Hi, I’m Rofiat, but around here, you can call me That Local Girl.

This shop started with a craving. Not just for food but for home. After moving away from the familiar rhythms of Nigeria, I began to feel a gap that groceries alone couldn’t fill. I missed the scent of suya spices filling the street, the comforting taste of egusi soup, and the conversations that sparked over peppery jollof rice. I missed the stories told in my mother tongue, the joy of discovering new writers who understood what it means to live between cultures, and the feeling of walking into a space where you know you belong.

So, I created That Local Girl a small store with a big mission: to reconnect us with our roots, nourish our bodies and spirits, and build a space where culture is celebrated every single day.

My Why

This is more than a shop. It’s a love letter to home.

When I was growing up, food was never just food. It was medicine. It was memory. It was a connection to something deeper. A simple bowl of stew could remind you of a grandmother’s hands. A spice blend could transport you back to your father’s roadside grill. And a book? A book could show you that your story mattered. That your voice mattered.

That’s the heart of That Local Girl. I wanted to create a space where our traditions are respected, our flavors are celebrated, and our stories are told boldly and proudly.

What You’ll Find Here

Every item in this store has been chosen with intention. I don’t stock things just to fill a shelf. I stock what makes me feel something and I hope it’ll do the same for you.

🌶️ Authentic African Groceries & Spices

From crayfish to Cameroon pepper, from bouillon cubes to plantain chips you’ll find ingredients that remind you of home, help you cook with confidence, or discover something new with excitement.

📚 Books by African and Black Authors

You’ll find novels, cookbooks, memoirs, and children’s books that reflect our voices, our rhythms, and our realities. Whether it’s Chimamanda’s storytelling or a new author making waves, each title is chosen to uplift and inspire.

🫱🏾‍🫲🏽 A Welcoming Space

Whether you're African, Caribbean, Black Canadian, or simply someone curious about our culture, this space is for you. I want you to feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

The Journey Continues…

Beyond the store, I also write about the behind-the-scenes of running this small business, my personal reflections on identity and culture, and the beauty of African living on my newsletter at Substack. I share recipes from my kitchen, stories from my life, and tips for living joyfully in-between worlds.

👉🏾 Follow along here: thatlocalgirl.substack.com

It’s a deeper way to connect with me and be part of this growing community that values tradition, storytelling, and flavor.

Thank You for Being Here

Starting That Local Girl has been one of the most vulnerable, exciting, and fulfilling journeys of my life. Every time someone walks into the shop or places an order online, I feel a little less far from home. And I hope you feel that too.

Your support means more than you know. It keeps our culture alive, our stories told, and our kitchens full of love.

From my heart to your home,

Rofiat

💛 That Local Girl 💛