At SAOLA, we believe in walking alongside those who act for a more conscious way of living. Julia Wencker is one of them — a teacher, eco-conscious blogger, active volunteer, and outdoor enthusiast (especially when wearing sneakers!). Meet this inspiring ambassador who brings together ethics, ecology, and boundless energy.
📌 In short:
Name: Julia Wencker
City: Strasbourg, France
Profession: Middle school teacher & creator of the blog Les Cookies
Values: ecology, solidarity, simplicity, feminism
Commitments: POW, Surfrider, Stammtisch
Favorite SAOLA shoes: Tsavo 2.0 white/gold and Cannon Knit 3 white
Hi Julia! To begin, can you introduce yourself and tell us how Les Cookies came about?
My name is Julia, I’m 37 and I live in Strasbourg, France. I started my blog Les Cookines over ten years ago when I was a history student and preparing to become a teacher. Today, I’m a middle school teacher, and the blog is still going strong!
In the beginning, I shared simple, budget-friendly recipes for students like me. But over time, my lifestyle shifted, and my blog followed suit. I started focusing more on vegetarian meals, seasonal ingredients, organic and local products — always with the intention of learning how to better consume. Today, there are over 1,000 recipes on the blog!
In addition to sharing my recipes, I also began sharing my journey toward a more mindful lifestyle — raising awareness about food waste, eco-friendly home care, everyday purchases, and living more minimally.
Even though I know individual actions alone won’t change the world, and that much bigger issues are at play, I believe awareness is a good place to start. And that matters to me.
But your commitment goes far beyond food, right?
No, in effect ! I also talk about ethical fashion , tips anti -waste , minimalism , second- hand… My whole house East furnished of objects second-hand , I pay attention to my purchases , I favor short circuits. Even my clothes are mostly second hand. On the sports and shoe side, it's a little more complicated , but I try also to make the best possible choices.
Little by little, I wanted to go beyond recipes. I began writing more in-depth articles on topics that touched me, but which, at the time, were not yet a central concern. For example, I discovered the environmental impact of tuna fishing—a food I consumed a lot, without realizing the ecological issues or health risks (like the presence of mercury in canned food).
From there, I expanded my thinking to other everyday products like chocolate, coffee, and exotic fruits. I tried to raise awareness through simple and accessible formats.
This approach resonated: the blog grew, and for three years I even had a weekly column on France Bleu Alsace , every Monday morning, to talk about eating well, locally, in season — always with the desire to pass on healthier and more sustainable habits.
I am also involved in three associations:
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Stammtisch , which I co-founded, helps people from migrant backgrounds find jobs in the restaurant industry.
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Protect Our Winters (POW) and Surfrider Foundation , where I volunteer to support environmental causes.
How has your Instagram evolved over the years?
A lot! It used to be all about food, but now I also share hikes, sustainability tips, everyday life outdoors… I see it all as connected: eating well, moving more, loving nature. My dog often joins in on my adventures — whether he wants to or not 😄
I like to transmit the idea that we better protect that which we know. So if I can encourage people to get outside, take care of themselves, and reconnect with nature, maybe they’ll be more motivated to protect it too.
How did you first discover SAOLA?
I think it was through Instagram! At the time, I was researching sustainable fashion brands, and SAOLA kept popping up in my feed. I had bookmarked you, but I’m not an impulse buyer. Then one day, someone from the team reached out — and I was thrilled! I already knew and appreciated the brand. That was a little over two years ago, and now I’m proudly an ambassador.
What made you say yes to becoming a SAOLA ambassador?
Your values! Transparency, sustainable materials, thoughtful production, and your mission to encourage people to get outdoors. That idea of enjoying nature while protecting it really speaks to me.
And of course… I have to mention how comfy and stylish the shoes are! I absolutely love the last pair I received — light, supportive, and so comfortable I sometimes wear them without socks. That says it all!
If you had to summarize your core values in just a few words?
I’d say: ecology, solidarity, simplicity, and feminism.
I deeply care about protecting biodiversity, social equality, and community. These values guide my everyday choices — in what I cook, how I consume, and how I live.
Who makes up your community, the “Cookines”?
It’s a loyal and engaged group, which I really appreciate. I have around 11,000 followers on Instagram, 7,000 newsletter subscribers, and about 500 to 600 blog visits per week. Most of my audience is made up of women between 25 and 40, mainly based in Strasbourg or Paris. Even when I post less, they stick around — and that trust means a lot.
Any last words?
Thank you to SAOLA for the trust and the authentic collaboration. I’m excited to keep walking (literally!) in your shoes on all my next adventures — and hopefully bring others along the way!
👉 Follow Julia
Want to explore seasonal recipes, simple eco-tips, or outdoor escapes?
Check out Julia’s world:
📸 Instagram: @lescookines
📝 Blog: www.lescookines.com
Authentic, inspiring, and rooted in purpose — she’s well worth the follow 🌿💚
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