Hey, there! My name is Mariam Said and I’m a Lexington, KY native with a love for all things food-related! Although I grew up in Lexington, I have middle eastern roots and take pride in all aspects of my family heritage (including the food, of course). I grew up watching my parents cook in the kitchen and it quickly turned into something we all did together as a family. I graduated from the University of Kentucky with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees focusing on strategic communication and social psychology, and combined my love for both content creation and cooking into a food blog on Instagram called “Hey, Look What I Cooked” (@heylookwhaticooked). When I’m not cooking and taking food photos, you can usually find me spending time with my huge family or taking on a new DIY project.
Q: How long have you lived/worked in Lexington?
My entire life!
Q: What led you to your current career and why do you love it?
I’ve always had a love for both content creation and food, and decided to combine both of them! I love it because it’s my outlet where I have free rein to be as creative as possible while showcasing my work as well as other local businesses.
Q: What would you like for people to know about your job/business?
It’s not just as simple as “food & photos.” It’s a way to bring people together. Cooking a meal together with someone, regardless of how nice it turns out, is an awesome way to bond and build stronger relationships. Also, once you get the hang of things, cooking can become a great way of relieving stress, and a way to take a break and recharge from everything around you.
Q: What or who has been your biggest inspiration?
I’d say my biggest inspiration is my grandma. My grandma gave birth to 9 boys (Yes, all boys). And, although she was small, she was STRONG. She worked hard to make sure everyone was always taken care of, loved her family unconditionally and, as a mother of 9, didn’t take BS from anyone. Enough said, in my opinion.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Lexington and what is your go-to item on the menu?
Okay this is a tough question for me because I like a lot of restaurants, but I think my favorite restaurant is Drake’s, or any one of the BHG restaurants. I’ve never tried something that I didn’t like there, but I’d say my go-to order is usually either sushi or something with buffalo chicken (You also can’t go wrong with the Lexingtonian salad)!
Q: If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Greece! It’s been on my bucket list for years now. 1) I want the food lol and 2) It just looks so beautiful.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Lexington?
Although Lexington is a “big city” in comparison to the other cities in KY, Lexington still has a very tight-knit, supportive community. There are a ton of local business supporters in the area, and just kind people overall. You could walk into just about any store and find someone to have a conversation with, if you really wanted to.
Q: Where do you take friends and family from out of town when they visit?
Raven Run or Natural Bridge if the weather is nice/if we have time, the Lexington Distillery District, and at least one local restaurant
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I’m not answering this question, not to cop-out, but because I don’t know! I know where I’d ~like~ to be, but I don’t even have an idea of what I’ll be doing in the next year, let alone in the next 5 years.
Q: If you could have lunch with any living person, who would it be?
Hilary Duff, only because she was my favorite actress as a child and I feel like it would be awesome to have a conversation with her.
Q: Where can we find you on your day off?
When I’m not working my full-time job or making food content, you can find me taking on a new DIY project. I’m currently into crochet — My goal is to one day be able to crochet a sweater.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To travel to Japan with my dad
Q: What is something that most people don’t know about you?
Twins run in my family. I’m a twin, my dad is a twin, my mom’s sisters are twins and my cousins are twins.
Q: What is a topic you wish you knew more about?
Finance
Q: What is your favorite movie or TV show & what are you currently binge-watching?
I’m currently not watching anything, but my favorite TV show is probably Friends. I also am a sucker for any early 2000s movies.
Q: What do you feel is an essential part of your daily or weekly routine that contributes to your overall well-being?
A routine sleeping schedule: Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, and getting at least 8 hours of sleep every night. It doesn’t always happen, because life does get in the way, but I find that I’m the best version of myself when I get into the habit of doing this!
Q: If you were cast in a movie, who would your co-star be?
Taylor Lautner
Q: Who is your go-to band or artist when you can’t decide on something to listen to?
John Mayer or Hozier
Q: If you could give advice to any group of people, what would it be?
Think of your current life decisions as an investment towards your future. Today’s difficult decision/choosing the more difficult option today can lead to an easier, happier future. In other words, if you have a certain life goal in mind, don’t let the thought of how difficult it’ll be to get there deter you from working towards that goal. The easy way isn’t always the better way.
