1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

 I’m Sunita Yousuf, founder of The Wannabe Cook, a brand rooted in mindful cooking, whole spices, and storytelling. I grew up in Bangladesh and moved to the U.S. for college, where I first experienced living—and eating—on my own. What began as simple cooking in my dorm slowly became a way to reconnect with home and create comfort. Writing came naturally from that process, as I wanted to capture the emotions, memories, and stories behind food. Alongside this, I work as a Senior Product Manager at Retail Industry, where I turn complex ideas into meaningful experiences.

2) What inspired you to write your book?

 The inspiration came from a very personal place—homesickness and the loneliness of eating alone when living independently. Cooking became my way to rebuild that sense of warmth and belonging. Over time, I realized many people go through the same transition but aren’t taught basic life skills like cooking. That gap pushed me to create something simple, approachable, and meaningful. The book became a way to guide others through that same journey, using food as a starting point for connection and self-care.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

 At its core, the message is about slowing down and reconnecting with life through simple, everyday acts like cooking. In a fast, overstimulated world, we often lose touch with basic human experiences. I want readers to see cooking not just as a task, but as something grounding, creative, and even therapeutic. It’s about finding comfort in the process, not perfection in the outcome. Ultimately, I hope people walk away feeling more connected—to themselves, their roots, and others.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

 I was drawn to this blend of cooking and wellness because it reflects real life—it’s not just about recipes, but about how we live. Food holds memory, identity, and emotion, and I wanted to explore that deeper layer. This genre allows me to combine storytelling, culture, and practical guidance in one space. It also felt necessary, because most content focuses on either food or wellness separately, not how they intersect. For me, this genre felt the most honest and meaningful.

5) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

 Instagram has been the most impactful platform for building my readership. It allows me to share not just recipes, but the feeling and story behind them through visuals and short narratives. The interactive nature helps create a sense of community rather than just an audience. People engage, share their own experiences, and even contribute ideas, which aligns with the spirit of The Wannabe Cook. It’s less about growth metrics and more about genuine connection.

6) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

 Start before you feel ready, and don’t wait for everything to be perfect. Your perspective and story are valuable even in their early form. Focus on authenticity rather than trying to fit into a certain mold or trend. It also helps to think about the experience you want to create for your reader, not just the content itself. Most importantly, stay consistent—small, steady effort builds something meaningful over time.

7) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

 I’m continuing to expand The Wannabe Cook into a larger ecosystem that blends cooking, wellness, and community. There are plans to create more digital content, including recipe collections and guided challenges. I’m also exploring ways to bring this experience into physical products and shared spaces. Future books will likely dive deeper into storytelling and the emotional side of food. Overall, the goal is to keep building something that helps people slow down and reconnect in simple, lasting ways.

https://www.instagram.com/sunita_yousuf