Malena is Mother Raw's newest addition to the team. Joining us with experience working at other like-minded organic brands, Malena brings a fun energy to the team and a passion for plants! Read on to get to know Malena.
What or who inspires you?
My mother! She is one hell of a woman and has taught me how to be the independent thinker that I am today.
Do you follow a specific food related lifestyle? And what does food/a healthy lifestyle mean to you?
I think it’s important to talk about our relationship with food. My personal one is a consistent area of improvement in my life. What helps me improve is learning/understanding that food is fuel for our bodies and that there is a direct link with how we feel and what we are putting in our bodies. I also believe in being realistic about our goals (no one is perfect!) and that instead of focusing on perfection we should be striving towards moderation.
What is your favorite Mother Raw product?
The Spicy Vegan Queso! How could you say no to that?
Favorite recipe?
Current obsession is curry. There is nothing better than a bowl of warm, spicy curry on a cold day. I have recently been experimenting with a lot of colourful spices in all of my cooking, like turmeric, cumin, garam masala, paprika, chili powder etc. Spices are a great way to pump up your flavour profile while also adding a great nutritional compliment to your plant-based recipes.
What do you do in your spare time when you’re out of the Mother Raw office?
I am definitely an outdoorsy kind of gal – anything from hiking to water skiing to kayaking. Being outside, surrounded by nature is the best stress reliever. I am also a huge horror movie geek!
Where is your favorite place you’ve been?
So far, hands down I would say Ireland. The landscape is breathtaking and the people are incredibly welcoming.
What are you passionate about?
The top things that first come to mind are environmental sustainability, being a health & wellness advocate/educator, and traveling.
What advice would you give those looking to make healthier choices and eat more plants?
Try not to take the process so seriously! Start small and don’t beat yourself up if you fall off the wagon a few times (listen, we’ve all been there). Have a definitive goal that you want to reach and check-in with yourself throughout the journey to keep yourself honest and on track. Start by introducing a few small changes into your meals/life and slowly work yourself up to what your goal is. Then, once you’ve reached that goal, keep improving.
Something you couldn’t live without?
At this current moment in my life…I’m embarrassed to admit coffee…
What do you like most about working at Mother Raw?
The people and purpose of the company! I love that working here feels like we are all moving towards a common goal together. I also love that I am passionate about the brand and products that we work on. Actually believing in what you do at work makes work feel less like a job, and more like a lifestyle.