Today we’d like to introduce you to Fariyal Knight.
Hi Fariyal, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
During COVID, I had lost my architecture job due to cuts in construction funding in the school projects that I was managing. I needed to keep myself busy somehow, and I was cooking a lot more than I was before as I had more free time. This gave me the idea to start a YouTube channel, to not only occupy my time but learn a new skill in filming and editing videos. Visual imagery and a mix of teaching things has always been an interest of mine, and cooking/baking brought that together.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all. I struggled with my confidence, being able to hear myself speak on camera, or even to see myself. I can even say I suffered through a bout of depression because I didn’t know how to overcome that. But I motivated myself and kept going. Filming videos almost daily of whatever I was cooking that day, and eventually got more comfortable with myself. Not just with self, but filming and editing cooking videos, and doing voiceovers was not an easy road, lots of new things to learn and hone on.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have worked in the architecture field for about 20 years now. From junior designer to now as a project manager, I’ve gone through many phases of my career. I’m a project manager that oversees and leads the New York City school construction authority projects at the company I work in. I have the honor of working with really intellectual individuals and learn from everyone. Architecture was not what I originally wanted to do, but I can say it has shaped me into a deeply analyzing individual, and I’m grateful for that.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Being kind, and sharing love through whichever avenue it can be accepted by others.
Kindness goes a long way and makes people feel appreciated. And I love to share that with others, and myself too.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://whatscookingwithfariyal.kit.com/products/whats-cooking-e-cookbook
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatscookingwithfariyal?igsh=YTIzc2lldmtqbnBv
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatscookingwithfariyal
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@whatscookingwithfariyal?si=KQ7XAcBM4KT07Lj4
