Hang Ten is an easily-digested, quick-to-read interview series. I created it to pick the brains of some powerhouse women that I’ve been fortunate enough to know because of SFB. I fire off the questions, you give the answers.
Tell me you’ve heard about the Kitchen Twins!
I am in awe of the commercial success and social influence these now-17-year-old twin entrepreneurs have achieved at such a young age. Born in NYC, raised in New Jersey, and moved to Buffalo when they were sophomores in high school, Emily and Lyla Allen aren’t just another pair of Instagram influencers.
Their career highlights include being featured on Chopped Junior, Rachael Ray (a casual seven times!), The Today Show, publishing their own cookbook, and launching their own product.
Emily and Lyla are easily one of my favorite Instagram accounts to follow @kitchentwins. They may be young, but their down-to-earth documentation of their happy, healthy lifestyle is the epitome of wellness content. Their love for food, school, and sports brings a smile to my face… and let’s be real, I aspire to get my smoothie bowls on their level.
Emily
1. Who do you have a “career crush” on? I would definitely say Rachael Ray because not only is she able to have a cooking show, but it is very natural and there are many lifestyle aspects to it . If I had a show when I was older, that would be fun to incorporate!
2. What is an object that will always remind you of your childhood? This heart shaped spoon we have. We actually still use it to this day (we have multiple) and it was the object I got signed on Chopped Junior. I keep that one in my room because it is symbolic of where our cooking career really took off and memorable because being on Chopped was exciting, especially at such a young age.
3. In your dream world, who would you nominate for President? I would nominate Michelle Obama – after reading her autobiography, I am enchanted by her philosophy and mentality about everything… and even though she herself says she is not a fan of politics, I find her knowledge and empathy incredible.
4. What’s your favorite account to follow on social media? I actually do not think I could answer this question ever! Kitchen Twins follows hundreds of the best foodie, lifestyle, and fitness accounts that we interact with on a daily basis and I am absolutely obsessed with looking at what other people are cooking and baking. That being said, I do really enjoy @freckledfoodie, @wholesomee.han, and many other accounts that are super real with their followers and fun to watch. I would say there is a huge foodie community that we are fortunate to be a part of on Instagram!
5. What’s your favorite day of the week? I personally really enjoy every day of the week. I would say one of the weekend days, but I love school and sports, too. Per my answer to the last question, you may be able to tell I am a little indecisive! I think every day can be equally as good, or better than the last, depending on the outlook you have for the day.
Lyla
1. What’s on your reading list? I really want to read Code Name Verity (I just ordered it) and Catch-22. I am also in the middle of All the Light We Cannot See.
2. What are you doing to protect the environment in your daily life? I think just being aware of what I am using, water and container-wise. I always try to not waste food and not use plastic when I don’t have to.
3. Who’s a woman that everyone should know about? I think Chloe Coscarelli is an amazing chef to look up, and I have since the beginning of my cooking career. She is the only vegan chef to win Cupcake Wars and started a company and publishes cookbooks. She makes vegan food seem approachable and her recipes are delicious.
4. What’s one positive thing that’s come out of the pandemic for you? I think just being able to focus on Kitchen Twins. I got to make more recipes and refine our content, while also becoming a better chef and food photographer.
5. Which body part makes you feel good about yourself? My hands because without them I wouldn’t be able to do anything that I love to do, like cook, play sports, and read.
—
Emily and Lyla Allen are the teenage entrepreneurs and master chefs behind Kitchen Twins. You can purchase their cookbook on Amazon by clicking here. Follow the Kitchen Twins on Instagram @kitchentwins and find their website by clicking here.