From Nissan Supervisor to TikTok Star: The Inspiring Journey of Nige Thompson
Welcome to "Black All Year," your go-to blog for highlighting the challenges and issues as well as celebrating the incredible stories and achievements within the Black community all year round. This week, we are thrilled to feature the extraordinary Nige Thompson, a man whose passion for cooking transformed his life and turned him into a TikTok sensation. You might know him from his TikTok handle, @TeaWithTheThompsons, where he shares mouth-watering recipes ranging from curries to British classics, American delights, and West Indian/Caribbean dishes.
A Humble Beginning
Born in Darlington in 1964, Nige Thompson grew up in a large family with Jamaican roots. His father, a former shoemaker from Jamaica, worked various jobs in the UK, including stints on buses and trains before settling into a role at Cummins Engines in Darlington. Nige's mother, who had aspirations of becoming a nurse, dedicated her life to raising their seven children. The family’s culinary traditions were rich and varied, blending Jamaican flavors with British influences.
Finding Purpose Through Cooking
Nige spent 33 years working at Nissan, starting as manufacturing staff and rising to the position of supervisor. However, upon taking early retirement just before the lockdown, he found himself in a low mood, struggling to find purpose in his day-to-day life. Cooking became his solace. What started as a way to make delicious meals for his wife soon turned into a newfound passion.
During lockdown, Nige began sharing his culinary creations online. Encouraged by his daughter Jasmine, he made his first TikTok video featuring a Chicken Jalfrezi. The video, meant for his friends, quickly gained traction. Before he knew it, Nige’s TikTok account had thousands of followers, and he was sharing his unique twists on traditional recipes with an eager audience.
The Come Dine With Me Experience
Nige's love for cooking had previously led him to participate in the popular TV show "Come Dine With Me" in 2014, where he showcased his skills and won. Reflecting on his experience, Nige shared how it taught him valuable lessons about judging people and the influence of television editing. The victory not only boosted his confidence but also inspired him to experiment further with his culinary creations.
A Legacy of Love and Food
Cooking for Nige is more than just preparing meals; it’s about connecting with his heritage and sharing his love for food with others. He fondly recalls his mother's freestyle cooking methods and the challenge of replicating her famous curry chicken. Through persistent experimentation, he finally managed to recreate the beloved dish, much to the delight of his siblings.
Nige's story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. Despite facing challenges, including the emotional struggle following his parents' passing, he has turned his love for cooking into a source of joy and community. His TikTok videos are not just recipes; they are a celebration of his cultural heritage and a way to bring people together through the universal language of food.
Inspiring Future Generations
Nige’s journey from a Nissan supervisor to a TikTok star is an inspiration to many. It highlights the importance of following one's passions and the impact of sharing those passions with the world. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting, Nige’s videos prove that you don’t need to be a professional chef to create amazing, flavorful dishes.
So next time you’re scrolling through TikTok, be sure to check out @TeaWithTheThompsons. You might just find your next favourite recipe and, who knows, maybe even a bit of inspiration to start your own culinary journey.
Stay tuned for more incredible stories from "Black All Year," where we celebrate the achievements and contributions of the Black community every day.
Steph Edusei
Speaker, leader, coach
Steph Edusei has been Chief Executive of St. Oswald’s Hospice since May 2020 and previously served as a Non-Executive Director at The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. She is also a board member of the North East England Chamber of Commerce, actively contributing to their Race, Equality and Discrimination Commission and a member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) women’s committee.
Her career in healthcare started at the Freeman Hospital, later advancing through the NHS graduate management training scheme. Her ascent continued as she secured multiple management roles within local NHS organisations, encompassing commissioning bodies, Newcastle Hospitals, and the North East Ambulance Service and was instrumental in founding the Northumberland Clinical Commissioning Group. Steph then shifted her focus to lead Healthwatch Newcastle and Healthwatch Gateshead.
As an integral part of her local community, Steph has been a leader with Girlguiding UK for over 30 years and holds the position of Chair at Eliot Smith Dance Company. Previously, she served as the co-Chair of The Angelou Centre, a black-led women’s charity based in Newcastle which offers training, counselling, and refuge support.
Steph has a passion for involving the public and patients in healthcare and is a strong advocate for equality, diversity, and inclusion. She champions good mental health — especially in the workplace — and speaks publicly on compassionate leadership, racism, and gender discrimination. Steph also offers leadership coaching and mentoring to support…
Read More
Representation Matters: Reflections on Being the Only Black Voice in the Room
