Natalie is a food, music and travel personality, whose grounded writing style, sumptuous photography, mega-watt personality and dynamic gift for storytelling has earned her an expansive and engaged following. Her Instagram account has received accolades from Vogue Mexico to Buzzfeed, her work has been published in high-profile glossies and national food blogs, and she routinely partners with hotels and elite brands like Citibank and Lexus on major social media campaigns. As gifted in front of the camera as she is behind it, Natalie’s confidence, uplifting realness and ability to inspire have earned her speaking engagements at The Annenberg Center for Photography and Soho House. From Michelin-starred restaurants to local strip mall gems, Natalie is a trusted source for the most compelling stories in food, festivals, music, and hotels.
A fourth generation Los Angeles Latina and enthusiastic advocate for her diverse hometown of San Gabriel, Natalie grew up with a passion for food, travel, and humanitarian work. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Women’s Studies from UCLA, and got her writing start in 2011 as the LA Food Scene contributor for Refinery29. She launched her blog NJ in LA in 2012, where she chronicles all things hidden, historic, spicy and surreal through her food writing, travel tips, rap recommendations and words of wisdom.
Catch her monthly show on NTS Radio where she plays her favorite tracks and sits down with a guest rapper, artist or DJ to discuss all things culture.