We were lucky to catch up with Janine Kalesis recently and have shared our conversation below.

Janine, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. undefined

Over the years, I’ve worked on many challenging projects, but one of the most innovative was when I was asked to create edible forks to replicate compostable ones for a scene on Billions, a Showtime series. I’d often be brought in for large food scenes, but this project, during the height of the Covid pandemic, was especially demanding. I had only two weeks to design and produce 12 identical edible forks that were not only functional but looked like a preexisting set of utensils.
With limited time and resources, I could not out source any of the project. I had to get creative in a short period of time. The added pressure was that the talent would actually have to bite into the forks during each take. The molds also had to be food safe as well.

After considering different options, I decided to use chocolate as my medium, which allowed me to color the forks to match the knife and fork set. However, this came with its own set of challenges. For starters, the summer heat had me running three air conditioners non-stop in my top floor studio kitchen, to maintain the temperature manageable for the chocolate. The tines of the forks were so fragile compared to the base, so each piece had to be carefully cut out of the mold, to avoid breaking the delicate tines. This assignment remains one of the most challenging and innovative projects I’ve worked on. In the end, the client was satisfied with the outcome, and the scene was a success. It was a personal milestone in my career.

Janine, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As a food and beverage stylist based in New York, my enthusiasm for both food and art has led me on an incredible journey—from working alongside renowned chef Francis Mallmann in West Hampton Beach, dinners at the James Beard House, shucking oysters at PJ Clarke’s to designing food scenes on Showtime’s Billions, a Hellman’s Super Bowl commercial featuring Pete Davidson, a promo featuring Martha Stewart for the film Knives Out, to styling a series of photos featuring chocolate mousse for the Pantone color of 2025, Mocha Mousse.

Over the past two decades, I’ve built a remarkable career creating visually captivating content that has boosted sales for major national food/ beverage, equipment, and celebrity brands. My journey has been a fascinating one, collaborating with well known companies and celebrities. Unilever, Kraft, General Mills, The Today Show, Sunny Anderson, Amazon Prime, Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, All-Clad, LG, Wells Fargo and many more. Fueled by my relentless and fearless energy, with a commitment to excellence, I aim to be a trailblazer in the production world.

With a unique style that draws from my Greek heritage, I’m known for my use of vibrant colors and refined presentations, which have made me a sought-after name in the industry. My extensive portfolio spans across TV, film, live segments, print ads, packaging, and beyond. But for me, it’s not just about styling food—it’s about creating experiences that engage all the senses. Through my innovative spirit, I’ve expanded my expertise as a culinary producer, restaurant consultant, and recipe developer. I am constantly experimenting with global flavors and presentation techniques. My love for nature shines through in my work. My attention to detail and artistic flair extend into my personal style. Blending fashion with a grace that reflects the artistry of my culinary creations. My work can be seen on my website JanineStyles.com or you find me an Instagram @FoodStylistNewYorkCity

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

By the end of 2022, I was consistently styling for three major food accounts at a photo/video studio where I had built a strong rapport. However, as we wrapped up in December, the owner informed me that he was letting go of much of his staff. Realizing I needed to quickly rebuild my clientele, I shifted into high gear. In January, I focused all my efforts on networking, using LinkedIn to promote myself and reached out to potential clients. Through persistence, self-promotion, and diligent follow-ups, I secured new clients and joined a new media studio. The owner of that studio recognized my potential, and it has been a rewarding experience working with her and her team ever since. Although it took a few months, my determination and hard work paid off, allowing me to regain momentum and establish a steady workflow once again.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I made the transition from chef to food stylist 20 years ago, it was certainly a challenging shift. Digital photography was just emerging, while film was becoming a thing of the past. I reached out to dozens of food stylists in the NYC area, calling and emailing at least 100, but I only spoke to about 10. Initially, I faced a lot of rejection. Many people discouraged me from pursuing this career, telling me there were no opportunities.

Only a few were willing to meet with me and let me observe them on set. I seized every opportunity, even if it meant working for free, washing dishes, or doing whatever I could to learn the ropes. It wasn’t easy. I faced a lot of adversity and even some jealousy from other stylists, as I quickly picked up skills and demonstrated a natural confident talent.

Eventually, I found a few experienced food stylists who gave me a chance to learn from and I am forever grateful for their mentorship. It was my sheer consistency that ultimately led me to success. I was not always well-received, but the few stylists who took me under their wings, instilled a wealth of knowledge in me, which I then incorporated into my own style. Their guidance gave me the confidence to keep going.

Soon, I began gaining recognition in the food styling world, and I was offered a job styling an independent film. An opportunity other seasoned stylists had turned down due to the low rate. My eagerness to learn and collaborate with professionals is what set me apart. In a world full of rejection, I took my brother’s advice to heart: “Make mistakes faster, and eventually those mistakes will turn into life lessons that teach you how to persevere.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.janinestyles.com/
• Instagram: @foodstylistnewyorkcity
• Facebook: Janine Kalesis Food Stylist
• Linkedin: Janine Kalesis
• Youtube: Janine Kalesis