Majo Vigil: the chef who transforms cooking into joy and digital authenticity.

The story of María José Vigil Checa, better known as Majo, is a testament to the power of authenticity in the digital age. Since her first appearance on social media, this young chef has captured the attention of thousands thanks to her laid-back style and fun approach to cooking. Her tipakay recipe became a viral phenomenon, thanks to a spontaneous and comedic moment that led her to gain over 150,000 followers in record time. Majo presents herself as a genuine person who has managed to connect with her audience through her personality, which is far removed from the perfection that often dominates social platforms. In a world where aesthetics and perfection are sought after, her carefree approach and sense of humor have allowed her to stand out. "For me, life is fun," she asserts, while recalling how a simple video changed her life. The moment that catapulted her to fame was unexpected. While filming a video, the team decided to prepare a chijaukay, but Majo wanted to make tipakay. The situation turned comedic when, after asking the team what they preferred, the majority opted for the chijaukay. Thus, Majo decided to do what she truly wanted, something that has characterized her career. "That's how things come together when we film, spontaneously," she explains. The chef has made it clear that she does not want her work to become a burden. "I always tell the production team: I don't want this to become a job; I want us to have fun, to laugh our heads off." This philosophy has been key to her success, allowing her to bring her authenticity to the screen effectively. Her path to popularity has not been without challenges. Majo, who started her career with no prior experience in front of the cameras, recalls her first appearance as a terrifying moment. "I was shaking; I even had diarrhea from anxiety," she confesses. However, over time and with the support of her team, she found her voice and became comfortable in an environment that once intimidated her. The chef, born in Nicaragua and raised in Piura, has faced her own personal challenges from a young age. The transition from her rural environment in Nicaragua to life in an apartment in Piura was difficult. "I became super rebellious," she says, recalling how she had to adapt to a new cultural and social context. However, in Lima, she found her passion for cooking, a journey that began unexpectedly after her mother's advice. Cooking, which was not her first love, became her vocation. "I never liked cooking... until I started studying it," she admits. This experience led her to work in several restaurants, where she discovered her love for gastronomy and seafood, despite being raised in a vegetarian household. The recognition she has gained on social media has also brought with it media exposure that, while positive, has raised concerns for her family. "My parents are afraid of what exposure brings," Majo comments. However, they have been her main supporters as her career develops. Majo's success is not only measured in follower counts but also in how she has managed to approach her work. "The secret ingredient is enthusiasm. If you put joy into it, everything will turn out better," she says, advocating the idea that cooking can and should be fun. This philosophy is reflected in her videos, where spontaneity and mistakes are celebrated as part of the process. Today, Majo balances her role as a content creator with the management of several restaurants. Despite the workload, she maintains her focus on fun and camaraderie in the kitchen. "We are not the bosses; we are all teammates," she emphasizes, demonstrating that her success is not only based on her talent but also on her ability to lead with empathy and confidence. In a world that tends to glorify perfection, Majo's story is a reminder that authenticity and joy can be the most powerful ingredients in cooking and in life. With her eyes set on the future, her message is clear: cooking doesn't have to be serious and difficult; it can be, above all, a celebration of life and creativity.