Verda
“Negativity is something that exists all around us, but it doesn’t have to encompass us.”
Her creativity and positive outlook guide her every move. She seeks inspiration from her surroundings and never lets an opportunity pass her by. Even though life hasn’t always gone to plan, she’s learned that success comes from doing what makes you happy. Meet Verda. This is her story.
Verda with her husband (her “pretty darn happy” place)
P: Please tell us about yourself!
V: Hi, My name is Verda, I am 28 years old, married to a wonderful man named Irfan who loves me unconditionally, and furmama to 2 kitties named Blue and Frankie.
P: Describe or define yourself in your own words.
V: I am a person who was put on this earth to bring joy to others through the food I create. I am a lover of tasty things and I don't bother trying to eat or create things that don't taste good. To me, life is too short to spend eating things you don't like. Take this with a grain of salt, if you hate veggies this is not your sign from the universe telling you not to eat them. This is your sign to find ways to enjoy them! Look for recipes for particular ingredients you don't usually use; I use Pinterest for a lot of base/inspiration recipes and work my way from there.
I am an empath, I'm here to love and be loved; I like to please people but not at the expense of my own happiness. I am an inspired soul; I roam around different stores and neighbourhoods and markets for no real reason other than to see things. This brings me inspiration in the wildest ways - the colour of a market spread could trigger the recipe for dinner; the vibe of the neighbourhood could inspire a cake I want to attempt…the list goes on.
Growing up, I thought creative meant artistic and I wouldn't have used the word to describe myself, however, I have grown in more ways than one and would 100% use the word creative to describe me. Creative, loving, caring, foodie, funny, outgoing, friendly, smart, kind, athletic (to an extent haha)…all words I would use to describe myself. I’ve spent the better part of my life so far thinking that I couldn't be the one to describe myself in such a positive light, but after living and learning I've decided that I get to describe myself exactly how I feel about me!
P: What is your favourite thing about yourself?
V: My favourite thing about myself is my ability to stay positive. I am not easily influenced into a negative mood. I am generally a happy person and bring that happiness to others around me! I like to find the positive in things, people, situations — looking on the bright side is something I truly believe in. Negativity is something that exists all around us, but it doesn't have to encompass us.
P: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that has defined you or made you stronger?
V: When I was in Grade 12 applying for University, I was applying to pre vet programs- zoology and animal sciences; I had wanted to be a Vet since I was 10 years old. A month before applications were due, I found out I was failing Grade 12 Advanced Chemistry. I thought to myself, "How is this possible? I got a 92 in Grade 11, I was right on track to take Grade 12 and do well.” Turns out just because you are doing well in one class, doesn't mean you will automatically do well the next year. This led me to stressing a lot about what I could do to get my grade up but also what I was going to do if I couldn't. When I got stressed, I baked…and so began the dozens and dozens of muffins, cookies, cupcakes, you name it.
One night when I was talking to a friend on the phone she said, "Why don't you go to school for baking?" And I thought — uh…1 that is very different from becoming a vet and 2 I didn't even realize that you could go to school for that! I had been so laser focused on one career option, I forgot that the world had countless opportunities to explore. I ended up applying to and later going to George Brown for Baking and Pastry Arts, I graduated two years later and then decided I wasn't finished with my education. I then went on to do my B comm in Hotel and Food Administration at the University of Guelph (which is where I wanted to go to school to become a vet anyway!). Life has a funny way of working itself out; you just can't give up. From those two degrees I have worked in multiple sectors of hospitality and they have by far been the best decisions I have taken for myself. I’ve made so many connections through each job and every single one taught me life skills that I carry to the next.
P: What is one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?
V: Stop caring so much about what other people will think or say. At the end of the day you have to do what feels right to you. You make your own decisions - be strong enough, be brave enough to take your risks and reap the rewards. Also, I wish I had learned how to love my body earlier in life, I love her now, I just wish I loved her this much when I was younger.
P: What does being a woman mean to you?
V: Being a woman means being the best to me. We can do anything men can do (and most times, better). But along with doing all the things, we see, feel and experience all the things in such a heightened manner.
I feel blessed and extremely grateful to be a Woman. I love everything about it - our brains, our bodies, our ability to take on the world, our ability to create life, to withstand and persevere through the emotional, mental and physical pains that come with being a woman.
I feel that I was born in the right body, the one meant for me; I'm still learning to love her as much as she loves me, but that's my ongoing journey through life.
P: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to her if she were here now?
V: My grandmother is my biggest inspiration, she was by my side every single step of the way.
I lost her last summer and my world hasn't been the same since. If she were right here beside me, I would ask her if she wanted a cup of tea and ask her if she would tell me more stories about her life. I sourced my inspiration from everything she didn't get to do as a young woman and I channel that into everything I get to do, and everything I dream my daughter gets to do.
I don't feel that I have much left to say to my grandmother because I got to spend most of my life so far with her; I would just tell her how much I love and appreciate her for being such a big part of my life.