Beginning this month, That’s It LA will regularly feature female entrepreneurs, creatives, and artists that make the world a better place to be.
This week we highlight Nicole Presley. A successful food blogger and recipe creator, Nicole inspires readers to experiment with Mexican fare and rely less on buying prepared foods. Her award-winning food blog, Presley’s Pantry, uses simple, approachable recipes and beautiful photos to attract a loyal and ever growing following. She truly sparks joy and creativity in home kitchens across the country.
The digital space is a better place due to Nicole’s contributions. I love her positive energy, humor and passion for everything culinary.
Can you introduce yourself and share your focus and how you developed an interest in cooking and food styling.
Hello, my name is Nicole Presley and I write the award winning vegetarian blog/website Presley’s Pantry – Viva Food! 2021 marks my 10 years of sharing my recipes online. My focus has always been to demonstrate how fun and easy it is to be in the kitchen. I first started cooking out of necessity because no one in my house cooked, and found it was a delicious art form. As I went through phases growing up, cooking is the only thing I never grew out of. It has been my constant love and continues to keep my interest. As I evolved in the world of food…. food styling was the natural next step.
Can you describe your style of cooking?
My cooking style is meatless comfort food with an emphasis on Mexican and desserts and I occasionally go off the rails and make something Italian or Asian.
Nicole’s Torta de Milanesa de Calabacita
How long does it take to get the perfect food shot?
Getting the perfect food shot is a whole visual process. Once I decide what I want something to look like, then it’s gathering the props and building a little set. Lastly the food is made and styled. Taking the photo is the fast part. I say it takes somewhere in the range of 3 hours depending on what I’m making.
What is the one ingredient you can’t live without?
I can not live without cheese. I am open to all types and most live in the fridge at once. 🙂
What message do you hope your audience will take away through following your blog/instagram?
I hope people will walk away feeling like the process of making even elaborate meals is not intimidating and can be achieved easily.
What advice would you give to brands and marketers looking to work with influencers especially when it comes to inclusion and support for WOC
I say it’s important to partner with all walks of people and be open minded to what they bring to the table. As a WOC it’s nice to see when a brand represents my culture appropriately.
Tell us about causes that are most important to you, your work in amplifying them and how we can support.
I find that I am mostly drawn to supporting other women and I tend to get involved with causes that help feed the hungry. These are things I do on a personal level and encourage any type of support for women. It could be as simple as sharing a friend’s post on Instagram or showing up at a pop-up to purchase their latest creation. Volunteering at a local food bank.
Do you have any tips on getting the kids engaged in cooking?
I think you have to make it fun. Kids these days are stimulated constantly with technology and I use cooking as a relaxing fun project for my son and I to bond over. The reward at the end is the food he made. I think it helps build his confidence.
Get social with Nicole!
https://www.instagram.com/presleyspantry/
