Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristine Lucido.
Kristine, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
So, I moved to San Diego from South Lake Tahoe back in 2003. I can’t believe it’s been almost 17 years! Time has flown by- just like my parents always said it would. 😉 I’ve had the pleasure of learning and growing in the F&B/Catering & Events industries from the start. My Dad spent time in France as a trained Chef in his 20’s, and enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling throughout my life so I think I naturally & humbly fell in love with food and the art of cooking. My Mom owned her own deli service company when I was just a baby so I would to go to the shop with her early in the mornings and nap on the bread racks… so I guess it’s no wonder why I have an intuitive passion for the art of baking and the scent of sourdough! My very first job was at a take-and-bake pizza place in Tahoe. Once in SD, I started as a hostess at Brockton Villa and worked my way up to serving. I then worked at La Dolce Vita in La Jolla and joined the opening crew at Island Prime.
From there, I started cocktailing and bartending at iconic places like Stingaree, Bar West, Miller’s Field, Bub’s and many more. It led to private events, exclusive parties, management roles, and eventually catering, event production and sales. My childhood experiences and passions have turned into this enormous love for the industry. I think there is so much for everyone to learn about food. From the nutrients of ingredients to responsible farming- and what that really means, and the effects of overall consumption. It’s important to know what we’re using to fuel our bodies, and what we’re teaching our children to fuel theirs. This goes hand in hand with beauty and wellness- what you put in reflects what you get out of it. I graduated from Cosmetology school in 2006 and obtained my CA license as well, so I’ve been lucky enough to incorporate all of my beauty and wellness passions into my career. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the industries best Chefs, celebrity clients and top professionals. My journey here has been an amazing one. In 2010, I met the love of my life, and shortly after we welcomed our children into the world. I never planned on having such a ‘storybook’ journey, it really sort-of just happened that way. If we would’ve done this interview when I was 23, I would’ve told you I had no plans for marriage or children, and expected to be living in NYC or Europe independently by now. But here we are- and I’m still the happiest girl in the world!
With 16+ years of experience and pure passion, I’m excited to be sharing all of my tips and tricks on my upcoming new site: theticklespot.com. I’m working on some fun collaborations with like-minded brands that I’m really excited about. It’s all a work in progress right now, but you can expect real up-and-running flow early 2020.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think we all go through our share of shit, ya know? I definitely encountered struggles along the way, but I really think it would be silly not to anticipate that. This is life, after all… so for me, my struggles came with balancing motherhood and my career. My “baby” has always been my career and learning how to put a tiny little life before anything else was a huge challenge for me. Becoming a Mom really slapped me in the face, but I needed to wake up to the responsibility- and it truly has made me so much stronger. I try to look at my “struggles” from a different perspective. I stay positive and trust there is a reason and a resolve. And there always is. I think that’s half the battle. 🙂
theticklespot.com – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The idea for theticklespot.com has been brewing for the last few years. I’ve been told by friends and professionals that I should share my journey and the experiences that will be helpful to anyone else coping, learning, growing, or even just looking for an outlet. And I’ve always loved to write. Since I was a little girl, language arts, reading and writing were always my favorite subjects. As I grew into my teenage years, I would write and write at night. I didn’t realize how therapeutic it was at the time, or exactly what I was doing but I knew it was helping. So, putting my adventures into written words is something that not only comes naturally to me, I’m really excited about it! You can expect a resource of the best places to dine (w/ and w/o kiddos!) in So Cal, celeb tips on health + beauty, my fave products, a section on mommyhood & kiddos, interviews and reviews of hot spots and like-minded brands, and more.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I just recently wrote a piece for a well-known book/blog/podcast platform that has been an absolute dream for me. I can’t say too much just yet, but follow me on Instagram to check it out when it’s live: @tinikristini.
Contact Info:
- Website: theticklespot.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @tinikristini
Image Credit:
Please provide photo credit as follows, lmk of any questions. Thank you!!
LOGO: @handmadehighlights
Me & Lauryn Evarts Bosstick: @theskinnyconfidential
Me & Ellie: @alohabug_photography
Me & Fam: @alohabug_photography
Me short hair:
@easihairpro
@jennastylesofficial
@byphaithe
@tstewvisual
Me long hair:
@easihairpro
@jennastylesofficial
@byphaite
@tstewvisual
Dinner:
@allegrettovr
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