Carla Contreras

Creative Director. Content Strategist. Podcast Host. Food Stylist. Recipe Developer. IIN Health Coach. Latina

Let’s Get to Know Each Other

Yes, I was on Chopped! on the Food Network

I am a content strategist, podcast host, and food stylist. I work with entrepreneurs, brands, and small businesses to grow their presence on and offline. My work has been featured in publications like Apartment Therapy and Well+Good.
I have worked on hundreds of photo shoots for well-known brands as a food stylist, photographer, recipe developer, art director, and digital content creator. For over 25 years, I've worked professionally in the food industry and have been featured on Chopped! on the Food Network.
I am the host of the Nourishing Creativity podcast. My endless curiosity for wellness and personal growth has led me to become a certified health coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and The Nutritious Life Studio. I am also a Master Reiki practitioner, meditation teacher, and mother of two.
When I am not working 1:1 with my clients, or recording an episode of the Nourishing Creativity Podcast. You can catch me: Going to the farmer’s market with my family, doing Pilates, or sipping Green Smoothie Soup

Content Strategy for Visionary Entrepreneurs & Brands

From compelling words to a strategic website, content is the heart of what gets your ideal clients and community to fall in love with you and fully engage with your work. I’m here to help you do it strategically, intuitively, and with intention.
Since 2013, I have been sharing my gift of content strategy with entrepreneurs, coaches, healers, brick-and-mortar business, product, book, website, and podcast launches.
I have also worked on content and social media strategy for large national brands like Tadin Tea & Herb Co., Bumble Bee Tuna, and The Institute for Integrative Nutrition.
I can’t wait to support you and your work in the world. Please see my offerings below. Have questions, send me an email hello@carlacontreras.com

Content Creation, Food & Prop Styling

My work has appeared in: Apartment Therapy, The Kitchn, The Wall Street Journal, Better Homes & Gardens, Prevention, Shape Magazine, Stasher Bag, Food Network, Bob’s Red Mill, Life Lite Foods, Bumble Bee Tuna, Nutritious Life, Just Bobbi, Evolution_18, Life’s Abundance, Tadin Tea & Herb Co., and Well+Good.
Ways that I work with small businesses & brands: Culinary Content Creation, Food Styling, Recipe Development, Brand Awareness, Ebooks, Influencer Trainings and Education, IG Lives, Art Direction, and Podcast Development.
Send me an email hello@carlacontreras.com to work with me.

Learn Even More About Me

More About My Life:
I am a first generation Chilean and Italian American mama of two living outside of New York City. When I am not busy testing recipes, styling and taking food photos, working on creating online courses, or recording a podcast. You can catch me: Going to the farmer’s market with my family, doing Pilates, or sipping my Green Smoothie Soup
My Culinary Resume:
For the last 25 + years, I’ve worked as a chef at places like Daniel Boulud’s DBGB, the Marriott Boston and Marriott San Diego, and Whole Foods La Jolla, and I’ve worked as a caterer, personal chef, and owner of Red Clog Kitchen in New York City. I have taught culinary at the Institute of Culinary Education, Kosher Culinary Center and at Montclair State University.
The Show Up Fully Method:
I choose the words REST + DEEP NOURISHMENT as my North Stars of 2019. Those words saved my life. I created the Show Up Fully Method to include: Rest, Deep Nourishment, Movement, Mindfulness and Water. My suggestion is to pick one and to focus on it. Want to learn more? Listen to this podcast
Giving Back:
Giving back is part of my mission as a human and for my company. Once per quarter, I work with an emerging entrepreneur. I also work with several non profits including Cookies for Kids Cancer. You can listen to the podcast episode here

My Credentials + Additional Training

Johnson and Wales University: Bachelors of science in culinary arts
New York University: Masters of arts in food management and food studies
Nutritious Life Studio: You’ll learn cutting-edge nutrition, coaching, and business education from world-renowned dietitian, Keri Glassman, MS, RDN, CDN. The NLS Community is very engaged and supportive, Keri goes live weekly to answer your questions Free 72-Hour Access
Email me directly for a tuition discount & bonuses hello@carlacontreras.com
The Institute for Integrative Nutrition: This program has been revamped and is brand new as of Spring ‘22. Learn from 95+ visiting faculty, coaches, and guides. Be empowered to find the diet and lifestyle practices that work for you! Understand how to coach others to experience personal transformation. Find balance in all areas of your life Free Class + My Alumni discount
Reiki Training: 1 & 2 with Valerie Oula. Master Reiki Training with Meg Burton Tudman and Veena Saraswati.
Mentor Masterclass Life Coach Training: Self-study with Jeannine Yoder
Meditation Teacher Training: Level one, two and three with Cyndi Lee
Shamanic Cacao Apprenticeship: Jemma Gaud & Maestro Puma
Peruvian Healing Practices & Sacred Ceremonial Service Immersion: Shift Network with Maestro Puma

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Disclaimer

I am a professionally trained chef and certified holistic health coach; I am also Nutritious Life certified. I am not a nutritionist or RD. I am not a doctor or qualified healthcare professional.
The information contained on this site is my opinion based on research and personal experience unless otherwise stated and should not be substituted for qualified medical advice.
Health-related information is in no way intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any medical or other condition.
Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare providers for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your diet and lifestyle or to answer questions about specific medical conditions.
There may be affiliate links used on this site. I only promote products that I LOVE. Thank you for supporting my Latinx & Women-Owned small business!