A Columbus woman who shows the world how to find food in backyards has been named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential creators of 2025.
Alexis Nikole Nelson — or as her millions of social media followers know her, the “Black Forager,” was named among the Time100 Creators of the year. The Franklinton resident joins prominent names on the list, including Kai Cenat, Olivia Dunne, Joe Rogan and Jimmy Donaldson, also known as Mr. Beast.
The Time100 Creators list was launched this year “in recognition of how significantly these individuals are changing the way people inform themselves,” according to Time.
Nelson enjoys 4.5 million followers on TikTok, two million on Instagram and nearly 100,000 on YouTube. The Time100 list named her a “catalyst” for her impact on social media.
On Instagram, Nelson wrote that “getting to make a living teaching, snacking, frolicking, learning, and advocating for our planet… it’s a dream I never thought was possible.”
“It really gave me a moment to pause and recognize how much I have to be grateful for,” Nelson said.
In 2021, Nelson left her day job to work full-time on her social media accounts.
That paid off. In 2022, Nelson took home a James Beard Media Award for best social media account and has her first cookbook on the horizon.
Nelson recently joined other Columbus residents in testifying before City Council in support of the city allowing pollinator gardens. Nelson was among the residents who said that they’ve been hit with code violations for growing native plant gardens instead of grass on their lawns.
After the hearing, Nelson filmed a video with Councilmember Christopher Wyche for social media to encourage Columbus residents to weigh in on the proposed legislation.
Cole Behrens covers K-12 education and school districts in central Ohio. Have a tip? Contact Cole at cbehrens@dispatch.com or connect with him on X at @Colebehr_report
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus TikTok star ‘Black Forager’ named to 2025 ‘Time’ 100 influential creators list
Reporting by Cole Behrens, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
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