From college kitchen to global brand, Monique Volz's story began with healing. But, how did she turn pain into purpose?
Monique was a college student, trying to find peace with food and herself. She turned her kitchen into therapy and transformed her life and mindset. What started as a creative outlet became Ambitious Kitchen, a recipe blog that has since grown into a beloved brand, a bestselling cookbook, and a source of inspiration for millions.
Monique sits with Mercedes and Anastasia for a raw and empowering conversation about food, turning pain into purpose, entrepreneurship, and joy.
In this episode:
Monique’s journey from college student to founder of Ambitious Kitchen.
How she turned her struggles with anxiety and disordered eating into purpose.
Her “no bad foods” philosophy and practical tips for a healthier food mindset.
Advice to overcome the fear of judgment.
BTS of writing a bestselling cookbook.
Hacks for staying organized + balanced while chasing big goals.
Tips for teens to turn a passion into a business, even in school.
Quick, healthy meals for busy students & adults.
Hacks for finding joy in both cooking and eating.
Whether you’re a teen navigating school stress, someone struggling with food and body image, or an aspiring entrepreneur with a big dream, this episode will remind you that your hardest moments can become the foundation of your greatest impact.
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Ready to Hack Your Happiness some more? Listen to our interview with founder of Wellness in the Schools, Nancy Easton. In this episode, Nancy unveils tangible tips for prioritizing healthy eating within a busy lifestyle, go-to meals and snacks, and advice for handling the transition from living at-home, to cooking for oneself: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7Hh94DkHn0NZp30qIljwQ5?si=TM-620eBTXa6efLxf4KGpQ
(00:00) Welcome, Monique!
(01:30) How Monique Got Started
(02:53) Did Monique Always Want To Be A Food Blogger?
(04:29) Feel Stuck? Listen To This
(06:30) What Monique Learned From Her Eating Disorder
(08:51) How Can I Build A Healthier + Happier Relationship To Food & My Body?
(11:02) Advice For Not Fearing Judgement
(15:56) Being A Content Creator AND In Daily Life: How To Find Balance In Work vs Rest
(19:09) Following Your Passion While In School/Work
(21:35) What Does 'Ambitious' Mean To Monique?
(24:19) A NYT Bestselling Cookbook: Rewards vs Challenges
(26:40) BTS of Monique's Recipes(29:05) Monique's FAVORITE Recipe Story
(31:13) How Can I Find Joy In Cooking & Eating?
(34:36) A Dark Moment That Turned Into A Catalyst For Monique's Success
(36:30) Want To Become A Food Influencer? Here's Your FIRST Step!
(37:34) College Food Hacks That You NEED
(39:18) If Monique Could Eat Only ONE Cuisine, She'd Choose This One
(39:41) Monique To Her Teenage Self
(40:45) What Brings Monique A Small Bit of Happiness?
(41:45) Monique's Motivational Quote
(42:29) Find Monique Here
(43:07) Key Takeaways
