Today we’d like to introduce you to Farrah Jalanbo.
Farrah, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Although Spiced Nice only launched early 2019, its true beginnings started in the kitchen almost two decades ago. As a young child, I always had a passion for food and the making of it. I was fascinated by how certain spices applied to certain tastes and specific dishes. I would watch my mother prepare something miraculous out of seemingly nothing, a mere two or three ingredients. The colors, the smell, the pure art of cooking has been enticing to me for as long as I can remember. This page of recipes and celebration of food and the culinary world is, to put it simply, my everything. It is who I am and nothing makes me more excited and happy.
For years and years now, I’ve been toying with the idea of starting my own food brand. Several friends, family, and community members requested that I create a way for them to access my recipes. At the time, I was working long hours with a tiring commute and knew I would not have the time to put my all into the page just yet, so I waited. Eventually, I quit my job and decided to pursue and dedicate the proper time and respect to what I love doing most – cooking. And so, Spiced Nice was born!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I can’t complain about my journey so far. I have received an immense amount of support from both the people I know and the ones I don’t. I have strangers constantly messaging me to let me know how much they appreciate and love my work, and for that I am constantly humbled and thankful. No matter how large your brand grows, I don’t think reading messages like that ever gets old. Knowing that what you love to do is reaching and helping other people through a vessel you created is the best feeling you can get — that’s just not a feeling you ever take for granted.
Please tell us about Spiced Nice.
Spiced Nice (@spiced.nice on Instagram) is a food page where I showcase my own recipes, food photography, and step by step cooking videos. I am a recipe developer, food photographer, and food blogger. My specialty is Middle Eastern food, although I explore different cuisines every day and offer a large variety of types of food. I aim to create different recipes that appeal to several different groups. I post several Keto recipes, low carb, gluten-free, Weight Watchers friendly recipes, vegetarian, vegan, and of course some meaty, carby, cheesy, not so healthy ones as well! I care a lot about making Spiced Nice a one-stop place for everyone. There is always something for everyone on this page.
To ensure this, I regularly open up my direct messages to recipe requests from my followers. I receive several requests pertaining to dietary restrictions and personal favorite dishes. I always aim to create recipes I know my followers want to see. Another important factor I uphold is to create recipes for different levels of difficulty. In general, I simplify all my recipes so people are not intimidated by them; however, I do have a range of very beginner recipes and the basics of cooking to traditional, complex but delicious dishes!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t believe much in luck when it comes to my business. Everything I have achieved thus far is due to endless hours of tiring work. I bought a great camera and became obsessed with learning photography and Photoshop. I wanted to make sure I had all the proper skills necessary to thrive as a food brand. Everyday is a new opportunity to put myself and my brand out there in a new way and to reach new people. I guess you can say the factor of luck in this all is who recognizes your work and who happens to be looking when you’re out there grinding.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/spiced.nice
- Facebook: facebook.com/spiced.nice
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