María José Vigil Checa: the chef who transforms cooking into authentic fun.

In a world where perfection seems to be the norm, a young chef has managed to stand out for her authenticity and spontaneity. María José Vigil Checa, better known as Majo con Sabor, has conquered social media with her carefree style and charisma while preparing delicious dishes. Although her name is not yet widely recognized, her videos have captured the attention of over 150,000 followers in less than four months, thanks to her iconic "trolling" about recipe selection, where tipakay becomes the unexpected star. The story behind her sudden fame is equally captivating. In a recording that promised quick dishes, like sandwiches, Majo decided to prepare tipakay, a dish she loves. However, her team chose chijaukay instead. In a burst of humor, Majo went ahead with the recipe she truly wanted, and thus, in a completely natural way, her first viral moment was born. “This is how things turn out when we record, spontaneously,” recalls the chef, emphasizing the value of fun over perfection. Her approach is not just about cooking; it’s a personal manifesto. Majo emphasizes that she does not want her recordings to become tedious work. “For me, life is fun,” she states, a philosophy that reflects in every video she shares. This authenticity has resonated so much with her audience that it’s not uncommon to see comments celebrating her joyful and natural lifestyle, which strongly contrasts with the polished image of many content creators. The chef, who at 24 has traveled a path full of ups and downs, remembers how her first encounter with the cameras left her paralyzed with fear. “The silver face I had, I was scared,” she says about her beginnings. However, the support of her team and the chemistry she has developed with them have helped her overcome her initial anxiety and embrace her new role in the public eye. Majo, born in Nicaragua and raised in Peru, shares that her childhood was a blend of cultures that shaped her. Her love for cooking was not always evident; in fact, gastronomy was not her first calling. It was only after a trip to Colombia and advice from her mother that she decided to study cooking. “I never liked cooking, but I fell in love with gastronomy,” she recalls with a smile. As her career has expanded, so has her personal life. Majo is currently in a relationship with Giancarlo Tamashiro, her partner in the restaurant Kyoto. Together, they have managed to create a work environment that feels more like a family than a team. “In our kitchen, we are not the bosses; we are all teammates,” says Majo, reflecting her leadership philosophy that contrasts with traditional hierarchies. Majo's life has changed drastically since she went viral. While fame has brought some challenges, such as the pressure of being seen by thousands, it has also been a source of empowerment. “It has given me strength, it has given me self-confidence,” she assures, highlighting that she has learned to make decisions with more confidence and to be true to her real personality. Although her parents have concerns about public exposure, they cannot deny the pride they feel for her achievements. Recently, when Majo appeared on a television program, her mother couldn't hold back tears of joy. The support of her family has been an anchor amidst the whirlwind of her new life. Majo is not just looking to entertain; her mission is to transform the way people perceive cooking. “The secret ingredient is enthusiasm. If you put joy into it, everything will turn out better,” she says, while emphasizing the importance of learning from mistakes. For her, every mistake in her videos is an opportunity to show that perfection is a myth and that the true essence of cooking lies in enjoying the process. In a landscape where many strive to present an idealized life, the story of Majo con Sabor is a reminder that authenticity, fun, and passion are the true ingredients of success. With each video, María José Vigil Checa not only teaches how to cook; she invites her followers to embrace their own mistakes and find joy in the small moments of daily life.