“I owe my progress to my mum, I appreciate and celebrate her” – Ruqaiyyah Ahmad
Tell us a bit about yourself, your personality, and your background.
My name is Ruqaiyyah Ahmad Abdullahi, I am from the North, my dad is from Kano. I finished JSS 3 when we moved to Lagos, I studied Sociology at a Private University in the North.
How did you start your journey as a Food content creator?
I have always had a passion for cooking; my mum made me do chores and cook since I was 11. She would have me in the kitchen, and I helped by passing the salt, maggi, and the little things. She also did well correcting the little mistakes I made while at it. I express my feelings through cooking and cooking healed my heartbreak at some point. I remember cooking something one time and posting it on my WhatsApp status. My friend had said it looked so good and advised I open an official page, and I did. I realized people started liking and sharing, and that was it. All these started in 2019.
What’s Ruqs Eats secret recipe?
The secret is not adding too many spices to my food. I don’t know if it’s a thing, but I believe every meal made regardless of who makes it is already special. So I don’t go all out with spices and ingredients; I keep it simple.
What was the journey to 75k committed followers like?
It’s been crazy. From someone commenting and saying I love what you do to someone calling me a dumbass, this person commented and called me a dumbass. I asked the person why would you say that to me. This person said well, you don’t know what you are doing. Things are not done this way. For me, food is more like art, I try different styles and methods, and my kitchen is like my painting brush and board. Why judge me for being different? I believe in exploring, in not sticking to the conventional method. Some people are sweet, some are not; I have learned that if you keep listen to people, you won’t go anywhere.
What do you consider the challenging part of this journey?
That would be making a post or video and thinking it would get a certain number of views, but it doesn’t. That could be challenging and disappointing.
What is the most defining moment for you in this journey?
It had to be when YouTube reached out to me that I got a care package from them; it was unbelievable because I didn’t think I was doing so much. The little support from followers and friends also keeps me going. It lights up the passion more.
What is the best meal you’ve ever made?
There was this rice- I would say the rice was “rice-ing” because it tasted so good, lol.
Have you ever had some disapproval from friends or family?
No, not at all. My mum is my biggest fan.
What is your vision for your brand (Ruqs Eats) in the next 3-5 years?
It might sound crazy, but I want to have a restaurant in every state in Nigeria and even go international. I also see myself working with every prominent brand that I currently adore.
Is there any advice or recommendation you have for the audience?
Just do your thing, don’t listen to every noise. Nigerians have the tendency to just say things to get to you, just keep your focus. I am also shouting out to my mum- specially. She has always been there. I really appreciate her.
FUN FACTS
Would you rather have a fruit smoothie or a milkshake?
Milkshake. Who picks a fruit smoothie over a milkshake?
What is your favorite drink to have?
Mango juice. I love anything mango.
Being a bird or being a fish, which would you pick?
I love fish. Fish, it is.
Make a meal compulsory for the world.
Rice and beans. It has to be rice and beans.
If food were your spirit animal, what would yours be?
Again, rice. It has to be rice, lol.
What would you be doing if you weren’t doing Ruqs Eats?
I would be an ambassador, I am still on that part. Hopefully for my Masters degree, I get to study International Relations, I am getting there.
Keep up with Ruqaiyyah on Instagram @RuqsEats and get plugged into her content style.