W hen you look at and consider how the era of technology has literally taken over the way we converse, something as simple as having tea with your loved ones becomes an aromatic and precious experience. Roha Bilal knows that too well, and having faced her own share of worries and woes, this lifestyle blogger decided her camera lens will capture the goodness of what life has to offer- may it be something as simple as having an evening tea break with friends and family. Her food photography has been garnering her great reviews and has led to many finding their passion as well.Roha’s soothing images allow followers to indulge in gratitude and have feel-good moments. Something what she aimed at when she decided to venture in the social media frenzy.
We learned more about her experiences and her vision through our recent conversation. Read On:
SD: How did you venture into the field of becoming a digital creator?
Roha: It was actually peak Corona and just like everything else my university shut down. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and our whole world was jilted. More or less spent all the time in hospitals, which was the worst time to be visiting hospitals. Enter a series of anxiety attacks that were truly crippling and I felt like I needed to somehow find some happiness, some hobby to keep myself busy from the dark pits of overthinking. There was an unprecedented boom of bloggers, content creators, and general social media usage. Tea time was a family favorite time of the day, during which everyone sat together, laughing, venting, and bonding. My mother especially loved it, with the aroma of freshly baked cakes filling the space. Also, my friends always loved my food photography, and I felt like starting a page with the name “teatimewithroha”. Divulged my plan rather nervously to some loved ones who showered me with nothing but endless support, and here I am years later. I got over my anxiety attacks, I found that keeping myself busy helped with overthinking. Slowly from food blogging, I went to mix in fashion, friendships and my lovely cats so it’s more of a lifestyle blog now.
SD: How do the ideas come to you?
Roha: I don’t know how the ideas come to me, I personally feel like it has a lot to do with epigenetics. I think that’s a story for another time.
SD: What do you wish to highlight with your content?
Roha: I want my content to look soothing to the eye and be relatable!
SD: Would you ever consider venturing into something else like acting?
Roha: I’m very shy, I don’t think I’d make a good actress. I did get approached for drama serials but I’m just too confused and nervous to consider it right now..
SD: What is the one thing you wish to change about the perception of women in Pakistan
becoming an influencer/digital creator?
Roha: I’ve noticed a relaxation in the judgment people used to pass. I love female Pakistani bloggers that successfully merge their Pakistani side with their digital personalities, it makes it fun and relatable to watch! I’m no champion of traditional displays but I take pride in my roots. White-washed antics are just pitiful and lack a sense of identity, I feel like those bloggers often face backlash too.
IN A GLANCE
What is your absolute superpower?
It’s not a superpower but probably drinking tea in peak summers
Your favorite digital personality?
Many on Twitter
A major fashion look which is timeless?
A Black mock neck probably
The one thing that is a mood killer?
Arrogance
Three things you have with you all the time?
A hand cream for my relentless eczema, a catcher, and my phone.
Which season is the best style statement?
Autumn & Spring
Morning Person or Late Nights Enthusiast
I cannot pick! Both have their own peaceful vibes
Desi Wear or Western
Somewhere in between
Deepest Fear
Extreme stage fright
Biggest Regret
I’d rather not say
Most Prized Possession
My cat
Biggest Strength
My mother
Someone you wish to meet
Bella Hadid
Top 3 things on your bucket list
Don’t have one yet but when I will, will follow it through
The best thing about your work
I get a lot of messages from people who say they feel at peace when they open my page, really makes my day knowing I can make someone feel happier.
The worst thing about your work
Endless screen time
Your favorite movie
Don’t have one
What people don’t know about you?
A lot actually
Your dream destination
Deosai
