If you purchase a product through a link in this article, we may receive a small share of the sale.
Visiting Ambitious Kitchen is always a magical epiphany. The homepage is a study in all things aesthetic, eye-catching, and oh-so-delicious. Sure, there are recipes bursting with flavor and color, but also the variety and quantity of inspiring dishes that Monique Volz conceives (and tests, photographs, and thoughtfully writes about). Having launched her healthy living and eating blog over a decade ago, Monique occupies a unique corner of the internet, one that has evolved alongside her growth as a blogger and business owner, and the vibrant, engaged community she's built.
What Monique makes clear in every recipe is that what she makes is not just food, but a story. She seamlessly weaves stories, reflections, and personal anecdotes into her recipes. From her writing, we learn not only about Monique, but also about the ethos that runs through her brand. In her words, ambition is not just about achieving things. It's about committing yourself to the pursuit and honoring the journey that will get you to where you want to be.
Waking Up with Monique Boltz of Ambitious Kitchen
Monique's obsession with presence not only informs her work, but also the way she lives her day. A busy mom to three boys (all under the age of four), Monique juggles motherhood and running a small business with grace, acceptance, and just the right amount of authenticity. Reflecting on her morning routine, she jokes that she wishes she could share something similar to the coveted TikToks FYPs see, but she embraces the morning chaos and prioritizes connecting with her five lovely family members.
Often, that means sitting down to a delicious, nutritious breakfast, which is the essence of Ambitious Kitchen. “It's important to me to set the tone for the day in a fun way,” she says. Watching Monique describe her morning ritual and how she approaches her work, it's clear that she's found the balance that serves her best at this time in her life: Staying mindful of what nourishes her soul and aligning her day with it allows her to continually fuel her passions, grow her business, and make time for what matters most.
We sat down with Monique to learn more about her morning routine. From her minimalist beauty routine (yes, we're stealing it), to her go-to outfit formula, to her rules for success, Monique has plenty of inspiration to share. Let's dive in.
Tsk… to order more delicious recipes (125 to be exact, including Vitamin A Smoothies for Glowing Skin, the Best Cinnamon Rolls I've Ever Eaten, and Buffalo Chicken Chop Chop Salad) Ambitious Kitchen Cookbook, Scheduled for release in fall 2024.
Tell us about your career and entrepreneurial journey. What is life like as an entrepreneur?
I started Ambitious Kitchen when I was 22 and was able to go full time three years later, so this entrepreneurial journey feels like it's taken up most of my career, and I'm incredibly blessed to be able to share my passion for food and health with others for over a decade now.
It has also helped me recover from trauma, overcome weaknesses, succeed, fail and get back up again. It has taught me the importance of structure, time management, organization and above all else, determination.
From the beginning, I was determined to start a blog, even though I wasn't sure which path to take. I worked hard in my 20s and sacrificed my nightlife and social life to run my business and get to where it is today. I'm so proud to have impacted so many lives with my recipes and storytelling, whether that's bringing people into my kitchen to try new techniques and recipes, or simply bringing readers together to cook fun, comforting, and nourishing family meals.
What's your biggest learning from the past year?
Knowing my limitations and taking breaks to be the best version of myself. Recognizing when I'm performing at my best and being willing to let go or transition things when I know it's interfering with my time or mental wellbeing. As an entrepreneur, I always want to say yes to everything, but setting boundaries has become so important, especially since becoming a mother.
How would you describe your personal style?
Feminine, romantic and a little edgy.
What is your everyday uniform?
A black sweatshirt or shirt, Madewell jeans, a thick black belt, a cute vintage colorful or patterned blazer or jacket, and platform shoes or black boots! That's my go-to outfit.
What is your typical day like?
It really depends. If I test recipes, I usually test them two days a week, trying up to five or six recipes a day. I can't always get it perfect, so I try to test most recipes two or three times before putting them on the blog. When I'm not testing recipes, I'm writing/editing recipes, managing my employees, filming videos for my upcoming YouTube series, narrating/filming for my reel, and doing a ton of administrative work. It's crazy how much time I've spent on tasks I don't love, but that's part of being an entrepreneur.
What time is the wake-up call?
Usually between 5:30 and 6am. My kids wake me up most mornings. I probably sleep 6-7 hours a night. I wish I could sleep more.
What is the first thing you do when you wake up?
I cuddle with my boys, catch up on the day's events, and of course drink coffee.
What is your morning pre-work routine like?
I wish this sounded like one of those super inspiring morning routines you see on TikTok, but the truth is, our mornings are super chaotic. We have three boys under the age of four, and mornings are a lot of work just getting them fed and dressed. I usually get up between 5:30-6am with the kids. I brush my teeth and quickly go downstairs to unload the dishwasher and make coffee. I drink my coffee with Califia Toasted Coconut Almondmilk (so yummy!), then I make homemade pancakes, waffles, smoothies, muffins, or pull something out of the freezer if I'm in a rush.
Spending time with my boys in the mornings is so important to me and I love being able to provide them with something nutritious before they start their day. When I was younger, leaving the house always felt like such a rush and my mom rarely made breakfast. Setting a joyful tone for the day is important to me.
After breakfast, we all get changed and are walking or scootering to school by around 8am. A few days a week, we work out and strength train before starting our day. I would like to do this more, but right now I feel like I'm in a very busy time in my life and I accept that it won't last forever.
What rituals lead to success?
I always write out a list of the things I need to accomplish and rank them in order of importance. It's hard to get everything done on a given day, but assigning importance to tasks makes it easier to prioritize.
Take us through your morning beauty routine from start to finish.
Currently, there are two products I use before starting my day: Dr. Dennis Gross Daily Peel Pads and Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine SPF with Organic Rosehip Seed Oil. When I'm not planning on going out anywhere, I like to keep my face makeup-free, which I think is essential for clear skin. But I switch it up a lot. I want my skin to always look hydrated and glowing.
What's always in your fridge?
Siggi's yogurt, Califia toasted coconut almond milk blend, Persian cucumber, sambal oulek, guchujiang, honeycrisp apple, Siggi's yogurt, cottage cheese, pickled jalapenos, and lots of fresh fruit.
Do you exercise in the morning?
I used to exercise almost every day, but now I focus more on the quality of my exercise than the frequency: I do intense strength training three days a week and walk as much as I can on the other days.
What do you eat for breakfast?
For breakfast, I like to have baked oatmeal or a smoothie. Lately, I've been loving my Blueberry Muffin Smoothie and Lemon Poppyseed Blueberry Baked Oatmeal.
What's your favorite getting ready soundtrack?
Any of my Spotify playlists. I listen to them most of the time when I’m feeling calm.
What's always on your nightstand?
A Hydro Flask water bottle and a good quality hand or body lotion. (I love Necessaria body lotion!)
I set aside an hour to focus on self-care and self-health, whatever I need to do to feed my soul. Honestly, that would be going for a long bike ride by the lake every morning, catching up with a friend or my mom over coffee, or taking a fun workout class.
What are one or two things you do each day to live a more joyful life?
During moments when it's important for me to be present, like dinner or playing with my kids, I put my phone away. I feel more joyful and in the moment when I don't have my phone with me. I don't need to take out my phone to capture the moment. The moment just exists, and I'm there to enjoy every second of it.
If you could sum up your successes in one thing, what would it be?
Determination and ambition. Wanting to be successful at what you do and figuring out what that means for you and how to make it happen. And never giving up.
Sentence endings:
I never leave home without the following: SPF.
If the day was longer, this is what I would do. Practice more self-care.
The healthiest morning routine: Go for a walk within an hour or two of waking up.
Worst morning habits: Not drinking enough water and drinking lots of coffee.
One thing I want to be known for is this: Inspire others to feel their best.
My biggest fear is this: Losing a loved one.
When I feel that fear, this is what I do: Focus on the present.
Books I always recommend: The body keeps score.
Here are some traits you need to be successful in life: Feel free to be yourself and live your truth.
Bath or shower? What are your favorite bath products? Baths. I love Epsom and magnesium baths!
