Meet Ritika Tripathee | Food, beauty and skin care blogger

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ritika Tripathee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ritika, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
“From Fired to Flourishing: My Journey of Motherhood and Passion”

I used to believe that success meant climbing the corporate ladder, collecting paychecks, and proving to the world that I could make it. For years, that’s what I did. I pushed myself in a role that felt secure, even though a part of me was yearning for more—a space where I could be creative, where I could express my love for beauty, makeup, and skincare. But I ignored that voice because society taught me that “security” was the most important thing.

Then life hit me hard. I became pregnant, and instead of being met with support, I was fired. Fired because I was about to bring new life into the world. I remember feeling shattered, wondering how I could have been so expendable in a role I had given so much to. I felt lost, hurt, and angry. My future looked blurry, and for a moment, I didn’t know where to turn.

But then something incredible happened—I realized that maybe this was my sign. Maybe the universe had closed that door because my real path, my true passion, was waiting for me. So, instead of staying stuck in that pain, I picked myself up. I refused to just sit there and do nothing. I decided to create something new—a life that I would be proud of.

That’s when I threw myself into content creation. I finally had the time to explore my love for beauty, skincare and food blogging, but this time, through my own lens. I started sharing my passion on social media, connecting with people who felt the same. And the response? It was like nothing I could have imagined. Slowly but surely, I began building a community that resonated with my journey. I wasn’t just another person chasing corporate goals—I was a mother, a creator, a woman who dared to choose herself.

Then, my baby arrived, and everything clicked. All those nights I spent worrying, wondering if I’d ever get back on my feet—none of it mattered. I had the chance to bond with my baby, to be there for the precious moments I would have missed had I stayed in a job that didn’t value me. And at the same time, I was building something beautiful—a platform where I could share my journey and connect with others.

It wasn’t easy. I struggled, doubted myself, questioned if I was doing the right thing. But every challenge only made me stronger. I started working with brands and event companies, diving into market trends and learning the ins and outs of a world I was born to be in. I flourished in this space because, for the first time in my life, I was living my truth. I wasn’t afraid anymore.

Looking back, I can’t help but be thankful for the moments that broke me. Getting fired felt like the end, but it was actually the beginning of everything. Today, I’m at peace. I’ve learned that life doesn’t always go according to plan—but sometimes, that’s the best part. I’m thriving as a content creator, as a mother, and as someone who finally chose to follow her heart.

So if you’re out there wondering if you’re stuck, if you’ve hit rock bottom—trust me, you haven’t. Your passion, your purpose, is waiting for you. Don’t be afraid to chase it. 🫶🏼

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets my art and content creation apart is the genuine passion and authenticity I bring to every project. My journey into beauty, skincare, and food blogging wasn’t traditional; it evolved from a corporate background into a vibrant exploration of my true loves.

The pivotal moment came when I became pregnant and faced unexpected challenges in my career. Instead of allowing that setback to define me, I embraced it as an opportunity to dive deeper into my passions. I’ve always been drawn to the beauty and skincare world, captivated by the transformative power of products and the creativity involved in sharing them. Alongside that, my love for food blogging allows me to explore flavors and culinary techniques, connecting with my audience through recipes and cooking tips.

Building my brand was no easy feat. It involved navigating self-doubt and financial hurdles while juggling the responsibilities of motherhood. My husband has been my unwavering support system, driving me to events and caring for our baby, which has given me the freedom to focus on creating content. Meanwhile, my sister has been a constant source of inspiration, sending me creative ideas and checking in to ensure I stay motivated.

I take pride in how I transformed those challenges into a platform that reflects my authentic self. My content aims to inspire and educate, whether it’s through a skincare routine, a beauty tutorial, or a delicious recipe. I’ve learned that the path to success is often winding, filled with both obstacles and opportunities. Staying true to my passions has been crucial, as that’s where the magic happens.

What I want the world to know about my brand is that it’s rooted in real experiences and a deep love for beauty, skincare, and food. I aim to share not just products and do food blogging but also the stories behind them—showing that even when faced with adversity, you can create something beautiful that resonates with others. My hope is that my journey encourages others to pursue their passions, no matter the obstacles they face.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Arrival in Pune

• Breakfast: Start your day with Poha and a cup of Chai at Vishranti.
• Visit: Explore Aga Khan Palace, a historical landmark.
• Lunch: Enjoy a delicious Thali at Rasoi for a taste of authentic Maharashtrian cuisine.
• Evening: Stroll through Osho Ashram and unwind at Panchgani Hill with some Chikki (a local sweet).

Day 2: Cultural Exploration

• Breakfast: Indulge in Idli and Sambar at Cafe Irani Chai.
• Visit: Visit the Shaniwar Wada, a historic fortification.
• Lunch: Dine at Café 1730 for a mix of Continental and Indian dishes.
• Evening: Enjoy a sunset view at Sinhagad Fort while munching on Vada Pav from local vendors.

Day 3: Nature and Relaxation

• Breakfast: Start with a hearty Masala Dosa at Aaswad.
• Visit: Take a walk around Pune’s Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park.
• Lunch: Have a satisfying Biryani at Jaffer Bhai’s Delhi Darbar.
• Evening: Head to Fergusson College Road for some street food, trying out Pani Puri and Bhel Puri.

Day 4: Food Adventures

• Breakfast: Enjoy Chole Bhature at Chaitanya.
• Visit: Explore Pataleshwar Cave Temple and nearby Shivaji Nagar.
• Lunch: Dine at Vaishali for their famous Uttapam.
• Evening: Savor some Kebabs and Biryani at Bashir Biryani.

Day 5: Street Food and Markets

• Breakfast: Start your day with Methi Thepla and yogurt at Shivaji Nagar.
• Visit: Explore Pune’s Tulsi Baug for shopping.
• Lunch: Enjoy a Burgundy Pasta at Mojos Bistro.
• Evening: Head to Camp Area to enjoy a variety of street food like Dabeli and Frankies.

Day 6: Day Trips and Local Delights

• Breakfast: Enjoy a traditional Puri Bhaji at Bedekar Tea Stall.
• Visit: Take a day trip to Lonavala, visiting Bhushi Dam and Tiger’s Leap.
• Lunch: Enjoy Veggie Burgers at Cafe Lobo in Lonavala.
• Evening: Return to Pune and enjoy dinner at Barbeque Nation, indulging in their Barbecue Platter.

Day 7: Reflect and Celebrate

• Breakfast: Savor Samosas with mint chutney at Baker’s Dozen.
• Visit: Explore Katraj Snake Park and Shivneri Fort.
• Lunch: Enjoy a Seafood Thali at Konkan Cafe.
• Evening: End your trip with a meal at High Spirits for their Tandoori Platter and enjoy some live music.

Day 1: Arrival in LA

• Breakfast: Start with Masala Chai and Aloo Paratha at The Bombay Frankie Company.
• Visit: Explore Little India in Artesia for shopping and snacks.
• Lunch: Enjoy a Butter Chicken Burrito at Curry Up Now, blending Indian and Mexican flavors.
• Evening: Stroll along Santa Monica Pier and grab Fish Tacos from a food truck.

Day 2: Cultural Exploration

• Breakfast: Enjoy a traditional South Indian Breakfast with Idli and Sambar at Dosa Hut.
• Visit: Spend the morning at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).
• Lunch: Dine at Badmaash for their famous Paneer Tikka Pizza or Chicken Tikka Sliders.
• Evening: Experience the nightlife on Hollywood Boulevard and enjoy BBQ Chicken Wings at Buffalo Wild Wings.

Day 3: Nature and Relaxation

• Breakfast: Start with a hearty Veggie Omelette and toast at The Griddle Café.
• Visit: Hike at Griffith Park and take in the views from the Griffith Observatory.
• Lunch: Enjoy a classic Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken at The Cheesecake Factory.
• Evening: Dine at Maya for their Chicken Enchiladas and enjoy a refreshing Margarita.

Day 4: Food Adventures

• Breakfast: Savor Pancakes with Maple Syrup at The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker.
• Visit: Explore the Getty Center for art and beautiful gardens.
• Lunch: Try Chicken Curry Nachos or Paneer Nachos at The Chicken Shack.
• Evening: Enjoy a hearty Chicken Fried Steak at The Rustic Inn.

Day 5: Street Food and Markets

• Breakfast: Start your day with a Breakfast Burrito at Burrito King.
• Visit: Stroll through Beverly Hills for some luxury shopping.
• Lunch: Savor a Kebab Platter with both Chicken and Veggie Kebabs at Kebab Curry.
• Evening: Dine at The Cheesecake Factory for their popular Crispy Chicken Costoletta or a delicious Chicken BBQ Pizza.

Day 6: Coastal Experience

• Breakfast: Enjoy a light Smoothie Bowl at Urth Caffé.
• Visit: Take a day trip to Malibu for beach fun.
• Lunch: Try Fish Tacos or Spicy Veggie Tacos at Malibu Beach Café.
• Evening: Head to In-N-Out Burger for their iconic Double-Double Burger and Animal Style Fries, followed by dessert at Salt & Straw for unique ice cream flavors.

Day 7: Reflect and Celebrate

• Breakfast: Indulge in Eggs Benedict at The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker.
• Visit: Explore the Natural History Museum.
• Lunch: Enjoy a classic Chicken Sandwich at The Original Farmer’s Market.
• Evening: Wrap up your trip with Coconut Chicken Curry and Vegetable Biryani at Café La Boheme, celebrating your culinary journey. 🫶🏼

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
When I reflect on my journey and where I am today, two people deserve the biggest shoutout for their incredible support. First, my husband. He’s been my rock, especially during the early days when blogging wasn’t bringing in much money. He supported me financially, giving me the time and space to grow my passion without stress. Not only that, he would drive me to events, help me prep, and take care of the baby while I focused on my work. His belief in me never wavered, even when I doubted myself. From late-night brainstorming sessions to stepping in when things got overwhelming, his love and support were everything I needed to pursue my dreams.

And then there’s my sister, my constant motivator and source of inspiration. She would send me Instagram reels for creative ideas and always keep me on track when it came to my blogging. Whenever I received a product for review, she’d remind me (sometimes a little too much!) to ensure I had my ideas ready and my content planned out. Her regular check-ins and encouragement helped me stay focused on my goals and pushed me forward, even when things got tough.

This shoutout is for both of them—my husband and my sister—for their endless love, support, and belief in me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them by my side, pushing me to keep going and helping me thrive every step of the way!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ritikatripathee

Image Credits
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