Earlier this year Amanda Saab 's appearance on the popular American reality show MasterChef drew a great deal of media buzz.
Saab, a Lebanese-American food blogger and chef, was hailed as the first hijab-wearing woman to appear on an American cooking show. Although she didn't win, her appearance on the show definitely worked to dispel a lot of myths about Islam for viewers and fellow contestants.
"When I applied to be a contestant on MasterChef, I did not know what to expect. When I was announced as a contestant, I was absolutely blown away by the amount of support and encouragement I received," Saab told StepFeed.
"It is incredibly empowering to know that I have inspired others to follow their passion, just by following mine."
Through her appearance on the show, Saab recognizes that she was able to give viewers and fellow contestants a different perspective on Islam, contrasting the often negative portrayal in mainstream American media.
"I was normalizing Muslims; specifically Muslim women wearing hijab. I was able to demonstrate that Muslim women are not oppressed, are free to express themselves and are able to follow their passions within the guidelines of Islam. Many people believe that Islam is restrictive when in fact it is the opposite. Islam provides the framework and structure to be successful," she said.
"Many of the contestants shared with me that they had never had the opportunity to have an in depth conversation about Islam with a Muslim. I was approachable and open to answering all of their questions."
Although Saab's parents are both Lebanese, they moved with their families to Michigan when they were very young. Saab spent her entire life living in the United States and now lives with her husband in Washington.
Joking about her Lebanese-American upbringing she said, "We would have grape leaves one night and burgers the next!"
As for her future plans, Saab hopes to start her own company and eventually open her own restaurant. She also hopes to do a food tour of the Middle East with her husband in the near future.
Crediting her success to being herself, she encourages aspiring food bloggers and chefs to do the same.
"Each of us has a different story, a unique journey that has shaped us into the people we are! Tell that story with your food. I believe we can each find success by being ourselves, as we have something unique to offer."
You can read Saab's blog "Amanda's Plate" here .