Danielle is a living embodiment of a joyful passionate creative, whose infectious laugh and gift of encouragement makes her a perfect fit to share her wisdom with us for one beautiful week in Puglia.

Driven by her love for Jesus, Danielle Kartes is an author, speaker, and entrepreneur living near Seattle, Washington with her husband Michael and their two sweet boys. Danielle is the owner of Rustic Joyful Food, a boutique food, lifestyle, and commercial photography brand rooted in the belief that loving your life right where you are—and creating beautiful, delicious food without fuss—can be transformative. Rustic Joyful Food began as a way for Danielle Kartes to share hope in the Lord, joy in everyday life, and effortlessly delicious recipes all in one place.

Danielle is a sought-after speaker known for her warmth, humor, and deeply relatable storytelling, speaking regularly at churches, women’s and mom groups, retreats, and influencer and creative industry events. Her talks center on faith, creativity, hospitality, entrepreneurship, and finding joy and purpose in everyday life.

Danielle appears frequently on national television and is a regular culinary contributor to The Kelly Clarkson Show and The TODAY Show. She has written and published four cookbooks, nine children’s books, and two devotional memoir’s (one forthcoming spring 2027) Her YouTube series, The Rustic Joyful Food Show, highlights the same authenticity, joy, and approachability that define her speaking.

Danielle is also the principal of Rustic Joyful Literary Group, the agency arm of Rustic Joyful Food, which represents authors in the food and children’s book spaces. In addition to her publishing and speaking work, Danielle has expanded into the wine world with a collection of wine varietals under her label, French for Water, reflecting her love of gathering, celebration, and simple pleasures well shared.

Danielle’s website: rusticjoyfulfood.com

Danielle’s Instagram: instagram.com/rusticjoyfulfood