Meet Diana Yen | Author | Founder & Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Diana Yen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Diana, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started my own food studio in 2009 in NYC. I was fascinated by the intersection of food, design, and visuals, and had reached a point where I had enough clients to take the leap and go out on my own. Starting my own business meant total creative freedom — a space where I could do everything I love: write recipes, test them, style food, and photograph it. It was also important to me to have a space where other friends and creatives could stop by and collaborate. The community in downtown Manhattan at that time was incredibly inspiring, and I wanted to be part of that energy in a more intentional way.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
One thing a lot of people don’t realize about the food and visual content world is how much planning goes into what looks like a super casual, effortless moment. Whether it’s a quick recipe video or a still shot for a cookbook, there’s usually a whole team involved, tons of prep, and plenty of trial and error behind the scenes. Everything from the lighting and texture to the timing, even how the steam rises off a dish, is carefully thought through. The final image is meant to feel warm and natural, but getting there takes a lot of precision and patience.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’d plan the perfect food-lover’s day in LA. We’d start by browsing Cookbook and LA Home Farm, two of my favorite gems for beautiful pantry treasures, rare condiments, and snacky bits you didn’t know you needed. Then we’d head to Bub and Grandma’s for lunch—I can’t get enough of their sandwiches, everything from the bread to the fillings is just spot-on. Maybe a little afternoon stop at Maru for coffee and a treat. It’s all about those small moments that feel special.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
LA has such a vibrant, generous food community, it’s hard to choose! Shoutout to Michele Ouellet, who makes the beautiful Lorenza rosé with her mother, it’s a staple at any gathering. Naoko Takei Moore of Toiro is my go-to for donabe cooking; her shop is a dream. Sasha Piligian is such an inspiring baker—her cakes and pastries are full of soul. And I have to mention Rie McClenny, a wonderful cookbook author and someone who brings such warmth and joy to everything she creates.

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