We’re looking forward to introducing you to Ilona Kossoff. Check out our conversation below.
Ilona, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
What makes me lose track of time—and find myself again—is being at the farmers market early in the morning, especially in the fall. The abundance of offerings, the colors of summer giving way to autumn—it’s both grounding and inspiring. I can get lost in curating recipes from those fresh ingredients and transforming them into nutritious, unique dishes. Later, spending a day at a photo shoot to bring that food to life and make it transcend the lens, I feel completely in flow. It’s more than just cooking; it’s about enticing people to eat in a way that supports the body, mind, and soul. That’s why 18 Chestnuts is my passionate offering to the world—it embodies this vision of food as beauty, nourishment, and purpose, helping us age gracefully and live fully.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Ilona Kossoff, founder of 18 Chestnuts. With a background as a chef and as a graduate of Cornell University’s Healthy Living program, my lifelong passion for wellness led me to create a brand that blends culinary artistry with nutrition science. These soups were born out of my own healing journey—recipes that helped restore my health and repair my gut without relying on pills. I knew I had to share that knowledge and experience. Today, our soups are clean, plant-based, gluten-free, low in sodium, with no added sugar. They’re made pantry-safe with over 70% organic ingredients, prepared in small batches, and packaged in glass jars. Every detail supports gut and brain health, because I believe food can be healing, joyful, and transformative. For me, 18 Chestnuts is more than soup—it’s my way of helping people eat with intention and age with vitality.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that has most shaped how I see myself is the one I’ve shared with my husband, Steven. We’ve been together since I was 18 and he was 24, and in so many ways, we grew up side by side. Together we built a life, raised three children, and pursued successful careers. We’ve always worked alongside each other, supporting one another through every season—through joy and grief, laughter and tears. What defines our bond is compassion, love, and an unwavering trust. That partnership has been the foundation of who I am today.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that has held me back the most at different points in my life has been the fear of not being enough—whether that meant not smart enough, not tough enough, or simply not enough as I was. It’s a quiet but persistent voice that can make you question yourself. Over time, I’ve learned to see that fear as a signal to push forward rather than pull back. It has shaped me into someone who works with resilience, intention, and compassion—for myself and for others.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think my closest friends would say that what really matters to me is living with purpose and integrity. They know how deeply I value health, family, and creating beauty in everyday life—whether that’s through food, meaningful work, or the way I connect with people. Family is my anchor—it’s where I find love, grounding, and joy. At my core, I care about helping others feel nourished, supported, and inspired. They would probably tell you that I don’t measure success just by achievement, but by whether I’ve made a positive impact on someone’s life.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m in nature, especially on the beach—no matter the weather. There’s something about the ocean that grounds me. Its vastness and power remind me of both possibility and perspective. The water recharges me, fuels my creativity, and always leaves me inspired.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.18Chestnuts.com
- Instagram: 18Chestnuts
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilona-kossoff-502760236/
- Twitter: 18chestnuts
- Facebook: 18Chestnuts
- Youtube: 18Chestnuts
