Story & Lesson Highlights with Jenn Marie of South Bay

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jenn Marie. Check out our conversation below.

Jenn , so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Outside of work, I find the most joy in blogging and sharing my food discoveries and Hello Foodie Jenn adventures from my travels. Exploring new places, trying new dishes, and turning those experiences into stories for my audience makes me genuinely happy. It lets me be creative, connect with others, and celebrate experiences that feel meaningful to me.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Jenn, the creator behind Hello Foodie Jenn. I share kawaii-inspired food finds, travel moments, and lifestyle adventures, all centered around cute details and joyful experiences. What makes my brand unique is the way I blend nostalgia, kawaii, and discovery — highlighting charming cafés, local gems, and meaningful places in a fun, approachable way. I’m currently working on expanding more travel content, featuring more LA spots, and collaborating with brands that align with my cheerful, whimsical style.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that truly shaped how I see the world was my first trip to Japan, where I got to fully immerse myself in everything Hello Kitty — staying in the Hello Kitty room at the Keio Plaza Hotel and even flying on the Hello Kitty EVA airplane! Experiencing a world that combined creativity, joy, and attention to detail inspired me to share my own adventures and discoveries with others. It reminded me how much happiness can come from small, thoughtful experiences — and that curiosity and excitement are worth celebrating in everyday life.

When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
When I was scared or sad as a child, little joys helped me feel safe and happy. For me, that was Hello Kitty — the comforting, cheerful world of Sanrio always lifted my spirits and reminded me that even small moments of happiness matter. Those experiences taught me to seek joy, stay curious, and create experiences that bring light to myself and others — lessons I carry into my blogging and travels today.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would probably say that what matters most to me is finding joy in the little things and sharing that happiness with others. Whether it’s discovering new foods, exploring new places, or celebrating small moments of creativity, I love turning experiences into stories that bring a smile to people’s faces. They’d say I care deeply about connecting with others, staying curious, and making life a little brighter wherever I can.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m exploring somewhere new with my camera in hand—whether it’s discovering a cozy café, finding a cute detail that makes me smile, or enjoying a quiet moment while traveling. Those simple experiences remind me to slow down, appreciate the moment, and stay connected to the things that bring me joy.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.hellofoodiejenn.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellofoodiejenn
• Twitter: https://x.com/hellofoodiejenn
• Yelp: https://hellokittyfoodie.yelp.com