New Community Ambassador: Jess Meniere
Jess is a photographer, storyteller, cyclist, runner, small business owner, and all-round magical human. Through her business, Bitchy Bites, she crafts mouthwatering vegan and gluten-free cookies - a major weakness in the Jack Black office! Her photography is nothing short of inspiring, capturing the kind of adventure and excitement that makes you want to pack a bag and head out. We caught up with Jess to get to know her a little better.
Ocean or mountains - where’s your happy place?
How can one choose when you live in Cape Town? Both are incredible muses! But if I had to choose, I would have to say the ocean - a sunset or sunrise surf, a free dive, a post-run salty dip, an open-ocean swim or a howling south-easter kite.
We’re obsessed with your cookies at Jack Black! What sparked the idea of @bitchy_bites?
Bitchy Bites was created to offer a vegan and gluten-free sweet treat that defied the “rabbit food” stereotype. The brand’s cheeky, tongue-in-cheek attitude adds a sassy edge, challenging and poking fun at the typical reputation vegans often face. These cookies started as fuel for my adventures and were shared with friends who then urged me to sell them. What began with stocking one cafe quickly grew to two, then three, and now twenty locations across the peninsula proudly sell these “bad-ass biscuits.” We’re dreaming big and working hard to build a #EatMyCookie empire!
What inspired you to pick up a camera, and what led you down that path?
Straight out of high school, I found free diving and fell in love with the colours, silence and light of life below the surface. I started working for a Freediving company and picked up a camera while guiding tours to document our dives. I dove - quite literally - headfirst and obsessively into photographing our incredibly unique Kelp Forests. The progression to trading my fins and goggles for a pair of trail shoes and cleats felt rather natural, as these spaces soon became my next and new muse.
The heart of my photography career lies in capturing trail and gravel races, driven by the inspiration to celebrate people’s pursuit of their challenges and goals. In many ways, photographing these events feels like racing itself too - hitting the course, chasing front runners, sprinting to checkpoints and finish lines, pulling all-nighters, and running on a steady diet of carbs and caffeine.
Got a favourite spot in Cape Town to shoot 📸?
Underwater - just off the rocks by the Glencairn’s tidal pool or Castle Rock.
In the mountains - sunset along the contour path above Chapmans (East Fort side).
You’re about to study sustainable development - what drew you to that, and how do you think it connects with your work?
As I continue to grow in the world of creative storytelling, I’ve come to deeply value the power of visual documentation. While I plan to stay connected to sports races and events, my passion for working in outdoor spaces stems from a profound love for nature. The more time I spend immersed in these environments, the stronger my calling becomes to protect them. My decision to return to studying is driven by a desire to better equip myself to safeguard our planet, shifting my focus toward telling stories that champion positive impact and a greener future.
What’s next on your radar - any big plans brewing?
Between the juggle of studying again and working full time, I’ve got another exciting bike-packing mission brewing. Somewhere that’ll make that post-ride beer taste even better!
What’s your go-to Jack Black beer?
ALL OF THEM! But real talk: After a race, ALWAYS a CPA! But for the every day, the Grapefruit Radler!
Building community isn’t just something Jess does - it’s who she is. Her involvement in Community Connect, a gravel riding club in Cape Town, is a testament to that. She’s also raising funds for Girls Who Ride, an initiative dedicated to empowering young women through sports and education.
We’re freakin’ stoked to have Jess on the team and we’re excited to collaborate on projects coming up. Welcome to the family Jess!
Follow her journey: