We had the good fortune of connecting with David White, Jr. and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi David, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my success and brand is authenticity. I focus on creating genuine connections with my audience by showcasing unique experiences, especially in food, travel, and culture, that resonate with people’s interests. Staying true to my voice, being consistent, and understanding what my community values has helped build trust and engagement. Collaboration with the right partners has also been crucial in expanding my reach while maintaining an authentic and creative approach.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What I’m most proud of is the way I’ve been able to blend my personal passions with my professional pursuits. From hosting events like cocktail classes to working on unique collaborations for Wu Wednesday, every project has been a true reflection of who I am and what I stand for. The Dropping Pin allows me to explore stories from diverse voices.
Getting to where I am today has been far from easy. It took a lot of hustle, learning, and evolving. Early on, I faced challenges like breaking into the food and beverage scene, finding the right collaborations, and navigating the competitive nature of social media. Overcoming these obstacles required patience, persistence, and the willingness to keep learning. I leaned heavily on my network, attended countless events to build relationships, and embraced a mindset of continuous growth.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that authenticity always wins. Staying true to myself has allowed me to form deeper connections with my audience, brands, and partners. I’ve learned that trusting the process, embracing failures as learning opportunities, and showing up consistently is key to success.
What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that it’s about more than just food or travel—it’s about creating experiences that connect people and highlight stories that might otherwise go untold. My journey is about merging culture, lifestyle, and community into everything I do. Whether I’m creating content, hosting events, or collaborating with brands, I want to inspire people to explore the world around them in new, meaningful ways.
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.
f my best friend was visiting Charleston for a week, I’d definitely curate a mix of local hotspots, hidden gems, and some of my favorite spots for food, drinks, and culture. Here’s how I’d set up the itinerary:
Smokin Rose Speakeasy for cigars and cocktails
King BBQ
Palmira BBQ
Bintu Atelier
Hannibal’s Kitchen
Bar On The Ave
Aaron’s Seafood
and so many more.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I also want to recognize the Charleston food and beverage community. Their openness and collaboration have been pivotal in my development as a content creator. Special thanks to family and friends and other local industry leaders who provided guidance and opportunities to explore new ideas.
Finally, a huge shoutout to Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity for instilling leadership, professionalism, and community-focused values that have helped shape my entrepreneurial mindset. Each of these connections has played a significant role in my growth, and I’m incredibly grateful.
Website: https://www.thedroppingpin.com
Instagram: @TheDroppingPin
Facebook: @TheDroppingPin