From Home Cook to Social Media Sensation: How Corre Larkin Transformed Her Passion for Food into a Thriving Online Empire

When I visited Corre Larkin, affectionately known as Coco, she was preparing a croque monsieur, adding a perfectly fried egg on top to create a croque madame. “In an ideal world, I’d use gruyere, but I’m opting for some quality cheddar instead,” she said. Her cooking mantra is simple: make the most of what you have.

Coco’s approach resonates with many. She started as a niche content creator, but her warm, relatable style quickly drew in a huge audience. Her videos are filmed right in her home in Newport Beach, often showcasing her vintage dishware gathered from various estate sales. This unscripted, genuine vibe makes her recipes feel easy and approachable.

Coco’s journey into the food world is quite unique. Growing up in Orange County, she played volleyball in college and spent a decade in London, where she discovered her love for cooking by watching culinary stars like Nigella Lawson and Jamie Oliver. “That’s where I learned to cook and eat seasonally,” she explained. Before entering the food scene, Coco worked in recruitment and then in manufacturing bulletproof glass. “There wasn’t a creative outlet,” she said.

In 2018, seeking more creativity, she launched a vintage and antique business, Corre Marie, where she showcased her finds on Instagram. This experience helped her gain skills in photography and on-camera presence. Initially, she began posting recipes on her personal Instagram for friends who wanted a centralized place for her dishes. Following encouragement from her friends, she created a TikTok account in August 2022, which unexpectedly took off.

One of her first viral hits, a pastina recipe, brought both praise and criticism. While many loved it, others berated her for her method. Coco learned quickly that with viral fame comes mixed reviews and that she should stay true to her style, no matter the feedback.

What started as a fun side project has grown into a full-time career. After selling her vintage business about a year ago, she devoted herself entirely to content creation, often filming two videos daily. Her focus on “peasant food”—making delicious meals with simple ingredients—makes her cooking relatable. She modifies traditional recipes instead of inventing new ones, which reflects her vast collection of cookbooks and online inspirations.

Her popular dishes include pasta con patate, charred cabbage with sausage, and chicken thighs cooked with garlic. She frequently prepares meals for her children, such as a simple egg and rice dish or creamed chipped beef on toast.

Coco’s strategy to grow her brand goes beyond just TikTok. Recognizing potential changes to the platform, she expanded to Instagram and YouTube. Although initially intimidated by Instagram’s polished aesthetic, she decided to embrace it, gaining an impressive following.

In just one year, her Instagram account gained over 749,000 followers, joining her TikTok community of 485,000. Coco values interaction with her fans on Instagram, often answering direct messages and hosting weekly Q&A sessions. She connects with her followers not only through cooking but also through shared interests, like her love for “Real Housewives.”

Her equipment is surprisingly simple—an iPhone, a tripod, and a ring light. This straightforward approach sets her apart in a landscape often filled with overly produced content. Her vintage dishware, like blue-and-white Delft plates, adds a charming touch to her presentations.

Looking ahead, Coco dreams of expanding into longer-form content, possibly a travel show showcasing diverse culinary heritages. Her advice for aspiring creators is straightforward: “Educate or entertain. Aim to do both if you can, but never be boring.” She believes in staying authentic and refusing to chase fleeting trends.

Coco’s journey illustrates that passion, combined with hard work and creativity, can lead to a fulfilling career. Her success serves as a reminder that great content comes from authenticity, even when created right at home.

For more about Coco’s journey and recipes, check out her TikTok @cocolarkincooks and Instagram @cocolarkincooks.

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