You might recognize Anne Chung as the lady behind , an Instagram page with more than 15,000 followers.
Before she gained thousands of fans, the lifelong Hilo resident built a career in education. She attended the , where her academic journey helped to connect her to the community she now showcases online.
Chung originally studied psychology, but realized the major was not a good fit. After encouragement from her classmates, she switched majors and eventually earned a bachelor degree in Japanese in 1992 and a certificate in secondary education in 1993.
Launching a career in education
Her time at UH Hilo proved formative. Chung credits the university with allowing her to build relationships as a student teacher at a local high school, connections which would anchor her professional career.
“I¡¯m so grateful that Hilo accepted me as a student,” said Chung. “The people here really helped me find my way. It turned out to be the right path for me.”
Chung spent 16 years as a high school teacher before transitioning to higher education. She eventually became an assistant professor in business technology at , where she was recognized as the Â鶹´«Ã½ Business Education Association Educator of the Year in 2015.
Living Hilo Style
Chung started her social media account Living Hilo Style to share what she loved about her hometown. After retiring, the account morphed into a cooking channel that showcased local ingredients and local recipes. The content resonated with people, leading to partnerships with longtime community institutions, such as Suisan Fish Market, K¡¯s Drive-In and KTA Super Stores.
She credits her following to authenticity and relatability, qualities she says are integral to Hilo itself.
“You¡¯re going to find that you¡¯re dealing with friends and family, so it keeps things authentic. It makes people feel a sense of belonging.”