Downtown Phoenix is known for its vibrant food scene, bustling events, and rich culture — and Brielle Bethune is making sure no one misses a moment. As the founder of @azfomo on Instagram and the owner of FOMO Relations Marketing, Bethune has carved out a niche in Arizona’s influencer and social media landscape, connecting locals and visitors alike to the best the state has to offer.

Bethune’s journey began years ago with a mix of fashion, fitness, and lifestyle content, but she eventually pivoted to sharing local experiences, food, drinks, and events.

“I would hear people say ‘Arizona is so boring,’ or ‘there’s nothing to do,’ which shocked me since I’ve always felt like there’s so much happening here. You just need to know where to look,” Bethune, social media marketer and influencer said. “That’s where AZFOMO (AZ) (Fear Of Missing Out) came from… I wanted to help people discover things to do, places to eat and experiences they might not have known about.” 

Sharing Arizona’s hidden gems

With her passion rooted in community, she’s especially driven by the opportunity to spotlight local businesses and help them grow. That commitment inspired her to launch FOMO Relations Marketing, where she offers monthly social media management to help small businesses build a consistent online presence. While AZFOMO draws customers in, her marketing agency works behind the scenes to strengthen each brand’s digital footprint. She’s found that many business owners simply don’t have the time or expertise for social media, and outsourcing it allows them to focus on the parts of their business they love most.

Bethune describes the early days of her pivot to experience-based content as eye-opening. Her first posts focusing on restaurants and events drew attention, creating a space where followers could find curated suggestions and authentic reviews. Over time, AZFOMO became a trusted resource for discovering new places and experiences, and Bethune has relished the connections that come from sharing her recommendations.

“My favorite thing is honestly the new experiences I get to have. AZFOMO has pushed me out of my comfort zone and introduced me to so many amazing people and places,” Bethune said. “I will always support entrepreneurs putting themselves out there, taking the risk to do what they love and to offer something unique to the community.”

Personal growth behind the platform

Some of the most rewarding moments come when people recognize her in public and share that they’ve discovered a place because of AZFOMO. Seeing her content inspire new experiences—and even boost business for local spots—makes the long hours of filming, editing, and strategizing feel worthwhile. It’s both a creative outlet and a way to make a real impact in her community.

“I’ve learned that I really thrive when I’m creating connections between people, communities and businesses. Stepping into this space showed me how much I enjoy bringing visibility to things that deserve more attention,” Bethune shared. “It’s also been beneficial in a way that I’m gaining confidence, discovering more about who I am as a person and growing into the person I want to be.”

Despite her outgoing online presence, Bethune admits she’s naturally introverted. “I’ve been trying to put myself out there more to network and meet more people but I’m secretly a little shy,” Bethune said. “I also have a furbaby, my dog, who’s basically my best friend. He keeps me grounded and is a part of my adventures behind the scenes.”

Looking ahead

The goal is to continue growing AZFOMO. In the short term, she hopes to expand her collaborations with brands and continue growing her community. Long-term, she envisions hosting events that bring people together. 

“With AZFOMO I get to connect people with experiences, and with FOMO Relations I get to help business owners behind the scenes by running their social media—the two go hand in hand,” Bethune said.

Through her blend of creativity, community focus, and digital expertise, Bethune has transformed what began as a passion project into an influential hub for discovering Arizona’s best food, drink, and events. 

“I just want to say how grateful I am for the community that’s formed around AZFOMO. Whether it’s trying out a new restaurant, checking out a festival, or going to a pop-up event, I love that people trust me to guide them to the best experiences Arizona has to offer,” Bethune said. “That’s not going to stop anytime soon!”

Her work proves that with authenticity and dedication, a social media platform can not only entertain but also connect people and strengthen local communities—one post at a time.

For more information follow Brielle Bethune on Instagram @azfomo.