We had the good fortune of connecting with Chef Carla Contreras and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chef Carla, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?

What is conventionally defined as failure is really an opportunity to learn and grow. I have been an entrepreneur for the last 11 years. And it took me ten years to create a viable business. I have a podcast where I talk about my entrepreneurial journey here https://www.carlacontreras.com/podcast/chef-carla-poppy-content-lab-launch


What should our readers know about your business?

I was on Chopped! on the Food Network on season 12. For the last 24 + years, I’ve worked as a trained chef in: Restaurants, hotels, as a chef instructor at three culinary schools, personal chef, and food stylist. I have worked in Boston, San Diego and New York City.

Since 2013, I have been sharing my gift of food styling and content creation with publications and brands like Better Homes and Gardens, The Wall Street Journal, Shape Magazine, justBobbi.com, Nutritious Life, Well + Good.

In my personal brand, I not only show up for the hard things, I own them and then share them with the world, like my $38,000 lesson I learned in my business and evolution of a digital entrepreneur over the last eleven years.

In my online courses and 1:1 coaching, I bring my years of experience as a trained chef, content creator, health and life coach, Reiki practitioner, and meditation teacher to help you shift your mindset around cooking & the content creation process and social media. 


Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I lived in Ocean Beach back in 2005 before I moved to New York City. My absolute favorite spot is Sunset Cliffs. I also loved shopping at the weekly farmer’s market and grabbing my groceries from People’s Co-op, it’s been around since 1971. The Coffee Cup in La Jolla is still one of my favorite places in San Diego. I recently went back for a visit while working for Bumble Bee Tuna (which is headquartered in downtown San Diego, right next to Petco Park).

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I have a long list because I am constantly receiving incredible guidance and support: My partner Ed, my two kids, my friends, family, mentors, coaches, healers, my community on social media, The Institute for Integrative Nutrition and The Nutritious Life Studio Communities.

Website: https://www.carlacontreras.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itscarlacontreras/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlacontreras/

Image Credits
Photos by: Darlenys Rosa

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.