Boketto Moment with Rabia Kamara of Ruby Scoops
Let’s take a moment with Richmond’s Rabia
Rabia is the founder and owner of Ruby Scoops. Ruby Scoops is a local and online retailer of premium small-batch ice creams, sorbets, sherbets, and desserts, all handcrafted and scratch-made by Chef & Owner, Rabia Kamara. Ruby Scoops came to fruition in October 2014, when Rabia noticed the increasing rarity of consistent high-quality local desserts. She decided it was time to help change that, all the while beginning to take steps to work for herself. Ruby Scoops uses Kreider Farms dairy, cage-free eggs, cane sugar, and seasonal fruit from local farms to bring you the finest, richest ice creams, sorbets, sherbets, and baked goods.*Chef's Kiss!*
Tell us a little bit about yourself! What's your background with work, are you from Richmond? What do you love to do? Hi! I'm Rabia Kamara. Queen of Ice Cream :) I'm from Maryland, but first came to Richmond as a VCU Student and I fell in love with the city by junior year. I love to eat, be one with nature, spend time with my loved ones, and experience live music whenever possible.
How did you come to create Ruby Scoops? I first learned to make ice cream in culinary school and was immediately smitten. When I moved into my pastry career I made more and more of it and I realized this was the creative medium for me. I'd expressed to friends and family that I was tired of working for other people in their restaurants for many reasons, and one presented me with an opportunity to vend at an event as my own brand. So I kind of threw some marketing together and had a friend create a logo and two weeks later sold at said event. Everything was received very well and it all took off from there.
Where did you come up with the name! I knew I wanted scoops to be in the name but was having a hard time deciding on the first name. I originally wanted to name it after my grandmother, Suzanne--but no one has ever called her Susie so it didn't really work. When I was younger I would tell people my name was Ruby instead of correcting them if they were having a hard time with Rabia, and one of my sisters still calls me Ruby. It just clicked once I thought about it really :)
If you could have a tea or take a Boketto moment (a moment of daydreaming and of rest) with any person dead or alive who would it be? What kind of tea would you have? If I were to have a Boketto moment I'd choose to take with my Mita. She's like my second mother and one of my favorite people, and she works incredibly hard! She doesn't rest much and I would just love to relax with her. I would be drinking masala chai, and she would most likely drink an herbal blend of mint and holy basil :)
What does a moment of rest, recharging, or nourishment look like for you? Being by water is my favorite way to recharge. I love the beach! Traveling is also near and dear to my heart, so it's been interesting not being able to travel. Looking forward to the days we can fly again!
What's something you want people to know about you that I wouldn't think to ask. My real favorite way to eat ice cream is a brownie sundae :D
Favorite flavor of ice cream? Strawberry or pistachio if I'm buying, sweet corn or strawberry sweet red bean to make.
Sun/Rising/Moon sign? Libra/Libra/Libra
Photo credit Farrah Skeiky