Meet the Dream Team Behind Kristen Kish’s New Culinary Journal

In late 2021, we collaborated with celebrity chef and author Kristen Kish to create and launch “It’s All in the Sauce: Bringing Your Uniqueness to the Table”, a guided culinary journal for kids.

Through Upwork CoLab, Kish partnered with an experienced writer, illustrator, and viral marketer to bring this passion project to life.

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Introducing: Team Secret Sauce

Kish’s culinary journal Dream Team aka “Team Secret Sauce” is composed of experienced children’s book author Dr. Thomishia Booker, illustrator Lisa Wee, and viral marketer Andrea Mora.

Through the CoLab video series, we get to know each member of the team, as Kish interviews, hires, and works with this diverse group of creative professionals.‍

Meet illustrator, Lisa Wee

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In episode one, we meet Singapore-based illustrator, Lisa Wee.

While teaching students in Kenya, Wee’s visit to a bookstore opened her eyes to the lack of representation in children’s publications, especially for people of color.

“I wanted to do something about it,” said Wee.

Wee went back to university to start working on this dream. Today she’s a professional illustrator who is self-confessedly “crazy about hair”—her character’s, not her own.

In describing her work, Wee said, “Most of my illustrations are quaint and quirky with a key focus on being diverse and inclusive. I love using hair to show off a character’s quirkiness and that makes me really happy!” ‍

Kish said she decided Wee was the perfect illustrator for this project as “there’s something about her that is so aware. She’s clearly very talented. I love her quirky illustrations!”

Get to know Lisa Wee in Episode 1 of the video series. ‍

Meet writer, Dr. Thomishia Booker‍

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In episode two of the series, we are introduced to the journal’s co-author, Dr. Thomishia “Mishi” Booker.

The Bay Area resident has a background in early childhood mental health therapy. She has self-published the highly successful “Hey Carter” children’s book series. Inspired by her son, the books are focused on building self-confidence and pride.

“As someone who has built a business and brand on instilling confidence and pride in children through storybooks, this project was an absolute dream come true,” said Booker. "I love that the series is intimate and allows a look inside our creative process as a team. I began freelancing in order to gain control over my career and embrace my passions without compromise, and Upwork has enabled me to do that through this collaboration with Kristen Kish.”

Kish says she chose Booker for the project as she was so smart, aware, and empathetic. “What I love most about Mishi is that she has seamlessly interwoven her experiences and her stories into storytelling for so many other people which I think is a skill and it’s an art.”

Learn more about Thomishia Booker in Episode 2 of the video series.

Meet viral marketer, Andrea Mora

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Finally, in episode three we meet the marketing specialist responsible for promoting the book to the masses, Andrea Mora.

The Los Angeles-based Venezuelan native worked in traditional marketing before realizing her passion and expertise lay in helping brands go viral via social media marketing. Today she runs her own successful viral marketing agency.

Mora explains her love for social media stems from a passion for storytelling and relationship building within communities. “I love being able to put myself out there and tell authentic stories.”

Mora’s branding and viral marketing expertise have helped her create impactful campaigns and deliver millions of views for her clients.

Kish says Mora’s knowledge and expertise in social media marketing sealed the deal. “Having Andrea on our team means we can get this journal in front of as many people as we possibly can.”

Get better acquainted with Andrea Mora in episode three.

One team, one vision, one mission

Kish attributes her own remarkable success to embracing the qualities that make her unique, experimenting, and, most importantly, trusting her own instincts and taste. The “It’s All in the Sauce” journal will help kids learn these same skills.

“Being an adoptee, I wrestled with my own identity. Knowing what I know now, I feel it’s so beneficial that people of any age embrace their own unique qualities,” said Kish in the series.

It’s no surprise then that Kish put together a team with a diversity of lived experiences with identity, race, immigration, representation, and more, to bring her creative vision to life.

“I think we’ve all collectively struggled with a lot of identity issues and figuring out where and how we fit into the world, and then eventually learning how to embrace our own uniqueness and what makes us so special and sharing that with the world. This journal is a reflection of all our experiences,” said Kish.

Through the video series, we get a behind-the-scenes look at how the Dream Team brings their different perspectives, life experiences, and professional skills together to create a truly unique and creative product for children.

Watch episode 1 of the video series here.

“While we’re all quite different and come from different backgrounds, the purpose of this journal really unites us. We all really believe lesser-represented children need to be heard and need to have a mirror in the books that they see,” said Wee in the series.

Proceeds from sales of the journal will be donated to WhatsintheMirror?, a Texas-based organization with a cause Kish is passionate about. WhatsintheMirror? provides mental health support and suicide prevention awareness to communities of color through art, advocacy, and affirming care with a focus on women, youth, and LGBTQIA+ persons.

Purchase your copy of “It’s All in the Sauce” here.

Expect more Upwork CoLab partnerships in 2022

As we wrap up the Kristen Kish x Upwork CoLab partnership, we also look forward to revealing new and impactful CoLab brand partnerships in 2022.

Keep an eye on the Upwork blog for announcements regarding upcoming CoLab partnerships.

And don’t forget to purchase your copy of “It’s All in the Sauce” here.