How would you describe your style? I love to cook and love to feed people. I have always been dran to the kitchen, no matter what age of where I have been in the world. My style is simple and natural- so whether that be handmade crafts, clothing, asthetics or food. I believe simplicity and nature are great guides.
Do you remember the first thing you made? When I lived with my Aunt Penelope in Guadalajara, Mexico she taught me how to make salsa in a molcajete my first week being there. It was a salsa con chile de arbol. My first salsa recipe I ever learned by heart and I took great pride in making it for the house each week.
Before I started making I… am trained as an agricultural educator with a focus in Waldorf Education. I am a trained Early Childhood Educator. I taught at a Waldorf school for three years before starting my business. I have lived close to or on farms since I was in college-always near food and always near farmers.
If I weren’t a maker I’d be... If I hadn’t started a business I would probably start a homecare early childhood outdoor program for young children to be outdoors and in nature.
Favorite quote or words to live by: Breathe. Always come back to your breath.
If you could collaborate with one person dead or alive who would it be? I would absolutely LOVE to collaborate with Georgia O’Keeffe. I know that she was a cook herself and loved to spend time in her garden, cooking food that she grew herself. I love her style, her home, and all that I have read about her.
If I could run away I’d go… To the mountains of Mexico.
What are you currently watching? I just finished the 007 James Bond series with Daniel Craig-which was nice to watch consecutively as I was able to follow the story more…but my REAL guilty pleasure is watching Long Island Medium on TLC. Theresa Caputo is inspiring, strange, so different from me but I love her messages and the healing she brings to people who have lost loved ones. She is a medium-you should watch the show :)
What was the last gift you gave someone? I sent my Mom a new hand knit hat for her birthday!
Most interesting thing in your liquor cabinet? Mezcal from Michoacan that was soaked for a year with Mamey (a fruit from Mexico). YUM! I’m almost out.
What song best describes your work ethic? The Greatest-Sia featuring Kendrick Lamar (These days anyways)
What is the most challenging project you have worked on? Why? The most challenging by far has been working with artisans in Mexico. It has been incredible and I have met amazing people along the way who I still consistently am in contact with. But I have also had some very difficult experiences. People have stolen money from me, lied about production, cheated on importing and more. I am a woman business owner working alone but I work with artisans in my second language, Spanish, and that brings hardships that are social, cultural and linguistic.
What is your most treasured possession? My most treasured possession is a painting of my mouth that my Nana painted many years ago. It hangs in my room and I look at it everyday- it is a reminder of her.
What is your perfect day? My perfect day would be to wake up naturally, make fresh coffee with steamed milk, have a morning cooking breakfast, eating outside in the sun with good company, lounging around reading or playing music, talking, doing art. Going for a long walk to get hungry again just in time to return home, open some wine and start dinner. In a perfect day the conversation would endlessly flow and never cease until we couldn’t hold our eyelids open any more…falling asleep full of good food and good wine.
Favorite holiday? Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because it’s all about food and company.
Where did you grow up? I grew up in Healdsburg, CA. A small wine country town in Northern California.
Favorite ice cream flavor? My favorite ice cream flavor is mint chip.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be? I would love to teleport!
Favorite time of day? Morning time-early with coffee and the morning light.
What is your favorite family tradition? On the morning of our birthday we are woken up with a birthday cake, candles and tea or coffee. We get to eat cake for breakfast and open presents first thing.
Favorite podcast? The Daily-NYT
Best piece of advice you have ever received? Don’t try to explain something to someone who doesn’t understand.
Any hidden talents? It’s hard for me to know my own hidden talent…as it is hidden, right? I bring people together, it’s innate in me.
To see more from Kathleen and Tienda Salsita visit, www.tiendasalsita.com or @tiendasalsita.
*Portrait by Emily Valentine Photography
