About Nicole Jaques

Where It All Began!

Growing up between New York, Connecticut, and eventually settling in California’s Sonoma, my upbringing was a blend of diverse influences. From the bustling city life to the serene landscapes of wine country, I was exposed to a variety of cultures and lifestyles from a young age.

One of the most significant influences in my life was my grandmother, Ruth, a Southern at-home chef whose love language was food. She had a “let’s fry everything in sight” mentality. She baked with a lot of sugar and a lot of heart. Her hearty, indulgent meals stood in stark contrast to the clean, organic living typical of the coastal regions I grew up in. Yet, through her cooking, she taught me the power of gathering and sharing love through food.

My mother, Pam, was another influential figure, She was known for her elaborate dinner parties and knack for hosting. She instilled in me the belief that hosting is a gift, an opportunity to create memorable experiences for others through hospitality and delicious food. My mom would host these elaborate themed events and parties. For example, she would make all Russian cuisine for an event. Then she would make milk cartons and put a bottle of vodka in the center, freeze them, and then every vodka bottle had an ice ring around it with the flavor of it–coffee had coffee beans and vanilla had vanilla beans. My mom hosted my birthday parties that way. My mom was an innovator and a pioneer—she was a Pinterest mom before Pinterest moms.

So, I grew up with some strong women that really believed that food is there to gather people, show love and bring security to those you care about, all while encouraging joy.

Fast forward through my career in public relations, my journey into healthcare marketing, and eventually settling into roles in medical research and operations, each experience provided me with valuable insights into the world of wellness and healthcare systems. I got to see how the healthcare industry worked from the inside.

However, it wasn’t until I became pregnant with my son that my wellness journey truly began. As I embarked on the path of nurturing and caring for my growing family, I found myself delving deeper into holistic living and exploring ways to create a less toxic environment for my loved ones. Amidst challenges such as my husband’s injury (he broke his back!) and the loss of my parents’ home to a tragic fire, I discovered the healing power of nourishment (all with a newborn and two-year-old at home)—both physical and emotional. Through home cooking, DIY cleaners, and a commitment to non-toxic living, I found solace and strength in nurturing my family through adversity.

It was during a girls’ trip that the idea of sharing my knowledge and experiences with others first emerged. Surprised by the lack of basic home skills among my peers, I realized the importance of education and empowerment in wellness. Thus, my Instagram journey began—initially as a charcuterie account, then evolving into a platform focused on holistic living and wellness.

However, it wasn’t until a terrifying incident in Palm Springs, where I choked on food and subsequently received a diagnosis of Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE), an autoimmune disorder, that my mission truly crystallized. After seeing a laundry list of doctors and being prescribed a laundry list of medications, I finally found a doctor that helped me connect my health concerns to environmental exacerbators. Together, we were able to hone my medical wellness and eliminate triggers. What I put on my plate became my multivitamin and allowed me to be medication free even with the EoE diagnosis.

This wake-up call propelled me to become a resource for others seeking wellness in their lives. And to inspire others to live in an effective, efficient, and joyful home. Today, my platform–that started on my cell phone–has grown beyond my wildest dreams, with nearly a dozen employees and a global community of wellness enthusiasts. Yet, at its core, it remains a testament to the power of personal transformation and the impact one individual can have in empowering others to lead healthier, happier lives.

So, if you’re here seeking guidance, inspiration, or just a friendly voice in your wellness journey, know that you’re in the right place. Together, let’s embrace the transformative power of wellness and create a brighter, healthier future—for ourselves and for generations to come. I am SO happy you are here! Now, let’s get cooking!

Here’s What You Can Expect From Me!

Family-Friendly Recipes

My grandmother taught me you could show love through food, and she enjoyed having family at the same table, savoring a meal together. She is my biggest inspiration and is the reason I love to cook and recipe create.

Hosting Tips

Growing up, my mom would throw elaborate and creative parties for her friends – all before Pinterest. She taught me that food is an excuse to gather people together and make memories. She inspires me daily as a woman, wife, mom and hostess!

Cleaning Hacks

My grandmother knew how to clean everything, and I still use all her laundry and cleaning tips today. She said if I were going to cook, then I also needed to know how to get grease stains out of my shirts!

Lifestyle

I enjoy sharing all my favorite finds with you – everything from fashion to kitchen tools to cleaning products. If there’s a product I just can’t live without, I will let you know!

My philosophy is that building a life loving food is a life well spent. It is how we fuel ourselves and others we love. We are dependent on it, so why not indulge?