Pillow Talk with Matt Jozwiak

FOUNDER AND CEO OF RETHINK FOOD

What inspired you to transition from a successful culinary career to founding Rethink Food?

When I was a cook, I saw firsthand how much good food from restaurants goes underutilized for about a decade. I knew something needed to be done, but I couldn’t find anyone doing it, so I felt like I had to do it. That’s what Rethink Food is about—bridging the gap between excess food and the communities that need it.

How has Rethink Food evolved since its inception in 2017, and what are you most proud of achieving?

Rethink Food started in 2017 in a small kitchen with the objective of transforming excess food from restaurants, corporate kitchens, and grocery stores into nutritious meals for communities impacted by food insecurity. In April 2020, with food insecurity escalating and restaurants facing widespread closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rethink Food leveraged its experience with food rescue and distribution to launch Rethink Certified, an emergency meal response program with a two-fold purpose: To provide nourishing, culturally-celebrated me for food-insecure communities and support restaurants with keeping their doors open. To date, we have provided over 26 million meals to local communities facing food insecurity, directed over 111 million dollars to local restaurants and businesses, and repurposed over 2.5 million pounds of excess food.

What I’m most proud of, and consider the biggest evolution, is the realization that supporting businesses in the communities we serve is really important. We've grown our programs to build equity in our food system - empowering small local restaurants and food businesses in local neighborhoods to prepare meals for their communities, supporting economic development and fostering a sense of community ownership.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, and how has it impacted your life and career?

“Be careful who you get advice from.” 

Could you share a story of an individual or community that has been significantly impacted by Rethink Food's initiatives?

Chinatown has seen massive change, investment, and support, which has gone a long way for the people we serve there. Historically, nonprofits have difficulty making really good Chinese food for the local community. We work with local restaurants and food businesses to provide nutritious meals that match their cultural needs and preferences. 

How do you see the role of small local restaurants evolving in the fight against food insecurity?

I see them becoming the main food provider for their local communities over the next 20 years. They are at the heart of the solution in their neighborhood.

Outside of work, what activities or hobbies bring you joy and help you recharge?

Spending time with friends and family is the most important thing to me.

Who has been your biggest inspiration throughout your career?

Daniel Humm, Rethink Food co-founder, chef and owner of 3-star Michelin restaurant Eleven Madison Park, has taught me always to push the boundaries—always try a little harder, go to the next level, and take on a bit more. That attitude and grip that he taught me has brought a lot of the success that Rethink Food has.

Can you share a pivotal moment in your life that influenced your decision to address food insecurity?

It started when I was a kid as we ate expired granola bars or cans of beans. Then, when I became a cook, I became obsessed with the amount of food left over. At my first cook job, I would take home some leftovers, like some risotto and scallops, and think that if we could share this with people like me in high school, that would change the game.

What advice would you give to aspiring social entrepreneurs who want to make a difference in their communities?

They need to stop talking about it and start doing it. Do the thing you are trying to do. If it’s to teach kids how to cook, go teach kids how to cook. If it's using excess food, go pick it up, make meals, and give them away. Just go do the thing, stop thinking about it, and stop talking about it. Less thinking!

Pillow Talk with Thayer Joyce

LOS ANGELES-BASED WRITER, MARKETER, AND CONTENT CREATOR

What is the first thing you do when you wake up?

I read Hell Gate and play Wordle. I text my results to the family group chat; we’re very competitive.

What inspired you to start your Instagram account (@alwaysssleeep) and how do you hope it will impact people?

I started @alwayssssleep to showcase a bunch of creative content - both my own and from other creators - centered around the bed and interior style. I have a dry sense of humor and I try to infuse that into whatever I make. The internet should be fun and I simply hope to give people a bit of a break - something nice to look at or fun to read - in between the craziness of the world and day-to-day life.

What are your top five favorite hotels and travel destinations?

Il San Pietro in Positano is absolutely stunning; it’s my favorite hotel in the world. The service and food at the George V in Paris are unmatched. One time I mentioned liking the lobby floral arrangement to my companion as we were walking by the front desk, and an hour later a miniature version of it showed up in my room! Amanjena in Marrakech also has lovely food and incredible beds. Their rooms are like little castles and everyone who works there is so kind. The Grand Hotel Tremezzo in Lake Como is also phenomenal - who doesn’t love great views and delicious pizza? The Sunset Tower in Los Angeles always has a magical glam quality to it - I used to stay here all the time before I moved to LA. 

What is the most rewarding part of being a marketer? The best advice you can offer someone new to the industry?

The most rewarding part of being a marketer is that I get paid to use natural elements of my personality: people skills, creativity, quick thinking. Marketing is definitely more of an art than a science, but there’s a lot of psychology to it that can serve as a useful foundation for anyone looking to break into the industry. The best advice I have for any type of marketer (whether that be an agency staffer, a content creator, an influencer, etc.) is to get amazing at the basics: reading, writing, and dealing with people. That’s all this job is. 

Do you have any nighttime rituals after a long day to ensure a restful sleep?

My number one trick for a good night of sleep is a silk sleep mask. I need to be blindfolded to sleep. 

You recently tried Bellino sheets, how was your experience?

Bellino sheets are incredible! The thing I was most surprised by was the color, actually. Color is something that the bedding industry often gets wrong. The saturation can feel off and therefore not restful, which is why you tend to see so many white sheets and very little else.  However, I tried some lovely sky blue Bellino sheets and they were such a soothing hue, like the perfect men’s shirting. I’ve tried a lot of sheets, and the quality of this millerighe set was amazing. I’ve been looking for sheets like this for a long time, and I think these are a new classic. 

What do you think the three most important elements of the dreamiest sleep are?

Buy the best sheets you can afford, wash and iron them weekly. The ironing is key - it elevates the experience and you’ll feel like you’re in a hotel! Don’t fill your head with anything stressful before bed (like the news, work, a hard conversation, or a scary movie). And sleep next to someone you love - otherwise what’s the point? 

Favorite type of hotel and travel destination?

My favorite type of hotel is somewhere remote with beautiful scenery, luxurious beds, and incredible food. I think I’d be hard pressed to have a bad time in Italy. Don’t let my name fool you - I will tell anyone with ears about my Italian heritage and use that as an excuse to visit as often as I can. 

You have years of experience creating award-winning content for the world's leading brands. If you had to describe your marketing style in three words, what would they be?

Creative, quick, and clever.

Pillow Talk with Keith Mcnally

NEW YORK CITY RESTAURATEUR

What is the first thing you do when you wake up?

Luxuriate in my sensational Bellino sheets!

If you had to describe your ideal restaurant style in three words, what would they be?

CONDUCIVE TO ENGAGEMENT with the person I'm having dinner with.

You opened the new PASTIS, a very large project, after a paralyzing stroke, a divorce, and your investor pulled out: how could you find the energy and determination?

My children needed me. You can get blood from a stone where your children are concerned.

What would you say to a young chef/entrepreneur who wants to open a restaurant and get big in New York in this era?

Don't listen to the Experts.

What is one of the most unexpected opportunities that has arisen from founding Balthazar or any other of your restaurants?

Regarding the success of my restaurants, I never think about opportunities they bring me, only the opportunities this supposed success allows me to give to my staff.

What is currently inspiring you in the restaurant industry?

Asian food in New York's boroughs.

Which Bellino product is your favorite?

Greenwich in Percale.

Do you have any nighttime rituals to ensure a restful sleep?

Sexual intercourse with my beautiful girlfriend.

Where is your dream destination?

Lisbon, Portugal.

What are three things you have learned from the pandemic?

Last March I was hospitalized with Covid and told I had a 50/50 chance of living. The one and only thing it taught was to fully appreciate those you love. Nothing else.

We know you are writing a memoir, can you tell us what inspired this?

My stroke in November 2016.

Very often you admirably praise your chefs, managers, bartenders some of which have been with you for several years: what are the ingredients to create and keep a great team?

Identify with those you work with. I have a rule for my employees: RESPECT AND TREAT THOSE BELOW YOU EVEN BETTER THAN THOSE ABOVE YOU.

Pillow Talk with Trent Fraser

PRESIDENT OF THE VOLCAN DE MI TIERRA

If you could use only 3 words to describe your tequila company, Volcan De Mi Tierra, what would they be?

Honest, Entrepreneurial, Handcrafted, Excellence (sorry I couldn’t resist adding 4)

You worked in the wine industry for many years: in what ways, if any, are the wine and tequila industries similar?

The greatest similarities between wine and Tequila is its reliance and coexistence on both land and nature. Both grapes and agave need a harmonious relationship with their chosen environment for them to successfully mature and flourish.

How do you see Volcan growing in the next five years?

We have been patiently building the foundations ultimately to set ourselves up for a very successful next chapter. Excitingly we are winning a lot of awards and have many Countries asking for our product so an accelerated but thoughtful expansion plan is the goal.

What is the first thing you do when you wake up?

I am a coffee fanatic so that is priority #1.

Which Bellino product is your favorite?

I fell in love with Bellino sheets by chance as every cool hotel I stayed in had the coziest bedding. Sure enough I investigated and the Eleganza range is now my home selection.

Do you have any nighttime rituals to ensure a restful sleep?

Phone Out of reach and Chamomile tea.

What is the most rewarding part of being an entrepreneur?

Being part of an incredible team & family as well as seeing people enjoying what you have created.

What are three things you have learned from the pandemic?

Empathy, health is wealth, those that matter most to you.

What strategies/measures would you implement to save and relaunch the decimated restaurant industry?

We have been doing as much as we can to continue to support those in these tough times. Additionally the lobbying of Government is quite key to fully understand not just the financial impact the Hospitality Industry has taken but the connected social impact it has on people, families and respective Cities.

New York has been heavily hurt and changed by the pandemic: will it still be the world’s most exciting city?

Without question. Nothing can stop the greatest City in the world and the rebuild will be equally as exciting

You do a lot of traveling for work; if you could never travel again, where would you want to live?

Beaches of Australia.

Pillow Talk with Kelly Rutherford

ACTRESS AND MOTHER 

If you had to describe your home in 3 words, what would they be? 

Cozy, dog friendly and in process.

How did you come to develop your personal sense of style? 

My mother Magazines and women of style everywhere

Since you live between New York and LA, what is your favorite thing about each city? 

They are so different and I love that.

How do you unwind after a long day? Do you have any rituals? 

I light a breeze wax candle and some sage and do angel Oracle cards and stretch/ yoga , meditation and of course Instagram .

How would you empower someone who is struggling and inspire her/him to change perspective and embrace positivity? 

The alternative is not serving anyone so you may as well be in gratitude for what you do have and what is working and what is possible. And empower yourself with choice. Take your attention from the problem and hold space for the solution you desire.

Where is your dream destination? 

With my family someplace beautiful - like Italy.

When you are away from home, what is one thing you can’t leave home without? 

Cozy clothes and my travel pillow and my two dachshunds.

We know you are currently enjoying a set of our “Positano” in 400TC percale: why do you prefer it over sateen and what do you love about our Positano sheets? 

They are so soft and cozy.

Your best advice to remain compassionate and loving while we face challenging times, big changes, and divisiveness? 

Always keep love in your heart and know we are in this together and no matter what divides us it’s not really what we think. It’s not real. We are all someone’s child some mother gave birth to each one of us and I have compassion for everyone as a way of honoring that mother.

Among the beautiful quotes you write, which is the most powerful to you? 

It’s about love it’s where we come from and where we are going. The energy of love. Everything else is a distraction.

Most unforgettable or funny Gossip Girl memory?

 It was all such an incredible experience to play a mother On screen  and to be a new mother myself.  A character that as a parent made mistakes and was not afraid to admit it. To say she was sorry. To see her figuring out her own life while parenting her kids. Beautiful.

Pillow Talk with Ann Caruso

Fashion Stylist and Activist for Breast Cancer Awareness

If you could use only 3 words to describe your style, what would they be?

Classic with a twist

Where do you go to find inspiration?

I find inspiration everywhere.  In the park with the colors, from interior design, vintage fashion books, my friends, social media, magazines, pinterest.

How do you unwind after a long day?

A bath with epsom salts and some of my favorite oils usually lavender or frankincense mixed with it. I also like to indulge in a netflix, amazon or hulu series or a great movie to take me away into another world.

I always like to watch a funny series on regular TV. I know they say TV is not good to watch in bed but my philosophy is that it is really important to be happy and that your mind is not thinking about what you were worried about all day. A funny show takes my mind off of everything and helps me laugh. Great headspace to be in to fall asleep.

What is the first thing you do when you wake up?

I relax for a few minutes and think about gratitude. I am meditating most mornings.

What is currently inspiring you within the fashion industry?

I always find something that inspires me in the fashion industry. There is always something that I love or find interesting. I tend to like to find new brands as I come from a fashion editor perspective and see them grow.

I love that the industry is really promoting the right to vote, let us know we have a voice and we can change things. I think the sustainable fashion community is doing an amazing job to make things that not only work for our environment but is also super fashionable and safe for us and the planet.

How did you come to develop your style and aesthetic?

I always had a sense of fashion ever since I was a young girl. My mother had interesting clothes from when she was younger that she wore that were super fashionable and my Italian aunts from Italy were into fashion and were picky with what I bought. They had good taste and it rubbed off. I learned from books, films, magazines, from my style icons and I found what was right for my body. And, of course you make mistakes along the way.

When you are away from home, what is one thing you can’t leave home without?

Of course now it can’t be just one thing, it is my mask, my phone, my hand sanitizer , my cc and a lip balm, sunglasses, etc

Where is your dream destination?

My dream destination is always Italy. But, I would love to go to India.

What is one of the most interesting projects you’ve gotten to work on?

Everyone of my projects is interesting.

Can you tell us a bit about your work as an activist for breast cancer awareness?

I feel it is so important to try to help out where I can help to bring awareness to Breast Cancer and to the organizations that are close to my heart.  I feel it is almost an obligation after not just having it but surviving it twice that I let people know that you can still thrive but that you really need to be diligent about your health in order to stay healthy and also get the right diagnosis. I often partner and help promote my organization of choice to raise funds, and  raise awareness.

What does breast cancer awareness month mean for you?

Breast Cancer Awareness month is a very powerful month to bring awareness to a disease that has become so prevalent in women. Every 2 minutes a woman in the US is diagnosed with breast cancer. There are more than 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the US. This is too many.

Even though October can be a tough month for survivors as it brings up a lot of emotions hearing others stories, the reminder of the journey, etc. October is about hope, the hope is that others will learn, take care, get early detection and donate for research to end this disease and to help other women who need help while going through this.They call it Pink October. I know a lot of people don’t like pink. I have grown to love it as it symbolizes strength in the women who wear that pink ribbon.