About
Hi, I’m Coco Berryessa
Milestones
About the Blog
As a food photographer, it might seem like starting a food blog was the obvious next step. But the dream of developing, photographing, and sharing recipes began long before I ever picked up a camera professionally.
Berryessa Good is the culmination of years of dreaming, learning, healing, and, finally, doing. Here’s how it all came to be:
I Got My First ‘Real’ Camera
I’d always been fascinated by visual art, and in 2014, I was gifted my first DSLR camera, a massive upgrade from my childhood point-and-shoot cameras. I was instantly obsessed.
This love didn’t come out of nowhere. I grew up watching my dad work as a graphic designer and begged for a laptop at the age of six, so I could learn to use the Adobe Suite (shout out to my parents and that trusty Dell!). That DSLR felt like a key to a new world. I was ready to dive in.
I Fell Ill
Suddenly, I became very sick, and after weeks of unexplained symptoms, I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, a chronic systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease. It didn’t just affect my digestive system—it impacted my joints, vision, skin, and, worst of all, my ability to eat nourishing foods.
I was advised to avoid fiber, so fruits and vegetables were off the table, literally. I lived on ultra-processed snacks, such as chips and white bread. We tried medication after medication—infusions, injections, pills—but nothing worked. My body was rejecting them all.
That period brought waves of anxiety and depression. My health was failing, and so was my spirit. Still, I endured a long and painful process of exhausting every available treatment, knowing that surgery to remove my entire large intestine might be my only option.
The Spark Was Lit
Ironically, this was the year I finally said it out loud: I want to start a food blog.
My husband, always supportive of my creative pursuits, was completely on board. But in those early newlywed days, we had other priorities like work, school, and making sure the bills were paid.
Looking back, the hesitation wasn’t just about timing. It was also about confidence. I had the photography skills, sure, but food? That felt like unfamiliar territory. I didn’t grow up in what you’d call an “ingredient household.” Respectfully, ours was more of a granola bar drawer household. I was always well-fed, but cooking simply wasn’t something I learned early on.
So, the blog idea got tucked away for “someday.” And honestly, I was okay with that. I knew I’d come back to it when the time was right. Besides, how could I write about food when I couldn’t even enjoy it myself?
I Went to Art School
That same year, I delved deeper into photography, enrolling in art school to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). I soaked up everything I could: analog processes, studio lighting, historic photo methods, archival printing—you name it.
I made food and beverage photography my focus, shaping every assignment around it whenever I could. One of the most defining experiences came when I served as the primary photographer for a cookbook created in collaboration with the university’s design and culinary departments.
Working with chefs and creatives was exhilarating. Seeing my photography printed throughout a professionally published cookbook—and on both covers—was surreal. The book even won two Independent Publisher’s Gold Medal Awards, including one for cover design. That moment sealed it for me: I knew I wanted to publish a cookbook of my own someday.
I Became an Ostomate
After exhausting every medical option, surgery became inevitable. I had my entire colon removed and woke up with an ileostomy—a life-saving, body-altering change.
Recovery was tough. But once I was able to eat again, it felt like I was discovering food for the first time. I cried over my first bite of juicy cantaloupe. That experience of reconnecting with truly nourishing food after years of suffering was profound. I wanted to explore food again. I wanted to celebrate it. The sweetness, the nourishment—things I once took for granted—suddenly felt vibrant and sacred. My ostomy truly gave me my life back.
I Started Teaching Art
With a new outlook on life and newfound energy, I began teaching digital photography as a university adjunct instructor, eventually transitioning to a full-time role where I lectured on lighting, retouching, and advanced photographic techniques. Teaching quickly became one of my greatest joys. Sharing what I know and watching students develop their artistic voices has been incredibly rewarding. I plan to continue teaching in whatever capacity life allows.
Our Family Grew
After years of navigating chronic illness, major surgery, and the heartbreak of infertility, we finally welcomed a beautiful baby boy into our family. Becoming a mom has been the most transformative and joy-filled chapter of my life.
I love being a mom, and I want to make the most of this precious time at home with him. But I also know that I need something creative that’s just for me. It’s easy to lose yourself in the whirlwind of early motherhood, and staying creative helps me stay grounded—it keeps me… well, me!
Food blogging felt like the perfect outlet. It brings together everything I love: family, photography, storytelling, and now, a deeper appreciation for food. In many ways, this blog is my full-circle moment.
It's Go Time!
Berryessa Good is my long-awaited passion project. It’s a place to celebrate the beauty and nourishment of food, the art of photography, and the journey of learning to cook meals that go far beyond boxed mac and cheese (no hate). It’s a work-in-progress—like me—taking shape between nap time and toddler tantrums.
Thanks for being here. I hope you feel at home!
About the Name
Berryessa Good Yummy Tasty What Does it Mean?
I’ve decided to name this blog Berryessa Good—a playful little nod to my last name, Berryessa. The inspiration came from a family quirk that’s always made me smile.
For years, my mother-in-law has used our last name in place of the word very, slipping it into everyday conversation in the most charming ways. Around here, if something’s delicious, it’s Berryessa delicious. If it’s fun, it’s Berryessa fun. You get the idea.
After I had my son, I watched her scoop big spoonfuls of cottage cheese into his toothless grin, cooing, “Isn’t that just sooo Berryessa good?” I couldn’t help but laugh—and that’s when it clicked. Naming my blog Berryessa Good felt like the perfect way to celebrate my family and the little traditions that make life feel full.