Hilda Baci: Focus on your business, not just social media fame

Hilda Baci (Nigerian chef and restaurateur)

Celebrity chef and businesswoman Hilda Baci has warned creators and entrepreneurs not to put social media popularity ahead of long-term value. She said that being obsessed with likes and followers is becoming a growing problem.

In an interview on the show Africa and Everywhere, Baci explained that many people are losing focus. She believes they are too busy trying to go viral instead of building brands that will last.

“A lot of creatives make the mistake of chasing likes, followers and things like that. Even people in business have started making that same mistake, where they are constantly chasing virality and not sustainability when it comes to their brand,” she said.

Looking back at her own experiences, Baci said that although people see her as determined and focused now, she didn't always have her whole life planned out.

“Some people look at me now and say she is very driven, she knows what she wants. On some level, that is true. But on another level, I honestly could not have seen the big picture. God knows best,” she said.

She explained that success usually comes from turning up every day and making the most of opportunities, rather than waiting for a perfect plan.

“At every point in time, I was always putting myself out there, seizing every opportunity and taking it in that moment,” she added.

The chef also made it clear that having ideas isn't enough; what really matters is actually getting things done and making them happen.

“Ideas are not specific to just one person. God may give you an idea, but I promise you there are probably thousands of people thinking about that same thing. It is not about the idea. It is about how quickly you are going to execute it,” she said.

Baci also mentioned that she has always focused on creating something of real value, rather than just using her own fame to sell products.

“I do not want you to buy things from me just because it is me,” she said.