HOW TO BECOME A TASTEMAKER

Tasty World is a collection of all the tasteful things from culture
and the world wide web compiled by tastemakers.

Welcome to Becoming a Tastemaker:
The Art of Curating Your Life

Welcome to this summit, where the focus is on one thing: HOW TO GET MORE VISIBLE. But let's be real—standing out in today’s digital jungle is tough. We’re bombarded with content at every scroll, and creating isn’t enough anymore. You need to be authentic, stand out, and cut through the noise. This is where taste steps in. Today, I’m going to show you how to connect deeply with who you are, step into your role as a Tastemaker, and curate a life you’re utterly obsessed with.

Let’s start with introductions. I’m Nimisha—a thinker, maker, and proud Aussie-turned-Londoner. I run a creative consultancy called @Nimishainc and a brand studio @MINCHKI, where I help founders craft brands that make you swoon. The idea of becoming a Tastemaker came to me while building my own brand, and realizing I was trapped in the chase, trying to keep up with everyone else. But when I leaned into my own uniqueness, everything changed.

How Did “Taste” Become a Game-Changer?

To get why taste is so valuable today, let’s rewind a bit. Remember when magazines ruled the world? Daisy Alioto made an interesting point when she said, “Magazines were containers for someone else’s taste, and when you read them, you were inhabiting that taste.” Back in the day, we co-created with magazines by immersing ourselves in their vision of lifestyle. Then the internet came along and flipped the script. The rise of the creator economy meant we stopped reading about taste and started broadcasting our own. But in trying to reach the widest audience, we lost sight of what *we* truly think. This echo chamber of content has left people jaded, and brands are catching on, shifting their focus from influencers to collaborators who bring genuine passion to the table.

They were someone else’s taste in a glossy package, and by reading them, you were participating in that world. But when the internet exploded, so did the way we express taste. Enter the creator economy, where suddenly, we weren’t just consuming—we were broadcasting our own taste. But somewhere along the line, we lost ourselves, chasing reach over authenticity. Brands caught on too, shifting from influencer hype to real-life connections and true fans.

Right now, we’re at a turning point. The creator space is overcrowded, and the old “more is better” mentality—more followers, more likes, more content—isn’t cutting it anymore. The game has changed. It’s no longer about how many people follow you; it’s about how many of them genuinely connect with you. A smaller, engaged community beats a massive, disinterested audience every time. This is why personal newsletters and private podcasts are thriving—people crave real connections. Platforms like DISCORD and GENEVA, which foster community communication, are booming for the same reason.

Why Your Taste Is Your Greatest Asset

We’ve evolved from craftspeople to creators, and now, we’re becoming curators. So what does this mean for you as a creative entrepreneur? To become a Tastemaker, you need to be a true original, driven by curiosity, disciplined in your reflection, and creative enough to make it all your own.

My Three-Step Framework for Becoming a Tastemaker:

STEP 1: NOTICING

We’re always looking, but are we really seeing? Curiosity is your greatest ally as a creative. Improving the quality of what you take in directly impacts what you put out. The world has become over-optimized—Pinterest, while amazing, has led us all to draw from the same sources, creating a wave of “blanding” where everything looks the same. To break free, start with your research. Before you dive into design, take time to truly explore.

Actionable Tips for Noticing:

- Pay More Attention: “Attention is the beginning of devotion.” Start your day with a walk, leave your phone at home, and let your senses soak up the world around you. Design inspiration is everywhere, from the color of a backpack to the fruit sticker at the store. Train your brain by setting small goals—notice everything blue or green today, for instance. It’s like meditation: it only works if you practice.

  - Be More You: Finding your taste is an exercise in identity. Stop looking to others for validation. Lean into who you are. When I first started my brand, I was anxious about how I’d be perceived. But over time, I embraced my uniqueness, and that’s exactly what my clients love about my work today. 

- Collect: Sometimes, we’re so focused on sharing our taste on social media that we forget to nurture it. Tools like MY MIND, Arena, and Cosmos are perfect for private collecting—no judgment, just you and what resonates with you. Start a folder on your phone for interesting colors you see in the world. This is your treasure chest for future inspiration.

STEP 2: REFLECTING

Now that you’ve gathered your inspiration, it’s time to reflect. This is where you process everything and make it your own. Create space in your schedule for this—whether it’s a morning walk or dedicated playtime. The internet is constantly shouting at us, so it’s crucial to find quiet moments to think deeply.

Actionable Tips for Reflecting:

- Create Space to Ponder: The constant noise of the internet makes us crave quick dopamine hits instead of deep thought. Dedicate time each week to just think or experiment. It’s vital to allow yourself this freedom.

- Embrace Play: True experimentation happens when you create without expectations. In my work, I love blending unexpected elements—like pairing brutalist typography with a feminine serif. It’s this kind of playful experimentation that leads to something new and exciting.

STEP 3: EXPRESSING

Now it’s time to express yourself as a Tastemaker. You’ve noticed, you’ve reflected, and now you’re ready to put it all out there. The best part? You’re coming from an authentic place, driven by what genuinely brings you joy.

Actionable Tips for Expressing:

- Express Yourself Authentically: Stop seeking external validation and start trusting your internal voice. To develop your point of view, you need to figure out who you are and listen to yourself.

- Lean into Your Uniqueness: Vulnerability is key to real connection. Embrace your quirks and insecurities—they’re what make you stand out in a crowded space.

Finding your taste and authentic voice is like discovering a superpower. It gives you the confidence to show up, be visible, and truly connect with others. Following this framework—Noticing, Reflecting, Expressing—won’t just make you a better designer or creative; it’ll enrich your entire life. If you’re interested in going deeper, I’ll be offering limited 1:1 Tastemaking sessions where we’ll work together to define your taste. Think of it as creative therapy for your point of view.

And if you’re curious about what makes me tick, sign up for my newsletter, TASTY. It’s a collection of what inspires me, from fashion to tech, and everything in between.

Ready to curate a life you’re obsessed with? Let’s connect and make it happen.

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