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Makena M.

Makena M.

Food Writer, Recipe Developer/Photographer, Cookbooks, Content Creator

I’m a chef, writer, recipe developer, photographer and content creator specializing in wellness-driven food, sustainable living, and soulful storytelling. I bring years of hands-on experience in healthy recipe creation, holistic food photography, and writing that inspires connection. From zero-waste kitchen tips to nourishing menus designed for vibrant living. Whether you're a health-conscious brand, a wellness publication, or an entrepreneur launching your first cookbook or blog, I can help bring your vision to life with thoughtful, high-quality content. I support clients with: - Whole food recipe development (gluten-free, dairy-free, plant-forward, ancestral, zero-waste, and more) - Food/ Health/ Wellness/ Sustainability copywriting and brand storytelling - SEO-optimized content for food blogs, health brands, or lifestyle/ luxury publications - Colorful food photography and styling that evokes feeling and flavor - Educational or editorial content on mindful eating, seasonal cooking, or sustainability I believe food is medicine, and every photo, recipe, or word should nourish and entice the five senses. I work closely with clients to understand their mission and voice, delivering content that’s aligned, on time, and from the heart. Open communication, creative collaboration, and shared values are at the center of every project I take on. I include edits and feedback rounds in my pricing, so you can rest easy knowing we’ll get it just right. I’d love to help tell your story, celebrate your values, and build something beautiful together. Let’s connect.

🇺🇸Novato, United States$45/hr100% JSS4.87 (24)Since Sep 2018

Earnings and projects

MRR
$788

Last 6 months ÷ 6

World#58,613 / 412k
🇺🇸Country#9,257 / 62.1k
Revenue, last 30 days
$0

Last 6 months: $4.7k

Total earnings
$28k

Billed in all: $28k

World#115,391 / 412k
🇺🇸Country#19,738 / 62.1k
Per project
$684

$1.6k in the last 6 months

World#154,781 / 412k
🇺🇸Country#26,272 / 62.1k
Projects, last 6 months
3

Across 4 contracts

75% fixed25% hourly
World#66,479 / 412k
🇺🇸Country#8,998 / 62.1k
Projects in all
41

Across 47 contracts

85% fixed15% hourly
World#74,019 / 412k
🇺🇸Country#11,200 / 62.1k

Earnings, last 30 days

$28.1kNothing earned in the last 30 daysBilled in all, before Upwork's fee · drag across the chart to see what was earned in any stretch
$27.5k$28.0k$28.5k$29.0kOct 8Oct 23Nov 7

Skill rankings: Top 7% in Food Photography

Ranked by MRR among everyone on Upwork with the skill.

  1. #26Recipe Development308 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #8Top 8%
  2. #28Cooking334 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #5Top 8%
  3. #40Food Photography539 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #16Top 7%
  4. #115Health & Fitness1,145 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #30Top 10%
  5. #432Blog Content5,596 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #138Top 8%
  6. #939Article Writing12,520 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #253Top 8%
  7. #1,041Blog Writing13,251 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #331Top 8%
  8. #1,082SEO Writing11,348 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #241Top 10%