Remi Cruz Parsons has spent over a decade inviting viewers into her life, evolving from early room makeovers and lifestyle vlogs to a deeply loyal audience of millions. What began with YouTube uploads filmed in her parents’ house has expanded into podcasts, live tours, and now her first cookbook, Let’s Get Cooking: Everyday Meals, Tipsy Favorites and Comfort Food Cravings.
The 31-year-old creator is translating one of the most beloved parts of her online presence into a tangible form. Filled with comfort food, Korean recipes inspired by her family, easy weeknight dinners, and dishes longtime viewers will instantly recognize, the book mirrors the world she has built online.
In an interview, Parsons reflected on her journey, from the early days of posting DIY room decor and beauty content to finding renewed creative energy in cooking. “I was at a crossroads,” she said. “I didn’t feel as inspired by some of the lifestyle content anymore and wanted to challenge myself in a different way.” Cooking became that challenge, especially during the COVID-19 lockdowns, when she found herself in the kitchen daily. “People were really connecting with it,” she said. “I feel really lucky.”
The cookbook’s structure is deliberately tied to her content. Chapters are organized around moments from her vlogs: grab-and-go breakfasts for busy mornings, Korean dishes rooted in her heritage, weeknight dinners for when she’s too tired to cook, and hosting ideas for holidays and gatherings. “I wanted it to feel authentic,” she said, “like there are little ‘if you know, you know’ moments for longtime viewers.”
For Parsons, cooking is deeply personal. The kitchen is “the heart of the home,” and she hopes readers will incorporate her recipes into their own traditions. She recalled the emotional moment when someone recreated her chocolate cookies and posted a review online. “It made me so happy,” she said. “My dream is for someone to make the potato casserole or another recipe from the book and have it become part of their family tradition.”
Reflecting on over a decade of content creation, Parsons acknowledged how the internet has changed. When she started, YouTube was the dominant platform; now, creators must navigate TikTok, Instagram, and emerging channels. Adapting has meant learning new formats and being more mindful about what she shares. “I’ve always been very open, and that’s one of my strengths,” she said, “but it can also be a weakness. I think doing podcasts and other projects has taught me to be more aware of the audience.”
Privacy has become a growing concern. In her early days, she filmed full house tours; now, she avoids posting in real time and is careful not to reveal too much. “The internet feels scarier,” she said. “People are smarter. People can figure things out more easily.”
Longevity, she believes, comes from authenticity. “It never feels like work because I’m not playing a character. I can be talking to you right now, turn the camera on, and be the exact same person online.” That consistency has helped her sustain a career long after many early creators have moved on.
Success, too, has shifted in meaning. Where once it was measured in subscribers and views, now it’s about the community. “I focus on the people who are genuinely excited about what I make and who inspire me to keep creating.” Meetups and tours reinforce that connection. “Sometimes people tell me, ‘I only get 500 views on my videos,’ and I’m like, 500 people is still a lot of people. You have to think about them as actual individuals.”
With the cookbook, Parsons hopes to reach new audiences while deepening ties with existing fans. Among her favorite recipes is tteokbokki, a Korean rice cake dish tied to childhood memories and family gatherings. “Whenever I go to Korea, if it’s on the menu, I’m ordering it,” she said. “That recipe just has so much history and meaning for me.”
As she continues to evolve, Parsons remains grounded in the community that has supported her from the beginning. Whether through a cookbook, a podcast, or a simple vlog, her goal is the same: to share her life in a way that feels real, relatable, and lasting.
