Justine Garcia – “Brutally Honest, Stubborn, Determined, Strong and Resilient.”

I would like to be remembered as someone who always stayed true to herself.

Ethnic Background: Mixed

Current Occupation or Status: Entrepreneur /Chef / Artist

Past Occupation(s) or Work Experiences:
I’ve been very fortune to have worked with some incredible chefs in the industry. I received the Best Pastries and Desserts Award from the Table Talk Awards 2015 for my work as Head Pastry Chef for Zazou Bistro in the Country Club who was the number one fine dining restaurant in the country at the time.

Favourite Food / Meal:
Oooh this is a hard one! Hmm it’s hard to beat a fresh classic lobster tail with garlic butter or a perfectly medium rare steak. My heart is where the MSG is at though haha. I love great Dim Sum , traditional Japanese ramen , sushi and Hong Kong squid. I could die happy after eating any of those!

Hobbies:
Art, Aerial Silks, Dancing, Yoga, Gardening, Hiking/ Camping, Photography, Traveling, Researching my topics of interests such as Ancient Civilizations and Esoteric knowledge

Most memorable moment:
One of the most memorable moments in my life was getting to work and go to Envision Festival in Costa Rica this year. It was a beautiful transformative experience as the people there were so nonjudgmental and accepting. I felt like I could truly be myself and I belonged somewhere for the first time in my life. I also got to see one of my favourite music groups Rufus du Sol play my favourite song live under the stars in the jungle. It was truly a magical experience!

Your most embarrassing moment?
My most embarrassing moment was having to slow down and take time off my career to focus on healing my clinical depression.

What are you really good at?
I’m good at cooking, art or anything creative. I love expressing myself through my pieces whether it be an intricate fine dining dish or a painting. I’m really good at coming up with new ideas or improvising on the spot.

Pet Peeve(s)?
Misogyny, bigotry, sexism, selfishness, fake people, liars, manipulators, assholes and being underestimated because I’m a petite woman.

Favourite Songs:
Oh man big one again! I love many different genres of music from Classical to Rap. The song that touches my soul the most though is Inner bloom by Rufus du Sol which is the same song I got to hear live this year! One of the greatest moments of my life. Another favourite is actually from a local band called Tripped and Falling and the song is named Jumping From Moving Cars.

Favourite Quote or word?
Favourite word at the moment is mycelium. Current favourite quotes are ‘ Don’t leave this world without giving it your all’ by Tupac and ‘ The day you stop racing is the day you win the race’ by Bob Marley.

Favourite Books?
A Song of Ice and Fire series, The Alchemist and currently reading A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle that’s fast becoming a new favourite as well.

Favourite Movies / T.V. Shows?
Favourite movies would have to be Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Princess Mononoke, V for Vendetta, Inception and Fight Club. Tv shows would be Game of Thrones ( seasons 1-5 only) and Boku no Hīrō Akademia aka My Hero Academia ( best anime of all time).

Favourite Celeb(s) or Public Figure(s)?
Dead : Bob Marley, Frida, Einstein and Van Gogh. Alive: Paul Stamets ( a mycologist who is doing fascinating work on the many different ways mushrooms can help save the environment and the planet.) and Nasim Haramein ( a world renowned physicist whos unified theories of quantum physics are changing the way we view science and spirituality, as a whole rather than two separate things).

What is your guiltiest pleasure?
I’m a Chef but I love pack ramen, especially the shrimp one! ( and KFC)

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I wanted to be an archaeologist, chef and an artist.

Where would you most like to be right now?
I would love to be in Tulum or Costa Rica with some of my international friends during this time of madness. Going back to the world pre Covid would also be amazing.

What is one thing people may be surprised to find out about you?
I’m a total goof ball! I love to laugh and talk a set of shit. I also have a really bad temper which people don’t expect because I mediate and do yoga . They don’t realise I do those things to calm down haha

What silly or funny thing makes you afraid or creeps you out?
I’m terrified of snakes! I cannot even touch a tiny garden snake! I would for surely black out or run like Usain Bolt in the next direction.

If you were to end up in jail, what might be the reason?
Breaking lockdown rules.

Your Dream Job?
Traveling the world and having a series like Anthony Bourdain or doing my Art full time.

How would you like to be remembered?
I would like to be remembered as someone who always stayed true to herself.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
You can handle a hell of a lot more pain than you think you can. Always listen to yourself and your intuition. Self Love is the most important thing that you can develop as a human being.

What’s the worst and/or best thing about being female?
The worst thing is the misogyny, sexism and constant sexual harassment. It’s bullshit that every time I step out my house I have to be harassed or cat called at least 3 times! I also hate that we can’t do simple things like walk down a street at night or go hiking by ourselves. The best thing about being a female is being born in this era where we have so many more opportunities as women than previous generations! Skies the limit as the full potential of female expression and power is still yet to be fully explored!

Finish this sentence: “Don’t let anyone….”
treat you like shit! That includes parents, family members and friends. Stick up for yourself and set your boundaries!

One word or phrase that describes you?
Unpredictable

What motivates you?
I’m motivated by the goal to create a better, more sustainable world not only for the environment but also a society that is designed to help human beings thrive and reach their full potential. Imagine what we could do if we were all happy and healthy. Reaching the next steps in human evolution.

How would you describe yourself?
I would describe myself as brutally honest, stubborn, determined, strong and resilient. I dream of living my life unapologetically and to the fullest capacity!

What do you love about being a Trini (Girl)?
NATURE! The best thing about being Trini is the beautiful island itself. We are so privileged to be able to live on such a paradise with one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, loaded with beaches, waterfalls, rivers and beautiful hikes.

Anything you’d like to add?
We need to start taking better care of our island and our people. A sense of community and togetherness needs to be brought back.
Also more people need to start watching anime! Top tier writing, plot, character development and blow mind animation. Yall don’t know what you’re missing out on!

End of Q&A


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