We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Khadijah Forman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Khadijah below.
Khadijah, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?
I credit that quality with watching how my mom and older sisters interacted with me and the world. My mother was the type of person to give you the last of what she had, provided my sisters and I were already taken care of, and I get it. My sisters have spoiled me throughout my entire life and for that I’ve been blessed. I have the mentality of, “if I’ve got it, you’ve got it.” I know what it’s like to go without some things you may need and some things you may want, so if there’s ever a time when I can meet that need for someone else, I will.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I love cooking, I’ve always loved cooking. I started at a young age after my sister got tired of making me ramen everyday. I used to watch my mom cook and absorbed what she did and then furthered my knowledge through watching cooking shows, looking up recipes, and experimenting with new flavors. I was lucky to have many friends who shared knowledge of their cultural foods. Feeding people is my love language, and after many years of hearing people insist, I started my own brand to sell my food. There’s love and humor in every bite. Namesake’s came about after considering what this journey has meant to me. I was named after my mother, and my mother was who taught me the foundations of cooking. Her name is my name. My legacy is her legacy. I am her namesake.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I think my love of cooking, patience, and curiosity were the most impactful to my journey. It’s important to know, or at least believe this is where you want your journey to go, and stay curious for the next step in that journey. Always wonder what will help you improve your skills or brand or enjoyment of your passion. And have patience with the process and yourself. Maybe a recipe won’t go the way you expected, or you’re not able to recreate something you made well in the past. Or maybe it doesn’t get the rave reviews you were hoping for. Learn to sit with that potential disappointment and then ask yourself what you can do differently to get those different results you want. Also, try to love what you do. It’s not always possible to pursue your passion, but if you can, give it your all. And enjoy each step of the journey.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I’m overwhelmed, I read, sing, or dance it out. Sometimes all three. All of those activities ground me and allow for me to clear my head enough to focus on whatever initially overwhelmed me and solve it. I’m also big on talking out the feelings, as sometimes that’s enough for me to purge the overwhelming feelings. Or sometimes I’m given a different perspective that takes the pressure off. Find what makes you happy or calm (provided it won’t cause harm to you or anyone else) and use it when the world feels like a bit much.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/namesakes_kitchen
Image Credits
Nick Forman
