Today we’d like to introduce you to Jess Nardelli.
Hi Jess, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
When it comes to the story of Jessie’s Eddies we have to go back just a little bit to my earlier life’s story where I was a dental assistant for 12 years. I absolutely loved my patients and what I did, but I was living someone else’s dream. I started creating cbd infused treats as a little side hobby that turned into a passion. Growing up I had a grandmother who was known for her baking, and it’s really amazing to now have the baker in her, be the baker in me. We recently lost her – and I just hope I’ve made her proud. And when it comes to the food blogging portion of my world – you’d have to go back to my childhood with disposable cameras, taking pictures of EVERYTHING, including food. I started to have more and more people tell me “you need to do something with that content” So about a year ago I started gathering all of my food content and practicing my editing skills. It was rough. I had no idea what I was doing but I had a lot of help along the way. I dove head first putting everything I had into it. Posting, but keeping true to who I am as a person. Putting my real and raw thoughts out there, while only posting the places I would eat at again, myself. Honestly, you couldn’t pay me enough to pretend to like a place that I don’t. People look to content creators for honest opinions – there’s no sense in sending them just anywhere. Food is an art, and good food is something so special. When you can taste the love and effort that went into one single dish – it’s mind blowing. I’ve traveled all over the world finding the best eats including places such as Thailand, France, and Italy. And to be honest – the street food is some of the best! Life’s too short to eat bad food & I just hope to guide you all to some amazing spots!
If I had to pick someone that has inspired me the most to travel and eat off the beaten path – it’s Anthony Bourdain. I grew up watching him with my dad and I currently am re watching all seasons of ‘no reservations’ and it’s reminding me how much I love what I do, every day. He was an amazing human and my idol. There will never be another like him – not even me (lol)
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road I’ve taken on this foodie journey has been both rough and smooth. With moments of pure happiness & meeting some amazing humans that share this passion to also realizing there are some people out there that don’t want others to grow. Personally I see there’s enough for everyone out there with so many opinions – so why not help each other become better together?! Food should be fun!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I love creating the infused treats I do every day. Baking has become a passion I never thought I’d have. Where when it comes to the food – that has been in me all along.
I am so proud to say that the last 5 years I’ve now been living for me. And doing what makes me happy, every day. Even when I’m not making money & on my slow days where I find myself questioning “why did I ever do this” I remind myself how unhappy I was working under someone else who truly felt I was replaceable. (I know this because he said this to us – and that’s when I knew I needed to make an exit) how can you say these things about the ones that run your business? I don’t get it & thankfully, never will.
I’m proud to say that I’ve grown so much as a person these last 5 years. Re-learning so much about myself while trying to become better. I find that one difference between myself and others is I am unapologetically myself. I don’t hide who I am, or the things I do. I’m opinionated, but also know I’m not always right. Life’s to short to pretend every day is perfect. We all have the good, the bad, and the ugly days – I try to show the reality of them all. I think that being honest with others on who you really are, makes you relatable, and human.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
This is a hard question on what matters most to me.
There’s so many answers when it comes to this question such as my family, friends, and my dog. And there’s also the answer of that I just hope I make a positive impact on the world (or atleast my city – I’m no one special but if I can bring happiness to one person, I sure feel like I am) I hope that my treats bring happiness into peoples lives while pointing people in the direction of my favorite eats and small businesses. I think that the small businesses are what makes the world go round and they need to be showcased.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @_jessies_eddies_
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/jessnardelli
