Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine Ruffin.
Hi Jasmine, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2021, I founded Palate for Culture inspired by what felt like a divine intervention—God Himself seemingly “airdropping” the idea into my head. With a reputation among my friends and family for always sharing my favorite Black-owned restaurants, products, and events, it felt natural to expand my passion beyond my immediate circle.
The name Palate for Culture itself tells the story of my passion for good food and Black Culture. Palate refers to the roof of your mouth used to taste, but it also means “a liking or appetite for something.” Culture, of course, refers to Black Culture. Thus, the name Palate for Culture refers to my taste, not only for good food but also Black Culture.
So many of us want to support good Black-owned businesses, but we just don’t know where to find them, that is where I am come in. My platform shines a positive light on an area that often gets a bad rep. As a true “foodie,” my platform is largely centered around my love for good food and the many Black owned restaurants, food trucks, various festivals, etc. that I explore. I also highlight everyday Black owned products and services that I find as well.
What started as an idea has now grown into a thriving platform. Through Palate for Culture, I collaborate with some amazing business owners, highlight dope events, and truly shine a positive light on so many deserving Black-owned businesses.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When I say I started Palate for Culture from scratch, I truly mean from scratch! I had no prior social media experience, no media training, no marketing experience, nothing! I researched, I took classes, and I completely poured myself into my craft. I started my platform at zero and, by the grace of God, have built it to where it is now. My biggest challenge throughout this journey, believe it or not, has been me! I have gotten in my head more times than I can count. I get discouraged, I second guess myself and wonder, “What am I doing being a content creator?” I think many of us can identify with these random feelings of inadequacy, and sometimes, when life starts “lifing,” it can make you second-guess everything.
Through it all, I have stayed focused on my mission and continually make the decision to show up for myself and for my brand because what I’m doing is truly bigger than me. I am ever-evolving and enjoying this journey.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Palate for Culture utilizes social media to highlight and celebrate Black-owned businesses and Black Culture. My primary focus is on food content, particularly reviewing Black-owned food establishments in Birmingham, AL, and wherever my travels take me. It’s incredibly rewarding to hear from business owners who tell me that my videos have not only brought them more customers but have also made a real difference in their lives. That’s the driving force behind everything I do.
What makes me stand out is that I’ve always been focused on delivering top-notch content right from the start—even when I only had 8 followers. I’ve worked hard to improve my skills along the way, but the quality of what I do has stayed consistent.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Authenticity is key for me. In everything that I do, I try to stay true to myself, my roots, and the mission of Palate for Culture. People often mention how funny my voiceovers are, but what they might not realize is that I’m just as goofy in real life. My platform is a genuine reflection of who I am and what I’m passionate about. I believe that authenticity shines through in everything I do.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/palateforculture/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@palateforculture
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@palateforculture
