Hala Bassam Alakhsham is a name that resonates with many who follow the culinary world, especially when it comes to traditional Palestinian dishes. Her journey into the world of cooking has been far from ordinary, and her story is one of determination, passion, and the courage to start from scratch.
A Dream Awaits, But Life Had Other Plans
Hala’s career initially started with a passion for media and television. As a young woman, she had always dreamed of a career in television, hoping to make her mark in the media industry. But as often happens in life, reality didn’t align with her dreams. Despite her educational background in media, she struggled to find a job in her field, facing the harsh truth that breaking into the competitive media industry wasn’t as easy as she had hoped.
Hala Bassam Alakhsham: Turning Passion into a Profession
It was during this challenging period that Hala discovered the world of cooking. “When I was posting pictures of my dishes, and my relatives and friends admired them, I felt that their admiration would be a turning point in my life,” she recalls. The encouragement from those around her planted a seed of thought in her mind: why not combine her love for food with her aspirations for television? And so, Hala decided to venture into cooking, turning her passion into a full-time career.
The Cooking Channel That Changed It All
Hala’s love for cooking led her to explore different avenues to share her culinary passion with the world. One of the most exciting milestones of her career came when she was invited to be part of a Palestinian cooking program called Eklat Siti. The program, which aired during the previous month of Ramadan, focused on traditional Palestinian dishes, with Hala cooking alongside elderly women. The show not only highlighted the rich flavors of Palestine but also shared the stories of the women who had carried these recipes through generations. The experience was profoundly moving for Hala as it allowed her to combine her love for cooking with her deep connection to Palestinian culture and heritage.
Overcoming the Struggles of Starting Out
The journey to becoming a known culinary personality, however, was not without its hurdles. Like many who start their careers with a passion, Hala faced significant challenges, especially in the beginning. “I started it when I was watching cooking channels on YouTube, and at that time, I decided to have a YouTube channel in which I would film all my passion and recipes,” Hala shares. The idea of sharing her cooking videos online seemed simple, but there were hurdles along the way. One of the biggest challenges was the lack of suitable photography tools and the high cost of products, which made it difficult to produce high-quality content for her channel. But instead of being discouraged, Hala pushed forward, finding creative ways to make her videos stand out without expensive equipment.
The Dream of a Permanent Cooking Show
Hala’s ultimate goal has always been to have a permanent television cooking program, one that showcases her culinary expertise and connects with audiences on a deeper level. Currently, she is working tirelessly to make that dream a reality. She hopes to secure a spot on one of the Palestinian or Arab television channels. The journey to getting a permanent show has not been easy, but Hala remains determined, driven by the love she has for cooking and the desire to inspire others through her passion for food.
Support From Her Husband: A True Partner in Her Journey
Behind every successful person, there is often a strong support system, and for Hala, that support comes from her husband. “My husband is that person. They say behind every great woman, there is a man. As for me, behind every great woman, there is a man who pushed me forward and helped me overcome my fear and barriers in my field of work,” she expresses gratefully. His belief in her abilities and his unwavering support has played a crucial role in helping her overcome the challenges that come with pursuing a career in the highly competitive field of media and cooking.
Learning From Setbacks: A Powerful Lesson
Like many in the entertainment industry, Hala has faced her share of disappointments. One of the most significant setbacks in her career came two years ago when she was preparing for a Ramadan cooking program. Hala had already signed a contract with the channel and was all set to appear on the show. However, just before it was about to air, she was replaced by another person. “It was a big shock for me. It was a big lesson for me not to trust anything or anyone and to rely on myself at work,” she reflects. Despite the disappointment, Hala chose to learn from this experience. It taught her the importance of self-reliance and the value of working silently while letting her work speak for itself.
Patience, Perseverance, and Trust in God
Hala believes that success is not just about achieving goals but about the journey itself. “Success is working on myself and creating something new and attractive in a way that matches the values and customs of my community,” she says. She reminds herself every day that she started from scratch, and the challenges she faces now will one day become a part of her past—a valuable experience that has shaped her into the person she is today.
Her advice to others pursuing their dreams is simple but powerful: “Be patient, work on yourself, and trust in God, and you will succeed, shine, and become a star in your field of work.” For Hala, success is not just about fame or recognition; it’s about creating something meaningful that resonates with others.
A Book of Recipes: A Dream in the Making
Looking ahead, Hala has big plans for the future, including the release of a book. “I wish I had a book containing all the recipes I developed throughout my career in the culinary field,” she says with a hopeful smile. The idea of compiling her favorite recipes into a book is a dream that Hala holds close to her heart. It’s a way for her to share her passion for cooking with a wider audience and leave behind a legacy of her culinary journey for future generations to enjoy.
Inspiring Others Through Her Journey
Hala Bassam Alakhsham’s story is one of resilience, perseverance, and a deep passion for her craft. From her humble beginnings in the media industry to becoming a rising star in the world of cooking, Hala has shown that it’s never too late to follow your dreams. She is proof that with hard work, dedication, and a bit of patience, anything is possible.
Her journey continues to inspire others, particularly women who are looking to break into the culinary field or make a change in their own lives. Hala’s message is clear: no matter where you start, with passion and determination, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
Conclusion
Hala Bassam Alakhsham’s journey from media to cooking is a testament to the power of following one’s passion. Despite the challenges she has faced, Hala has remained focused on her dreams, always striving to inspire others through her work and the stories behind the dishes she prepares. Whether through her television appearances, YouTube channel, or future cookbook, Hala’s story will undoubtedly continue to inspire and motivate those who follow in her footsteps. Do follow her on Instagram.
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