Every visit to Ambitious Kitchen feels like stepping into a world of culinary enchantment. The site is visually stunning and filled with delightful recipes bursting with flavor. Monique Volz, the mastermind behind this blog, has been crafting and sharing her unique creations for over a decade, building a vibrant community along the way.
For Monique, each recipe tells a story. She masterfully blends personal anecdotes and reflections into her cooking, allowing readers to connect with her journey. To her, ambition isn't solely about achievements; it's about cherishing the process and enjoying every step taken towards goals.
Morning Moments with Monique Volz
Monique's dedication to mindfulness shapes both her work and daily life. As a mother of three young boys, she gracefully balances parenting and running a business, all while embracing the chaos of mornings. Reflecting on her routine, she expresses a longing for the picture-perfect moments often depicted on TikTok but finds joy in the real-life hustle of family mornings.
In true Ambitious Kitchen style, those mornings often kick off with a nourishing breakfast. She emphasizes the importance of starting the day happily, which reflects in her morning rituals. By focusing on what brings her joy, she pours her energy into her passions, nurturing her business and family simultaneously.
We caught up with Monique to explore her morning practices, minimalist beauty tips, signature outfits, and her keys to success. Here's what she had to share.
For a taste of her delicious recipes, pre-order The Ambitious Kitchen Cookbook, set to launch in Fall 2024.
The Ambitious Kitchen Cookbook by Monique Volz
Available for pre-order with a release date of Sep 10, 2024
$31.50 at Target
Tell us about your entrepreneurial journey.
I launched Ambitious Kitchen at 22 and transitioned to full-time just three years later. This entrepreneurial path has been central to my career, allowing me to share my passion for food and wellness for over a decade.
This journey has facilitated my healing, taught vulnerability, and reinforced the importance of determination and organization.
From the outset, I was committed to building a blog, even when the path was unclear. My 20s were filled with hard work, often sacrificing social outings to nurture my business. I take pride in how my recipes and stories resonate with many, encouraging them to create new experiences in their kitchens.
What have you learned in the past year?
I've learned to recognize my limits and the importance of taking breaks to maintain my well-being. Understanding when to say no has become vital, particularly as I've embraced motherhood.
How would you define your personal style?
Feminine, romantic, with a touch of edginess.
What's your daily outfit look like?
A black sweatshirt or shirt, Madewell jeans, a thick belt, and a vintage blazer paired with platform shoes or ankle boots—my go-to ensemble.
Describe a typical day for you.
My schedule varies. On recipe testing days, I might experiment with 5-6 recipes, often needing multiple trials to perfect them. On non-testing days, I focus on writing, editing, managing my team, and handling administrative tasks. It's surprising how much time goes into the less glamorous aspects of entrepreneurship!
What time do you usually wake up?
Usually between 5:30 and 6 a.m., thanks to my kids. I aim for 6-7 hours of sleep, though I'd love more!
What's the first thing you do upon waking?
I snuggle with my boys, chat about our day, and enjoy my morning coffee.
What does your pre-work morning routine involve?
While I wish my mornings mirrored those serene TikTok routines, they're quite hectic. With three young boys, mornings are busy as we get everyone fed and dressed. I typically wake up around 5:30-6 a.m., brush my teeth, then head downstairs to unload the dishwasher and brew coffee. I enjoy my coffee with Califia Toasted Coconut AlmondMilk and prepare homemade breakfast items like pancakes or smoothies, or I grab something from the freezer when time is tight.
Spending this time with my boys is essential, as I aim to provide nutritious meals before they start their day. I remember my own childhood mornings, often rushed and without breakfast. Setting a joyful tone for the day is crucial.
After breakfast, we dress and usually walk or scoot to school by around 8 a.m. A few days a week, I incorporate strength training workouts before diving into my daily tasks. I recognize this busy phase won't last forever!
What success rituals do you follow?
I make a prioritized list of tasks daily. While I can't always complete everything, ranking tasks helps me stay focused on what's most important.
Walk us through your morning beauty routine.
I use two key products each morning: Dr. Dennis Gross daily peel pads and Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine SPF mixed with organic rosehip seed oil. On days without plans, I prefer a fresh face sans makeup, which keeps my skin clear and hydrated.
Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel
$92 at DermstorePro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30
$140 at Elemis$39.99 at Trilogy
What staples do you keep in your refrigerator?
Siggi's yogurt, Califia Toasted Coconut Almond Milk blend, Persian cucumbers, sambal oolek, gochujang, honeycrisp apples, cottage cheese, pickled jalapeños, and a variety of fresh fruits.
Do you exercise in the morning?
While I used to work out daily, my focus has shifted to the quality of movement over frequency. I now do heavy strength training three times a week and stay active by walking on other days.
What do you have for breakfast?
I often enjoy baked oatmeal or smoothies. Recently, I've been loving my blueberry muffin smoothie and lemon poppyseed blueberry baked oatmeal.
What's your go-to getting-ready soundtrack?
Any of my Spotify playlists. I usually prefer a laid-back vibe.
What do you keep on your nightstand?
My Hydroflask and a good hand or body lotion, like Nécessaire body lotion.
If you could add an extra hour to your mornings, how would you use it?
I'd dedicate that hour to self-care, whether that's a long bike ride by the lake, coffee with a friend or my mom, or a fun workout class.
What are a couple of daily practices that bring you joy?
I put my phone away during important moments like dinner or playtime with my kids. Being present without distractions enhances my joy in those moments.
What do you attribute your success to?
Determination and ambition. I strive to succeed in my endeavors and never give up.
Sentence Finishers:
I never leave home without: SPF.
If there were more hours in the day, I would: prioritize self-care.
Healthiest morning habit: going for a walk soon after waking up.
Worst morning habit: not drinking enough water while consuming too much coffee.
One thing I want to be known for is: inspiring others to feel their best.
One of my biggest fears is: losing someone I care about.
When that fear arises, I: focus on being present.
The book I always recommend: The Body Keeps the Score.
One indispensable trait for success is: being unapologetically yourself and living your truth.
Bath or shower? Favorite bath product: Bath. I enjoy Epsom or magnesium baths!
