations,” he explains, “are a mosaic. Sometimes it’s a reinterpretation of a dish from a fancy restaurant. At times, a sudden midnight epiphany has me reaching for my phone, eager to record a nascent idea. And then there are instances when friends and loved ones pitch in, sharing suggestions that I eagerly weave into my repertoire.”
Mastering the Creative Craft: Method to Culinary Madness
When asked about his creative journey, he chuckles, “It’s like organized chaos.” His inspirations are as dynamic as they are varied. “I might be driving my son to school and a recipe idea will just hit me,” he shares. Engagement with his audience has been instrumental, using polls and questions to fine-tune his content. “Sometimes, I’ll post a ‘Question of the Day’ asking my followers what they’d like to see next. Occasionally, I’d even reward the best suggestion with a dedicated recipe for the day,” he adds. This interactivity, coupled with a brainstorm sheet where he jots down ideas, ensures that his content remains fresh and engaging.
Yet, sometimes, inspiration comes from external sources. He recounts an experience, “A couple of years ago, I visited this spot called ‘Breakfast Brothers’ in Atlanta. They served this tantalizing dish—jerk chicken paired with sweet potato cornbread waffles. It was different, and I loved it. The moment I returned to Dallas, I didn’t waste time. I got the ingredients and recreated it.” Such moments of innovation are frequent in Cordarrius’s world. Whether it’s a midnight revelation, a thought during a shower, or collaborating with his talented girlfriend, the culinary universe he weaves is vast and delightful.
But when it comes to catering to a diverse audience, Cordarrius is pragmatic. “You can’t appease everyone,” he admits. His realization came around a year and a half into his journey. Despite occasional comments nudging him towards healthier recipes or catering to specific dietary needs, he believes in staying genuine to his craft. “My southern roots guide my culinary compass. Even those seeking healthier options know that occasionally, they crave that rich, soulful food that’s true to its origins.”
For Cordarrius, the recipe for success isn’t about bending to every whim but about mastering one’s niche. “Do what you’re best at,” he advises. “There’s always a space for diverse content. But authenticity is key. My platform may not cater to everyone, but it’s genuine to its core.”
Early Challenges and Algorithm Changes
Reflecting on the early days, Cordarrius recalls, “Content creation wasn’t as understood as it is today. People would often question the sanity behind choosing this over a typical 9 to 5.” Explaining the monetization aspect and the viability of content creation was a hurdle, but Cordarrius persevered. Another challenge he highlights is the learning curve associated with improving skills. He humorously notes, “I can’t watch my old videos; it’s always a surprise when new followers binge-watch my old content. But seeing my growth, the evolution in delivering content is rewarding.”
As a seasoned influencer, Cordarrius also acknowledges the constant changes in social media algorithms. “While creating resonant and shareable content does impact the algorithm, sometimes it’s just out of your control. The unpredictability of app updates can mean your content might not reach your audience until the app stabilizes.” For Cordarrius, consistency is the key, not just for going viral but for maintaining a connection with his audience.
During times when the algorithm seems unfriendly, Cordarrius has a unique approach — going live. “I love utilizing live sessions. It establishes a direct connection with the audience. Whether I’m cooking, discussing recipes, or even talking about parenting, it’s a great way to keep the conversation going.” He explains that engaging with his followers in real-time helps maintain a sense of community, irrespective of the algorithmic shifts.
Partnering for Success: Collaborating with GEN Agency
Discussing his initial search for brand management assistance, Cordarrius reflects, “It was a quest to find someone who could offload tasks like negotiations. Through platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn, I discovered GEN Agency.” His meticulous approach involved not just perusing their online presence but also evaluating their modus operandi. “A glance at their website, understanding how they conduct their business, and setting up an initial meeting were all integral to my vetting process,” he elaborates. The essence of this partnership was a mutual understanding and alignment of interests.
But what drives Cordarrius’ decision in choosing partnerships, especially with an agency? “It boils down to alignment,” he clarifies. Taking a hypothetical scenario, he says, “Even if the world’s biggest personal trainer wanted to collaborate, there’s a clear misalignment. My page celebrates indulgent, hearty meals – it’s filled with ‘big-bite activities’, if you will.” For him, it’s not about the size or reputation of the collaborator, but the congruence in brand messages.
Moreover, Cordarrius emphasizes the significance of an agency’s reputation. “Bad PR can harm both the influencer and the agency. It’s crucial to ensure that any potential collaboration doesn’t tarnish one’s brand image.”
In essence, Cordarrius Green’s approach to partnerships is a mix of practicality, alignment, and a deep understanding of his brand. By collaborating with GEN Agency, he’s taken a strategic step to further amplify his brand while ensuring its essence remains intact.
The Intangible Rewards on the Influencer Journey
Reflecting on the most rewarding facets of his journey, Cordarrius recalls an incident from 2021 that significantly impacted him. “I was at the gym, scanning my DMs when I stumbled upon a message that resonated deeply,” he says. The message, from a woman battling depression, extolled the therapeutic nature of Cordarrius’ content. “It was a stark realization that my videos, which are essentially about food, had the power to touch souls and lighten burdens. That moment was a combination of motivation and profound humility for me.”
For Cordarrius, the digital world isn’t just about fleeting interactions. It’s about forging tangible connections. “Before the pandemic put a damper on things, I used to host dinner events,” he elaborates. These events weren’t just about the gastronomic experience but more about the communal joy of sharing a meal. “There’s an indescribable feeling when someone approaches you and says, ‘I tried that recipe of yours’ or ‘My daughter watches you incessantly.’ The photographs, memories, and smiles from those events still warm my heart.”
Advice for Aspiring Influencers
“Start by identifying what people typically know you for,” he suggests, emphasizing the importance of leveraging inherent strengths as the cornerstone of one’s digital journey. The essence of mapping one’s path lies in planning. “Drafting 50 to 100 video ideas on paper is a solid starting point. People often falter when they don’t know what’s next,” Cordarrius reflects, stressing that a content roadmap aids in maintaining momentum.
His own journey highlights the mantra of starting simple. Recollecting his beginnings, he says, “I started with an overdue iPhone ten and a $30 ring light.” While he acknowledges the allure of high-quality equipment, he firmly believes that the heart of content is what truly resonates. “Your energy and effort will resonate more than the equipment you use.”
Every milestone, according to Cordarrius, deserves celebration. “A thousand views might seem modest, but if you visualize a thousand people in a room, it’s a significant achievement,” he opines, underscoring the importance of appreciating every individual who engages with one’s content. Engagement is key, as he notes, “Those who support you will become your biggest advocates. Show them love and gratitude.”
Above all, Cordarrius encourages a genuine enjoyment of the journey. “Have fun with it and stay true to who you are.” Sharing his future ambitions, he reveals, “Coaching others to replicate success is on the horizon.” He concludes with a heartfelt message to emerging influencers, advising them not to be overly critical and to treasure each achievement, irrespective of its scale.
What’s next for Cord and the Kitchen?
“While the online influence has been invaluable, there’s an irreplaceable magic in face-to-face interactions.” Keen on transitioning his digital influence to tangible, on-ground experiences, Cordarrius envisions organizing community events and revitalizing the intimate dinner parties he once hosted.
Diving deeper into the culinary world, Cordarrius is enthusiastic about expanding his brand. “Launching my seasoning line and sauces has been a dream,” he remarks, envisioning them becoming staples in households. This isn’t a newfound passion; it’s deeply rooted in his past. Recalling anecdotes from his childhood, he shares, “Even before content creation, people would suggest I launch a sauce line. My penchant for blending flavors started young. As a child, instead of arts and crafts, I was fascinated with concocting unique soda mixtures at the dispenser.”
His aspirations don’t stop at seasonings and sauces; Cordarrius eyes the cookware market too. Drawing parallels with iconic brands, he expresses, “I want my products to be as ubiquitous in homes as ‘Slap Ya Mama’ or ‘Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning’. I desire to be that go-to brand for people.” In essence, Cordarrius Green’s goals are anchored in community, connection, and culinary innovation.
