We had the good fortune of connecting with Imani Ruffins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Imani, what makes you happy? Why?
Making other people happy, makes me happy.

It’s like a connection to them. To see “happiness, and gratitude is enough for me to be happy even it’s it just in the moment.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am currently a Senior Police Officer with the New Orleans Police Department. I remember in 1997 someone broke into my home and the police officer who handled my incident was so rude and unconcerned about what I was feeling. He said in the most dismissive tone, this isn’t the first time someone’s home was burglarized. I told him but it was the first time MY home was burglarized. I proceeded to tell him that I was going to be a police officer one day and treat people with compassion. He laughed and said tell me how you feel after 10 years.

23 years and I still love being a police officer. I struggled for a few years after losing my daughter Milan Arriola in 2015 to gun violence. That changed me forever. After spending so much of my adult life protecting the city I felt betrayed in sense. I didn’t think I would feel the same, but over time I realized that I could help other families and be a voice of understanding from a victim’s perspective.

As far as my treat making. That was an accident. I started making treats for my kids birthdays, then family and friends. It only took one person to say, i’ll pay. LOL It never stopped. First it was cupcakes, then cakes, then candy apples. The candy apples took on a path that I never saw coming. It has always been the most popular. Honestly I love making those more than anything.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well I would take them to my brother’s place. Kermit’s Mother in Law Lounge. There’s the best live Jazz music in the city on any given day. He usually cooks red beans on Monday’s and anything from chicken wings to rabbit on the grill.

I don’t drink so I can’t give a place to go. LOL

New Orleans has tons of places to eat. Another Broken Egg and Russell’s Marina Grill is my go to for breakfast. I love lunch at Neyows, Deanies in Bucktown and Ruth’s Chris, you really can’t go wrong with their menus.

Tourist love the French Quarter! (I don’t) A ride on the Steamboat Nachez with dinner is great and a Cemetary and Ghost Bust tour is always fun.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to start with my dad. Lloyd Ruffins (deceased). He was the most honest, selfless and loving man I ever knew. He raised me to be honest and blunt, but most importantly, independent.

Most importantly my family and friends that are like family. They have shown the most tremendous support! From the very beginning they have purchased, shared, congratulated and constructively criticized me. I love that even when I wasn’t confident with my product they always encouraged me to keep going.

There is a book “The Shack” that has helped me not worry so much. It helped embraced what I thought was mistakes or bad luck events. Now I know that everything is a lesson and I always take something good from every experience.

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