Nagi of Recipe Tin Eats Slams Influencers: ‘It’s Not a Career, Get a Degree’

Recipe Tin Eats founder Nagi Maehashi has given would-be social media stars some surprising advice.

Nagi, 46, ironically, took to TikTok on Friday to share a red carpet chat she had at the platform’s awards event in Sydney on Wednesday.

Captioning the post: ‘I can’t believe I said this at the TikTok Awards,’ Nagi called out some influencers for putting all their eggs into the social media basket.   

‘Social media, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, it is not a career,’ she said. ‘Go to university, go to TAFE, start an apprenticeship.’

While she said she supported anyone who wanted to give social media a ‘go’, Nagi added that having something to fall back on was crucial.  

‘I absolutely encourage everyone to do social media and have a go but having some other kind of career and skill that you’re building on as well, is important,’ she said.

 The irony of Nagi delivering her comments at such an event was not lost on the celebrity gourmand.

‘Don’t you love that I’m at the TikTok Awards going: ‘Don’t go on TikTok as a career”?’ she laughed.

Doubling down on the sentiment, Nagi accompanied the clip with an expansive comment addressing the ‘youth of today.’ 

She began by listing a raft of her accomplishments, such as having the highest-selling cookbook in Australian history, and a social media audience of more than 5 million.

Continuing, Nagi pointed out that her success was not only due to her social media savvy.   

‘I tell you this not to brag. I tell you this because I want you to know that I fully credit my education and 15 years of working in corporate for being able to build my business to where it is today,’ she said.

‘The skills I learned, the discipline, the grit, professionalism, organisation, project management, self-training. Business planning and strategies. SWOT analysis!!

‘I am an accountant by background. An auditor at that!’

Nagi was quick to point out that she did not want to rain on the parades of any future social media stars, adding that investment in education as well as decent lighting would go a long way.

‘Have fun on social media, chase your dreams, create, explore and be bold. But, invest in skills and education that will take you further than any platform,’ she said.

‘Knowledge and experience that will carry you for life, and outlast any social media trend. Go to TAFE. Go to uni. Get an apprenticeship. Finish school. Get a job where you can learn from others older and wiser than yourself. Invest in yourself.’

Nagi rounded out her post by explaining that, despite boasting a formidable social media audience, even she doesn’t consider herself an influencer. 

‘Just so you know, I am not an influencer. I am a recipe maker. Social media isn’t my thing. 99.8% of my revenue comes from my website and book sales,’ she said.

‘Social media is a side thing. I don’t chase followers. I don’t monetise. No sponsorships. No affiliate links.

‘And that is the beauty of social media today. There are no rules. Do your own thing. You don’t have to be like everyone else.’

Nagi’s post was met with a flurry of comments from followers, with many agreeing with her stance.

Nutritionist Sarah Bell offered: ‘100, 000x agree!! Couldn’t have said it better myself!’

Another chimed in with a similar: ‘As an ex-accountant now freelancer creative I 100% agree! I still use the knowledge and skills I gained from my previous career in everything I do and has led me to where I am today. 

‘Having other skills outside of social media will serve you in the long run. Listen to Mother Nagi, kids!’

A third follower summed up the feelings of many with: ‘I thought it was impossible to like you more. I was wrong. 100% agree with this sentiment.’