An Interview With Martita Mestey
Continuous Learning and Growth: Never stop learning and seeking new experiences. Embracing a mindset of continuous improvement, exploring diverse cuisines, and honing your skills are essential for personal and professional growth.
In this interview series, called “Chefs and Restaurateurs Helping To Promote Healthy Eating” we are talking to chefs and restaurateurs who are helping to promote and raise awareness about healthy eating. The purpose of the series is to amplify their message and share insights about healthy eating with our readers. As a part of this series, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Sulhee Jessica Woo.
Sulhee Jessica Woo, also known as the Bento Box Queen, is a home chef and artist. Being of Korean, Chinese and Hawaiian heritage, she is a proud member of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community and a mother of three lovely girls. Jessica garnered a large online global audience from her amazing talent for creating intricate and visually stunning bento boxes. Through her art, she showcases her love for food, creativity, and dedication to being a great mom.
As a prominent voice in the AAPI community, Jessica uses her platform to promote cultural awareness and highlight the beauty of diversity. She inspires her followers to embrace their own identity and encourages them to express themselves through their passions.
Jessica’s work has been featured in various media outlets, and her influence continues to grow. She is a role model for many, especially for women and mothers who aspire to balance motherhood, creativity, and career.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Our readers would love to ‘get to know’ you a bit. Can you share with our readers a story about what inspired you to become a chef?
I’ve always had a deep love for food and exploring new flavors. Growing up in a Korean household, my mom expressed her love through food, inspiring my passion for cooking for the people I care about. Seeing people enjoy my cooking and recreating my recipes makes me so happy!
Do you have a specific type of food that you focus on? What was it that first drew you to cooking that type of food? Can you share a story about that with us?
I specialize in comfort foods from around the world. I’m Korean, Chinese, and Hawaiian and my kids are also Mexican, American, and Indonesian. I love incorporating not only our cultures but embracing cuisines from everywhere! I enjoy preparing dishes that evoke feelings of home and the warmth of a mother’s cooking.
Can you share the funniest or most interesting story that has happened to you since you started? What was the lesson or take away you took out of that story?
One of the coolest experiences since I started was unexpectedly going viral for the lunches I made for my girls. What started as a simple routine turned into extraordinary opportunities, like being a guest judge on “Top Chef Family Style.” Meeting Megan Trainor (the host) and her family was a highlight. Megan was fangirling over me. I loved filming and being a judge on that show. The lesson I took from these experiences is to work hard, embrace the unexpected, cherish every moment of success.
None of us can be successful without some help along the way. Did you have mentors or cheerleaders who helped you to succeed? Can you tell us a story about their influence?
My biggest cheerleader and supporter has always been my mom. Additionally, my daughters inspire me to strive for the best I can be. I dedicated my cookbook to my mom and girls as a token of appreciation for their unwavering love.
In your experience, what is the key to creating a dish that people are crazy about?
In my experience, the key to crafting a dish that captivates people is infusing it with authenticity, love, and flavors that evoke nostalgia. By creating dishes that resonate with individuals and bring them a sense of comfort and familiarity, you can truly leave a lasting impression.
Personally, what is the ‘perfect meal’ for you?
This one is so hard, but for me, it would have to be bossam (Korean braised pork belly) accompanied by an array of different banchans (Korean side dishes), rice, Korean seaweed soup, and bingsu (Korean shaved ice) for dessert. This combination represents a harmony of flavors and textures that I find perfect.
Where does your inspiration for creating come from? Is there something that you turn to for a daily creativity boost?
My inspiration stems from various sources, including my current cravings, my children’s preferences, and the happenings around me. I find daily creative boosts by staying attuned to what excites me in the moment and drawing inspiration from the world around me.
Are you working on any new or exciting projects now? What impact do you think this will have?
I am thrilled to announce that I have recently released my cookbook for preorder titled Let’s Make Some Lunch. Recipes made with love for everyone This cookbook, features a collection of recipes that hold a special place in my heart. I began working on this cookbook shortly after my mother’s passing in 2022. It includes some of my family’s favorite breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and global recipes that can all be transformed into a delightful lunch. Inside and out, the cookbook is adorned with special touches, from sparkles to stickers, and even a curated song playlist of my favorite tunes to cook along to. I believe this cookbook will not only inspire others to create delicious meals but also serve as a heartfelt tribute to the love and memories shared with my family. You can preorder it here! https://geni.us/LetsMakeSomeLunch
Ok super. Let’s now jump to the main part of our interview. You are currently leading an initiative to help promote healthy eating. Can you tell us a bit about what you and your organization are trying to change in our world today?
I am dedicated to leading an initiative that aims to transform the way we perceive and interact with food to promote healthier eating habits. Through my work, I strive to foster a positive relationship with food by enhancing the eating experience, whether through visually appealing presentations, exploring new flavors, or addressing individual struggles with food. My goal is to make healthy eating more accessible, enjoyable, and sustainable for everyone.
Can you tell us the backstory about what inspired you to originally feel passionate about this cause?
My passion for promoting a healthier relationship with food stems from my personal experiences as a parent and my belief in the profound joy that food can bring. Like many parents, I faced the common struggle of dealing with picky eaters, especially during phases when my kids are reluctant to eating vegetables. Additionally, my youngest child has several food allergies, adding another layer of complexity to our family’s relationship with food. These challenges inspired me to find creative ways to address these issues and help others navigate similar struggles. I am also driven to share the happiness food can bring with others and help them cultivate healthy eating habits. By incorporating creativity, variety, and a sense of enjoyment into the culinary experience, I seek to inspire individuals to develop positive and nourishing connections with the food they consume.
Without saying specific names, can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was helped by your cause?
Through my videos, I have received numerous messages expressing gratitude for the positive impact it has had on individuals. These messages of appreciation serve as a testament to the meaningful difference my work has made in people’s lives. The stories of transformation and gratitude from those who have benefited from my cause continue to inspire and motivate me.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
In community, encourage and support local initiatives that promote healthy eating habits, such as community gardens, cooking classes, and educational programs. In society, foster a culture that values and prioritizes healthy eating by promoting awareness, providing resources, and encouraging sustainable food practices. In Politicians, advocate for policies that improve access to nutritious foods, support food education programs in schools, and address food-related challenges such as allergies and dietary restrictions.
What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Started as a Chef or Restaurateur” and why?
- Importance of Work-Life Balance: I wish someone had emphasized the significance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Taking care of my mental health to keep motivated.
- Adaptability and Resilience: It’s vital to be adaptable and resilient in the face of challenges and setbacks. One early lesson I learned was the importance of embracing change, learning from failures, and staying resilient in a competitive industry.
- Value of Networking and Mentorship: Building a strong network of mentors, peers, and industry professionals can provide invaluable guidance, support, and opportunities for growth. Establishing meaningful connections and seeking mentorship early on has greatly impacted my journey.
- Continuous Learning and Growth: Never stop learning and seeking new experiences. Embracing a mindset of continuous improvement, exploring diverse cuisines, and honing your skills are essential for personal and professional growth.
- Passion and Purpose: Remembering to stay true to myself, my passion and purpose in the world.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
If given the opportunity, I would love to make lunch with Gwen Stefani for her kids. She’s been a significant inspiration for me and no doubt has been my favorite band forever.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
To stay updated on my work and culinary creations, readers can follow me on all social media platforms on @sulheejessica such as Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and my personal website www. Sulheejessica.com . I regularly share recipes, cooking tips, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into my journey.
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
How Chef Sulhee Jessica Woo Is Helping To Promote Healthy Eating was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.