Meet Sandra Martinelli | Digital Creator & Cookbook Author

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

Hi Sandra, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born and raised in the Bay Area, CA – the first in my family to be born in the United States. My mother, four uncles, and grandparents emigrated from Vietnam to the US in the mid-70s. When they landed in the US, they had very little money, but a ton of grit. This led to incredible successes over time and establishing a very fortunate lifestyle. I grew up in a multigenerational home with incredible role models and perspectives from different generations that had a strong impact on who I would become over the years. All of my family members have one thing in common… work ethic. Maybe she was born with it, maybe it’s the Nguyen family work ethic!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is a reflection of my passion for food, travel, and the whirlwind of experiences I’ve gathered over the years. What sets me apart is the diversity of my entrepreneurial background, which spans from handmade perfumes and macaron catering to jewelry design and now, my content creation and cookbook business. I am most proud of my ability to connect with people through my work, whether it’s a recipe that someone is inspired to take on or a video that brightens the mood.
The road to where I am today was anything but easy. It began as a hobby, with a single viral pho recipe video on TikTok. That success lit a little fire under my booty, and I’ve been dedicated to sharing my passion ever since. I’ve faced the challenges of balancing a full-time job with my side hustles, life admin, and navigating the risks inherent in entrepreneurship. But through the twists and turns of failures and burnout of previous endeavors, I’ve managed to stay grounded and grow my current business without compromising my well-being.
I was raised in the Bay Area by a hardworking Vietnamese-American family that instilled in me the values of grit and work ethic. These traits, along with my values of honesty and resiliency, have been the main factors in my small business success. I’ve learned to value personal well-being and work-life balance, understanding that health must come first to sustain any long-term endeavor. Health is wealth!
What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that I am committed to creating content and products that are not only enjoyable but also rooted in authenticity and integrity. I aim to make a positive impact, fill my own cup, and enhance the lives of those around me. As I continue to grow professionally, my end goal is to remain curious and fearless in my pursuits, always striving to make a difference through my love for food, travel, culture, fashion, and a healthy lifestyle.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my bestie and I took a week long trip, we would tackle the 3 Fs – food, fashion, and fitness! Lots of research would have to be done together as I’m not from the area 😉 However, if you wanted some Bay Area recommendations… slide into my DMs!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I really hope there isn’t a max capacity to the number of shoutouts because I attribute my success to the closest around me. My parents, grandmother, uncles, siblings, best friends, and my husband. Every single person has played a crucial role in my success through their encouragement and love. I’m so grateful for this phenomenal circle who has made me truly believe that I can achieve whatever I want!

Website: https://www.sandramartinelli.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandratmartinelli/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandramartinelli/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandy.martinelli/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv3wEhCGX_151SHcF_BrSwQ

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@sandratmartinelli?lang=en