Cast Iron Babe inspires connections in the kitchen and beyond.
What began as a fun nickname given to Minden resident JuliAnn Stitick by family and friends because of her love of cast-iron cookware evolved into Cast Iron Babe and Cast Iron Kiddos, a nonprofit operation helping families succeed.
Stitick’s three-decade background as a business coach and motivational speaker and her affinity for personal development aided in curating her new endeavors. Working with clients such as Nordstrom, Disney, Lexus, the Los Angeles Police Department, and Keller Williams Realty, she found that many of the tools she used to help clients live their best lives — including household routines, teamwork, and goal setting — also had a positive impact on their families’ foundations.
“We found that the connection comes into play in the kitchen,” Stitick notes. “It’s the center of the home. A place of nourishment and love. That is why we built this brand, Cast Iron Babe and Cast Iron Kiddos, to bring people together into the kitchen, foster connections, and equip kids rather than waiting on them.”
Cast Iron Kiddos
Through her online marketplace, Stitick sells thoughtful activity kits — intended to be completed with parents, grandparents, or caretakers — that empower elementary school-aged children to learn life skills, such as cooking an egg and toast, writing a thank-you note, and observing table etiquette.
“Our activities and kits offer a multi-generational approach … to build cross-generational bonding,” she says.
The Snail Mail Kiddo Kit, Egg & Toasty Kiddo Kit, Money Kiddo Kit, and Story Cards encourage practical life skills, human interaction through conversation starters, and acts of service such as hosting guests for a meal and writing notes to veterans and the elderly.
In the Community
Stitick has worked with local organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club in Carson City and Carson Valley Community Food Closet to offer cooking classes for children and their parents (or other adults). In addition to cooking, the classes cover such lessons as table setting and kitchen safety. She plans to expand her class offerings into the Reno-Tahoe markets. In the meantime, readers may view videos on her YouTube channel, where she provides insights on many facets of cast-iron cooking and connection for the whole family.
For details about upcoming classes, Stitick’s YouTube videos, or the activity kits, visit Castironbabe.com.
