Travel reforms me every single time as it’s the most unpredictable journey of self-exploration one can have. I have learned to accept people for who they are and not to judge. It has opened and pushed my horizons and boundaries in ways even I never expected.
1. Tell us more about your page CuptaleswithSafia and your journey. How did you come up with this idea and go about executing it?
Cuptales, as the name suggests, popped up over a cup of tea, which is my ‘Me Time’ Where I have a zillion ideas running through my head. It started with creating an aesthetically pleasing feed, putting my love for photography to use.
I consider social media as a Ticket to virtually explore and traverse through any part of the world. Being an ardent explorer, I wanted to impart the knowledge of the existence of places, cuisines, and culture in whatever little ways I can. Instagram helped me do just that.
2. Being an avid traveller, what does travel feel like to you?
Travelling makes me feel liberated like a human with wings. It makes me realise how minute our existence is. There is so much more than what meets the eye. The lessons we learn while on a journey are our teachers. We accept and embrace them no matter what shape or size, later calling them the experiences of a lifetime.
Travel reforms me every single time as it’s the most unpredictable journey of self-exploration one can have. I have learned to accept people for who they are and not to judge. It has opened and pushed my horizons and boundaries in ways even I never expected.
3. What has been your biggest challenge that you have faced, and how did you overcome that?
In this journey of Cuptales, I decided to venture out into a small home-based bakery putting my passion for baking to work. After months of market research, purchasing all that was necessary, and finally reaching people, there was an excessive amount of documentation required.
Hard truth hit me, I wasn’t able to manage it all by myself unless I aim for small quantities. This was a significant setback as I misjudged my parameters. Though I had to call it quits, this wasn’t the end. I realised what I possibly can and cannot do is an individual with no outside help.
I decided to invest my time in other things I love, Like writing and content creation. Today, I am more than happy to be a part of a few projects, and it is recognised in little ways. Indeed, when one door closes, another opens. Just follow your gut and go for it. Rest is all an experience, good or bad.
4. Is there a dish you particularly associate yourself with?
Yes! It has to be my Strawberry Cheesecake. A cake that made me realise, Girl! You can bake! I held one of my first bake sales years ago, where I had baked 6 cheesecakes and hundreds of cupcakes.
When girls came back for repeated rounds of the same cheesecake, it was probably the most overwhelming feeling that I can never pen down. I always try to be my critic. That day, this dish surpassed expectations and feedback I had ever given myself.
5. Can cooking be learned in Culinary schools, or natural talent is required?
Like any other field, cooking requires passion or at least a love for food and exploring cuisines. It definitely can be learned at culinary schools but depends entirely on you.
Suppose you enjoy and relish the experience of creating a taste or experimenting with the ingredients, no matter how the result turns out. In that case, you always have the scope for learning and improvising. You have an example right here, writing this!
6. How can one overcome a hurdle of lack of funds when starting up?
Like any other field exploring, be it in terms of travel or food, requires money. Saving up for a smooth start is the only way out. Or students can even enrol in student exchange programs which gives them an insight or peek into the outside world during their early years.
Now, From where do we save? We often neglect or oversee the beauty and variety of things around us right where we are. We always think big, to start big. But if funding could be an obstacle, why not embrace and look for opportunities in our roots and surroundings.
Culture exists everywhere, and it’s an advantage being it’s different every few miles you travel. Let’s put on those creative hats! Think out of the box and work on getting our content recognised. Fortunately, we are in an era where there is no lack of platforms to showcase our work. Social media and channels act as a boon with minimal or no expenditure.
7. What is your idea of success or your mantra in life?
For me, happiness and success are the two faces of the same coin. Success only lasts for a short while, but if it is a job that gives you happiness and satisfaction, then it is a success that will recur.
My mantra in life is very much aligned with the same thought. I want to share all that I come across and experience travelling and food with the world. One day hopefully, with a magazine of my own!
Safia Mansoor
Blogger | Food | Travel
Instagram - @cuptaleswithsafia
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