Meet Emily Carrera | Kitchen-Taught, Flavor-Obsessed – Savory & Sweets by Eat Em’s Eats
We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Carrera and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Emily, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Since I was very young, the kitchen has always been my happy place — where I felt most creative and at peace. I grew up making recipes from scratch and unknowingly building a dream with every meal. For years, I worked jobs that didn’t fuel me, and I eventually realized I was letting fear hold me back. I was exhausted, overworked, and unfulfilled — so I quit. Cold turkey. I walked away from a job that had me traveling and working endlessly, and I decided to bet on myself.
Cooking had always been my first love, and even though baking wasn’t my original path, I had years of cookie-making experience with my daughters and knew I could do anything I put my heart into. I started with one simple chocolate chip cookie, got licensed for market sales, and began turning a lifelong passion into a business.
The name came from a nickname — Em’s Eats — and I’ve always wanted people to know I offer more than just a cookie. That’s how Eat Em’s Eats was born: from a dream, a risk, and the belief that there’s always more on the table when it comes from the heart.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career has been anything but traditional — and I think that’s what sets me apart. I didn’t go to culinary school or follow a perfectly mapped-out path. I built my business through lived experience, a deep love for food, and a whole lot of hustle. I’ve worked hard in jobs that didn’t fuel me, raised a family, and still found my way back to what I was always meant to do: create food that makes people feel something.
Eat Em’s Eats started with a single chocolate chip cookie, but I knew from day one that I wanted to offer more than just sweets. My background is rooted in homestyle cooking, comfort food, and thoughtful presentation. Every dish — whether it’s BBQ pulled pork, seasonal charcuterie, or my signature brown butter cookies — comes from a place of love, intention, and quality. I don’t cut corners, and I don’t mass-produce. Everything is handmade by me, with my clients in mind.
To grow my business, I worked four farmers markets a week — sometimes driving 50 miles each way just to introduce myself to a new community. Getting the word out to locals face-to-face was always my first priority. I wanted people to taste the difference, to feel the connection. And I found that the real magic was in the conversations — when someone would take a bite of my bread or a cookie and say, “This reminds me of my childhood.” That’s what drives me. Knowing I’ve been given a gift, and being present enough to share it with others — to listen, laugh, and connect — is what I truly admire about the work I get to do.
Another part of my journey that I’m passionate about is teaching. I now offer cooking and baking classes because I believe in giving back — not just through food, but through knowledge. These kinds of tools weren’t available to me when I was starting out, and I know how helpful and inspiring it can be for people of all ages to learn new skills, build confidence, and feel capable in the kitchen. Whether it’s a sourdough class or a cookie-decorating session, it’s always about connection and growth.
Getting here hasn’t been easy. There were financial struggles, self-doubt, and moments where I questioned if I could keep going. But I’ve learned that showing up — especially on the hard days — is what separates dreamers from doers. I’ve also learned that being a one-woman show means I don’t just cook — I plan, prep, market, deliver, and do the dishes. And while that’s exhausting at times, it’s also what makes my business so personal.
In addition to running Eat Em’s Eats, I now work part-time for the City in a public safety role. It’s given me a unique way to stay connected to my local community while still having the flexibility to grow my business, participate in farmer markets, and volunteer or attend city events. Whether I’m serving behind a desk or behind a dessert table, my goal is the same: to connect, serve, and bring a little joy to the people around me.
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?
Ojai has been one of my favorite getaways for over 20 years. Just 30 minutes from the busier pace of Ventura, it offers a slower, more soulful rhythm. It’s a place where the days start slow, the food is local and fresh, and the people who actually take time to connect.
The first time I visited Ojai, I stopped at The Farmer and The Cook — a spot that instantly stole my heart. I wandered in, curious, and ended up ordering the “pepita enchilada.” At the time, I had no idea what pepitas were — pumpkin seeds! — and I couldn’t believe that something so small could pack such a huge punch of flavor. The way it melted with the cheese, the sauce… oh my goodness, it was simply delicious. That meal stuck with me — and so did the feeling I had exploring that little corner of Ojai for the first time.
If my best friend was visiting, we’d start our day with free yoga at Libbey Park — it’s peaceful, grounding, and the perfect way to begin. After that, we’d grab a smoothie and head to the Ojai Farmers Market, where we’d take our time talking with local vendors. I believe in supporting locals wherever I go — they’re the heart of every great town, and they always know where to send you next. We’d probably walk away with a bag full of fresh produce, some handmade goodies, and a list of new restaurants or trails to try.
Back at our Airbnb or a charming bed & breakfast, we’d make a fresh salad with that incredible clementine vinaigrette I always grab, open a bottle of wine, and enjoy the quiet. There’s something magical about cooking in a space that’s not your own — especially with ingredients you just gathered that morning. It’s grounding, joyful, and nourishing in every way.
Ojai is full of charm — from the trails and small shops to the beautiful people who live there. It’s not just a place to visit; it’s a place to feel. And every time I return, I discover something new… or reconnect with something I didn’t even know I needed.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people who deserve credit, but first and foremost, I have to shout out my husband, David. He’s been my steady support system through every pivot, late-night bake, and big idea. He believed in me when I wasn’t sure I could do this, and he never lets me forget why I started.
I also want to recognize my daughters — they’ve been in the kitchen with me since they were little, making cookies, laughing, learning, and reminding me that building something from scratch is always worth it.
A shoutout to my parents who always had us in the kitchen baking from a young age. When I was just seven, we used to make giant cookies and sell them to the neighbors — that was my first taste of entrepreneurship, and I loved every second of it. Growing up, I often went to work with my father. Those early moments—quiet rides, watching him show up day after day—left a lasting impact. The people who’ve inspired me, even in small ways, stay with me forever. What seemed small as a child has grown into a driving force. I don’t stop—because there’s always more to learn, more to become, and more to give.
And to my grandmother, Margaret — who I named my daughter Maggie after — thank you for pulling me into the kitchen and sharing your stories. Hearing about the restaurant she once ran when I was young inspired me more than she probably knew. Her legacy lives on in every recipe I create.
Lastly, to the women — friends, fellow moms, and even strangers — who’ve supported my business, shared my name, bought a cookie, or encouraged me to keep going: you’ve helped build this dream more than you know. I carry every kind word, every shared story, and every “you got this” with me.
Website: https://www.eatemseats.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatemseats/
Image Credits
All these photos were taken by myself and are of my product
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