We're so excited to introduce you to Carina, the food blogger and recipe developer behind @kalememaybe and one of the creator behind our newest seasonal flavor: Fudgy Mint Cookie! Learn more about Carina below!

Tell us a little about you!

My name is Carina, but many people will know me by my online moniker, Kale Me Maybe! I am a writer and recipe developer who has been creating content online for over 10 years! I live in Los Angeles with my husband Grant and dog Willow, and I love to cook veggie-forward, colorful, health-inspired food. I love to travel and explore both cities and nature, and I find a lot of joy in reading and writing.

What inspired your creation of the Fudgy Mint Cookie flavor?

Mint and chocolate are my favorite dessert pairing, and anytime I crave something sweet, that’s my go to flavor! I also thought about how I myself use nut butter — I spread it on toast, drizzle it on oatmeal, turn it into desserts — and this felt like a flavor that I was missing in my life. 

What do you do for work? Tell us about your professional journey.

I am a writer, recipe developer, and content creator! I studied journalism and psychology at NYU, and my blog was born during my senior year there. When I graduated, I worked in health and wellness PR while running my blog and freelance writing on the side. After a few years, I switched to full-time, freelance writing, where I wrote articles all across the lifestyle, health, and wellness spectrum for websites like Bustle, Readers Digest, and FabFitFun. Now, I work on content creation full time! I have an Instagram and TikTok where I post healthy recipes and share about my life, and I have a newsletter, good mood food, where I share more recipes and some more intimate thoughts and feelings! I also love to write and am working on a novel. 

How do you stay motivated?

I like to keep myself inspired by reading books and magazines, browsing Pinterest, chatting with other creators, etc. I love exploring ideas and getting excited about ways to be creative. I like to make lists and set goals and keep them in my line of vision. And then I take breaks when needed!

Do you have any advice for someone who is interested in becoming an entrepreneur? 

Get comfortable with ebbs and flows! There is so much up and down in working for yourself — one second you’re surpassing your goals, and then the next second, you’re running into an unforeseen issue. If you know that everything is temporary and will pass, and you’re willing to keep going, it helps with longevity and resilience!

What are your favorite ways to #spreadgood in your community?

I like to give to organizations that I feel are making an immediate impact on the community. One of my favorites is SÜPRMARKT LA, which services organic groceries to low income communities. They have a program where you can sponsor a box of fresh produce each month to a community member who needs it. 

Who is one person who inspires you and why?

I am really inspired by my grandma Sally. She has instilled in me a zest for life, curiosity for the world, and endless creativity. She is the one who got me into healthy eating, but she also introduced me to art, travel, literature, and more. She is independent and determined and has always kept going, no matter her age!

How do you work to stay centered and practice self-care in your busy day-to-day reality? 

I try to incorporate movement everyday, whether it’s walking my dog, doing yoga, or going to pilates. I find my anxiety goes down greatly when I’m active. I take time to connect with friends or loved ones, and I also make sure to get outside and breathe some fresh air! 

What do you like to do for fun, when you aren't working? I love doing anything outdoors, especially going to the beach, hiking, camping, and taking walks around my neighborhood. I love to read, and as a writer, I also love to journal and write poetry and fiction. I also love to travel, and I’m known for booking a spontaneous trip on a whim. 

What are some of your favorite recipes with Ground Up? (Specifically, with the delicious flavor you created!)

I have a recipe for homemade thin mint cookies using my Fudgy Mint Cookie flavor! They’re so tasty and easy to make, and I love how few ingredients you need! I also love to melt the nut butter a little and drizzle it over ice cream like a hot fudge. You can also blend it with coffee and milk for a minty latte!