#sparkchamber 052421 — Tomi Makanjuola
Anyone hungry today? Today’s #sparkchamber visitor, chef and content creator Tomi Makanjuola, has you covered. Born and raised in Nigeria but currently living in the UK, “food and writing have been my main loves for as long as I can remember.” In 2013, shortly after embracing the vegan lifestyle, she started her blog, The Vegan Nigerian, with heaps of delicious and easy plant-based recipes and weekly cooking videos. In 2018, she published the Plantain Cookbook, a bright and beautiful offering, bursting with delicious and innovative plantain-infused recipes, including options for breakfast, main meals, snacks, desserts, and baked goods.
Tomi’s focus now centers on educating people about Nigerian cuisine and making the vegan lifestyle accessible. She offers workshops, catering, recipe development, pop-up events, and more. Follow along on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Enjoy!!
1.] Where do ideas come from?
From within; from divine inspiration; from observation and analysis
2.] What is the itch you are scratching?
I am driven by the need to express myself, create memories and bring joy to those who need it
3.] Early bird or night owl? Tortoise or hare?
I used to work in a very free-flowing way. Now, I add some structure to that free-flow so that I can work efficiently, effectually, and purposefully. I have the perfect, most energising morning routine for someone who isn't a morning person at all. I begin by listening to an informative podcast first thing in the morning while still lying in bed. It helps my brain wake up as I listen and absorb the inspiring ideas of the podcast. Then I meditate anywhere between 10-30 minutes. This is followed by 30 minutes of dancing along to my favourite playlists. I'm not precise with my movements or dancing style — just whatever I feel like doing. Then it’s shower, breakfast, email checks, and an uninterrupted chunk of time spent “working” on the tasks of the day. No two days are the same work-wise. My evenings are always free to spend time with family and chill out.
4.] How do you know when you are done?
I have set targets each day and work freely within those targets. Once I’ve hit them all and done something to push the needle forward in each target area, I’m done.
