Carla Contreras
Carla Contreras
Creative Director. Brand 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’m a content strategist, food creative, and podcast host who helps entrepreneurs, brands, and small businesses grow their presence with creativity and intention.

My work has been featured in Apartment Therapy, Well+Good, and across a range of digital and print platforms, where I bring stories to life through thoughtful strategy and elevated visual content.

With more than 25 years of experience in the food industry including an appearance on Chopped! on the Food Network. I’ve contributed to hundreds of photo shoots as a food stylist, photographer, recipe developer, art director, and digital creator.

I bring both expertise and intuition to every project, blending artistry with strategy to help brands connect and stand out.

As the host of The Nourishing Creativity Podcast, I explore the connection between creativity, well-being, and self-expression, a thread that runs through my own work.

I’m also a certified health coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and The Nutritious Life Studio, a Master Reiki practitioner, meditation teacher, and mother of two.

When I’m not collaborating with clients or recording a podcast episode, you’ll find me at the farmers market with my family, doing Pilates, or sipping on a mug of Green Smoothie Soup.

Content Strategy, Brand Alchemy, & Website Design

Magnetic brands aren’t built by chance. They’re crafted with intention, story telling, and soul.

Your content is more than the visuals and words. It’s the invitation. The connection point. The reason your ideal clients trust you, choose you, and come back for more!

I work with entrepreneurs and brands bring their vision to life with content that captivates, connects, and converts. Work that doesn’t just look beautiful, but stirs emotion and moves people to action.

With over a decade of experience, I’ve partnered with visionary founders and iconic brands like Bobbi Brown, Bumble Bee Tuna, and The Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Shaping strategies and creative work that’s purposeful and profitable.

When you’re ready to elevate your brand and expand your creative impact, let’s connect. Here’s how we can collaborate and work together below.

Have questions, send me an email hello@carlacontreras.com

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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

 

Contact Me:

 
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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!