Polly Markus leads a multifaceted life, known to some as a prolific Auckland real estate agent and to 50k Instagram followers as Miss Polly’s Kitchen. Her day job sees her operate as a specialist office leasing agent for Bayleys, while her ‘side hustle’, sharing recipes via social media, has turned into a legit business - with her first cookbook released in August.
She launched the food focused Instagram account during Auckland’s first lockdown in 2020, quickly growing a following of those who loved her recipes that were light, easy and colourful (she knows her stuff: she worked briefly as a chef on a European superyacht in her 20s). But mostly it was a certain effortlessness that appealed - her book PR says that she has “only a few rules when it comes to cooking”, and that includes having fun, making enough for leftovers, and flavour.
Needless to say, Polly’s life was changed significantly by reaching a large audience via social media - so I wanted to hear more about her own relationship with all things online.
What’s your earliest internet memory?
The sound of a dial up connection.
What sites do you visit regularly/daily? And do you visit them directly or via other means (i.e. an app, links through Twitter, etc.)?
Instagram, Safari – I look on various websites daily – various news sites. LinkedIn.
The last story/link you shared (and where did you share it)?
Going to Movida for dinner, and I shared it on Instagram.
How many group chats are you in? What’s the name of the most active or the funniest?
I am currently in about seven active chat groups. My family one is definitely the most active, led by my mother who has a new fond infatuation with memes and sends new ones through daily with a whole lot of cry laughing emoji.
My Bayleys work chat has some rather good banter from time to time (mostly full of lads chat, but it’s entertaining).
Have you ever had a blog?
I once purchased the domain name whatpollyate.com to start a blog, I thought about it a lot but writing isn’t my strong point, so it never went anywhere. I think that’s why Instagram worked better for me.
Social media gets a lot of bad press. What do you love about it? What do you dislike?
I love the fact I can share my recipes through social media and connect with so many people. On a personal level to see what my friends and family around the globe are doing.
I dislike how sometimes it’s hard not to compare yourself to what others are doing “better” and think we all need to remind ourselves that what people share is generally the best bits not the bad and the in-betweens.
What’s your approach to Instagram?
Like my cooking I like to try and have a little fun with it all and not be too serious. I have always mostly kept my MPK Instagram for cooking related things only, I sometimes think it’s time for me to change things up on Instagram and start doing more reels… watch this space.
Are you on TikTok? What’s on your FYP?
I made one a while ago but I must admit I am not active on it and most probably need to start driving it a bit harder. I think if I don’t get on board soon, I’ll get left behind. I’ll add this to my to-do list.
What was the last TikTok video you liked or shared?
The one and only video I have ever shared was a 10 minute spicy peanut noodle dish.
Do you use Twitter?
I occasionally will read tweets from the odd generally famous person. I just never got into it.
What’s your relationship with Facebook?
I use Messenger a lot but don’t go on Facebook all that much, I would say once every couple of weeks I might have a quick scroll through.
Have you ever made a meme or had a proud viral moment?
Never made a meme but God I love them. I definitely wouldn’t say it was viral, but I made tiramisu with hot cross buns and then went rather wild on my Instagram for a few days.
Are you interested in the Metaverse?
Yes.
What about NFTs?
I was discussing this the other day – I am going through the process of setting up my account (but I still don’t really understand how it all works).
What is your phone?
iPhone 13 Max pro.
Please share a screenshot of your phone’s home screen:
Your most used emojis?
The red heart, closely followed by the laughing face
Your YouTube go-to?
Don’t go on it that often, unless I’m with my nephew, then it’s trucks.
Your favourite or most-played Spotify playlist?
Miss Polly’s Kitchen – needs an update though.
What’s the best streaming service?
You might find this odd but I’m not up with the play on streaming – my most used streaming app would have to be Netflix, I love Chef's Table. I also am Peaky Blinders obsessed! I think their selection of movies could be better.
Podcasts! There are so many of them. Tell me your thoughts, and favourites… and where and how you listen to them.
I listen to all podcasts on Spotify. Lately I’ve been listening to The Curve, I love it because it’s informative but also easy to listen to. It's also two of my friends chatting so I guess I feel more connected to them. I don't listen to enough podcasts, so any recommendations, please send them my way.
Newsletters are the future, apparently. How many do you subscribe to? And how many do you pay for?
I don’t pay for any. I have about 10 weekly newsletters that I take time to actually look over properly - there must be about 40-50 different newsletters that go to my clutter box. Unless the subject line grabs me, I often delete them.
Do you game?
No.
How do you shop online? Do you have favourite sites and/or apps?
Net-a-Porter has a great app; even better when things are on sale. I shop online a lot with an Australian brand Sir the Label. I don’t have many shopping apps – I just go through various websites, ideally that have an easy return policies.
How many emails do you typically receive in a day?
80-120 (that comes from three different addresses, Bayleys, Miss Polly’s and personal).
What’s your email sign off?
Cheers,
Poll
What was your screen time last week?
• Miss Polly's Kitchen: For the Love of Eating, by Polly Markus, $45, is out now. Published by Allen & Unwin
