Today we’d like to introduce you to Jess Marra.
Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today. You can include as little or as much detail as you’d like.
Hi, my name is Jess Marra and I live in Santa Monica. Originally from New York, I moved to LA 6 years ago. I am a digital marketer and have worked in the beauty industry for ten years at companies like L’Oréal and Unilever. Despite my love for all things beauty, there is one passion for me that takes it all: FOOD!
A lifelong foodie and home cook, I intuitively fell back into the kitchen during the pandemic and began documenting much of my culinary escapades on social media. In addition to my self-taught skills over the years, I have taken courses at the ICA in New York and Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. In 2020, @Kitschenista was born as a way to bring my passion to life — I turn *kitsch* ingredients into food meal dreams. I help educate and elevate the everyday and provide delicious food inspiration to everyone. I make healthy-ish eating fun, exciting, and most importantly, accessible. In addition to recipe development, I offer private in-person and virtual cooking classes, grocery shopping expertise, and food media consulting. My community reach is global while my clients are predominantly LA-based.
I released my first digital cookbook in June 2023, Perfectly Ripe, 20 recipes that celebrate the flavor and beauty of summer produce. I am THRILLED to announce the release of my second cookbook: Perfectly Balanced, a collection of 30 wholesome recipes for feel-good eating. The goal of my newest cookbook is to provide easy, healthy recipe inspiration at the beginning of the new year. A lot of people are stressed coming off the holidays, not feeling their best, and looking for solutions. This cookbook is the solution for integrating whole foods, seamlessly, and deliciously into your routine to feel your best. Most of the recipes are gluten free, dairy free, and take between 30-45 minutes to make.
Link to purchase cookbook – use code VOYAGE to get it for only $5.99: https://www.
Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
For the most part my journey into the food media world has been smooth because I’ve been in control – I’m working for myself and scaling my business in a way that aligns with my goals. But of course when I zoom out and look at other creators in the space it’s hard not to compare one’s success or millions of followers. I’ve been “canceled” and recovered. Cancel culture is dangerous and problematic within our society. I hope that’s on the “out” list for 2024. It doesn’t allow anyone to make mistakes or have grace. It’s a really wild concept rooted in negativity. Ultimately, my community are my biggest supporters and despite various times of difficulty or uncertainty, it ultimately has led to periods of reflection and growth.
We’d love to learn more about your work. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I am a people person and a connector, both in my corporate life, social media life, and personal life. This year I’ve had some really big moments I’m proud of! I launched my first cookbook, developed a custom salad for Alfalfa, was in Sweet Lady Jane’s Anniversary Campaign, and got to work with INCREDIBLE brands that I seriously love (hey Graza fam!). I also launched a new private chef branch of my business – I’ve been hired as a private chef for wellness events and retreats, typically featuring an all GF/DF menu.
Healthy food is possible at any price point and needs to be further democratized. There’s a lot of professionals I look to for more pointed and science-backed nutrition information like Dr. Mark Hyman, Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, and Jessie Inchauspé to just name three of many.
I would say I’m known for a few things –
- Red Nails, always. Essie Jelly Apple girlie.
- Hot Takes – I am known for being candid and brutally honest – but with humor. I don’t hold back and am very quick to call out industry trends that are deceitful, overrated, or just gross.
- High Maintenance – I would say this is actually a misnomer about me. People who don’t know me tend to think I am high maintenance when it comes to the way I shop or consume food. But really, I am looking to democratize healthy eating. There’s a stigma that eating organic is only attainable at a high or unaffordable price. I seek to bring awareness and education in a fun way. Food brings us together in the most unique, intimate, and special way and it’s what I value most 🙂
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are a few ways! Of course, anyone can feel free to be part of my community and follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kitschenista/
Support me by supporting yourself! Check out my new healthy eating cookbook here (use code VOYAGE to get it for only $5.99): https://www.kitschenista.co/cookbook
I am taking on new clients in 2024! If you are looking for 1:1 programming like cooking classes, or healthy food shopping you can reach out to me here to chat more: https://www.kitschenista.co/contact
Brands looking to work together on custom recipe development or ambassadorship can email me directly at [email protected].
Pricing:
- Perfectly Wholesome Cookbook $5.99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kitschenista.co/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kitschenista/
- Facebook: https://www.kitschenista.co/cookbook
