Welcome to our “Get to Know” series! Each Tuesday (for the next year), we’re going to introduce you to a creator in the wellness space that we think you NEED to know. The creators we feature are of various backgrounds. Whether they’re an online content creator, coach, or owner of a product-based brand, they each have their own niche in the wellness world and contribute to the space, as a whole, in an incredibly meaningful way. We’re setting this up Q&A-style so that you can learn more about each creator’s why, the content that they’re most proud of, and exactly how you can be a part of and contribute to their journey. We hope you enjoy our conversations with these wonderful people and brands. We know they’re going to enrich your lives!
This week, we’re interviewing Shayma Saadat of Spice Spoon. Shayma says, “My mission is to inspire people to cook, using aromatic spices (no boxed mixes!), whole foods (no processed food!), and local produce (food security matters!).” Follow along as we learn more about Shayma:
Why did you start your business?
Shayma: I created my brand, The Spice Spoon, when I moved to Toronto, Canada from Rome, Italy, in 2009. I wanted to create content that was a reflection of my heritage (Pakistani, Afghan, Persian), and share relatable recipes. My goal was to create content that was beautiful, accessible, easy to understand, and make people want to get in the kitchen and cook! Today, I create content for famous brands (as a food stylist, photographer, and recipe developer) and beloved clients all over the world. There is no 60-second elevator story these days; as someone who runs a brand, I have several income streams, which also involves teaching post-graduate courses at college, writing for various food-related publications, and teaching my culinary Masterclasses on Zoom (I hope you will sign up for some!).
What’s your mission/purpose statement?
Shayma: My mission is to inspire people to cook, using aromatic spices (no boxed mixes!), whole foods (no processed food!), and local produce (food security matters!). As a WoC, telling the stories that surround food is also a way to advocate for myself and my heritage –– because to me, food is about culture and identity.
What 2 (or 3!) pieces of content are you the proudest of?
Shayma: I developed this recipe for Bon Appetit Magazine for my Pakistani-style potato patties, which we call Aloo Tikki in Urdu; they are crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and you will love them!
And my Biryani, which I teach people all over the world to make, thanks to the magic of Zoom. Here’s a photo: you can sign up for my next Masterclass on October 7th!
Where are you going next? What’s your goal for the next year?
Shayma: My goal for the next year is to update my website, so you can find recipes in one click, and download pamphlets of the recipes you love and can’t be bothered to search on the site for! I am also continuing my Zoom Masterclasses, with loads more menus for vegetarians. Stay tuned!
How can we (and the Fed and Fit community) best support you?
Shayma: I would be SO grateful for a follow on Instagram, and here you can find my upcoming events. Thank you!
