Interview with Recipe Content Creator and Author Renu Bhardwaj

Renu Bhardwaj is a dedicated content creator and influencer in the culinary space, focused on budget-friendly recipes to help families navigate the current food cost crisis. Renu has built a large, loyal following on Instagram where she regularly shares her delicious and nutritious recipes. 

Based in Scotland with her husband and two children, Renu’s passion is to share practical tips on reducing food waste and promoting sustainability. As an ambassador for Love Food Hate Waste, she actively advocates for mindful cooking and resourcefulness in the kitchen. 

Her culinary journey is deeply rooted in her childhood memories of her mother’s kitchen, filled with the rich aromas of homemade Indian dishes. Renu aims to create inclusive resources that celebrate cultural traditions, such as Diwali, making them accessible for families everywhere.

In addition to her recipe development, Renu has collaborated with BBC Scotland and visited 10 Downing Street to create engaging social media content. Her impactful work earned her the title of Scotland Influencer of the Year 2024, reflecting her commitment to connecting with audiences through food and culture. Renu is delighted with her accomplishment of writing her first book, Celebrate Diwali ahead of the festival this Autumn. 

It’s a joy to interview Renu here!

 

Describe a typical day for you?

A typical day for me starts the night before as I plan who will be on WFH between my husband and me. Working full-time in education keeps me really busy, and during my lunch break, I either practice a recipe that’s been on my mind or I hit the gym. On my days off, I focus on batch filming my recipes, which involves gathering ingredients, filming, cleaning up, and spending quality time with my family. It’s a busy schedule, but I love the energy and creativity that comes from (trying) to balance my professional responsibilities with my passion for cooking!

What do you feel are your greatest achievements?

My greatest achievements include writing my book, Celebrate Diwali, which I once thought was impossible. Realizing that I manifested this dream a few years ago fills me with deep gratitude. Additionally, this year has been remarkable as I won the Scottish Food Influencer of the Year 2024 award, had the opportunity to create social media content for an event at 10 Downing Street, and collaborated with amazing brands that align with my values.

What’s in your handbag/ satchel?

I always have lip balm and hand cream in my bag, along with my phone and some perfume. I’m currently obsessed with face mists right now!! 

What are your ambitions in life?

Since writing my book, my ambitions have evolved significantly. I now aspire to support and share my passion for food with schools and communities, focusing on promoting food positivity and addressing food waste. I would love to pursue my creative food role full-time, although the opportunities can be inconsistent and don’t always always provide a stable income.

What do you wish you’d known at the start of your career you now know?

I wish I had known the importance of trusting myself and the journey for me. Learning to follow my instincts and knowing when to say no has been invaluable in navigating my path.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

Gosh, I would love to published another book that celebrates diverse cultures and sustainable cooking, and I’d love to host a TV food series to connect with even more people. I hope to get more involved with schools and educational programs to inspire positive changes in food habits and reduce waste. It’s definitely a challenging journey, but I’m really excited about where it could take me!

What advice would you give a budding recipe creator and author?

If you’re starting out as a recipe creator and author, my advice is to just go for it! Trust your gut and enjoy the ride. I know it’s easy to get caught up in social media numbers—I’ve been there too—but remember, it’s all about sharing your passion for food and connecting with others. So focus on what you love, and let that shine!

What advice would you give to a new parent?

My advice to new parents is that you can’t plan everything like you might think. There’s no one right way to do things—just do what feels best for you. It’s all about trial and error, so don’t compare your kids or situations to others. Trust your instincts and enjoy the journey!

Finally, happiness is… a clean house that smells amazing, with fresh bedding—just kidding! True happiness for me is having a happy family and joyful kids in a stress-free home. That’s what really counts! Family is everything to me. 

Follow Renu on Instagram here: hey_renu

Buy her book on Amazon here – https://lnk.to/CelebrateDiwali