Jenelle Manzi on Glowy Skin & the Union Square Greenmarket
Plus, where the ballet dancer-slash-entrepreneur buys her button-downs.
Hello there!
I sit here writing to you in a somewhat content state today. Barney is sitting on my lap in a way that renders me just mobile enough to type, and I’m on my second iced coffee of the day (if you haven’t tried Trader Joe’s cold brew bags, you must—so inexpensive and not at all acidic). The weather in NYC has been suspiciously wonderful, and tonight is part two of the Summer House reunion. I know I talk about SH a lot, but that’s because it’s a perfect show…if you don’t watch it, I simply can’t help you. To top it off, SCOTUS let us keep Mifepristone!!!!! Thank fucking god.
And yes, I am, once again, a day late with the newsletter this week, but I’m hoping you won’t hold it against me because of this week’s guest: I’m excited to welcome Jenelle Manzi, who is not only a professional ballerina with the New York City Ballet, but also the founder of the snack brand Get Golden (the Golden Caramel bars…YUM). If that isn’t enough, she’s also on Substack, writing .
Ahead, find out the special ingredients in her protein bowls, her beauty obsessions (a few of them, anyway), and more.
Meet the Gatekeeper:
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F88d0ae46-c81c-44d1-8f8c-4558d40b77f9_2728x4096.jpeg)
Name: Jenelle Manzi
Calls home: Upper West Side, NYC
In a nutshell: Dancer, dreamer, science nerd
What was the last link you sent someone?
My friend asked me for the specific brands of ingredients I use to make my morning green protein bowl. I promise this bowl gives you SO much energy and is deeply good for you. I found it really helpful in balancing my blood sugar throughout the day. I sent her links of this oil, greens powder, and chlorella.
What item do you wear most in your closet?
Oversized button-ups. Most of my favorites are from Zara, The Row, or Charvet. As a ballerina and founder, I’m always on the go running from the studio to a Zoom meeting. I find button-ups so easy and versatile when thrown on as a layering piece.
What’s your favorite place to shop?
Union Square farmers market. I could use this question to tag a favorite brand of mine, but the reality is that life moves SO fast and I’d rather share something that might benefit someone. The farmers market is a place where not only can you get local, seasonal produce and weekly staples, but it’s a community where you interact with real humans who stand behind what they make. I try to go at least once a week as it keeps me grounded. [Ed. note: I am obsessed with this answer!]
What’s your current beauty obsession?
This could be very long. My ITG Top Shelf had to be edited countless times because it was quite extensive haha. I love trying things, as I love learning about the body and our skin. Lately, I’d say my favorite is microneedle stamping with Qure stamps, exosomes, and these masks. When it comes to products, I’ve been into all things that create summery, glowy skin. Some favorites are Chanel Bronzer, Nuda Face tanner spray, Beauty of Josean sunscreen, and Saie Beauty’s glow sculpt. Rhode’s Caramel lip treatment is also a daily staple.
What is the seemingly random product you can’t stop talking about?
The Lymphatic Brush.
What’s your current favorite snack or drink, and why?
Oh, this is a tough one as I’m biased to Get Golden’s Dark Chocolate Sea Salt bar, but if that’s not an option, I’d say a favorite snack of mine are these truffle potato chips. I’m kind of a chip connoisseur. I love them.
You have a free day to do anything in NYC. What’s on the agenda?
CitiBike along the river downtown to hot yoga at Sui Yoga. From there I’d walk to Ground Support Coffee and get a coffee and breakfast—their breakfast sandwich is so delicious, as well as their bowls. I’d sit outside and read as it’s a quiet corner I enjoy spending time on. From there I’d walk to Happier Grocery and browse the beauty section and of course pick up a GG bar to save for a snack for later. I’d walk up to the Union Square farmers market and pick up fresh produce, flowers, and bread, then I'd CitiBike back home of course. After, I’d either go for a walk in Central Park or maybe a short afternoon trip to The Met before heading downtown to grab drinks and dinner at Via Carota or L'Artusi with friends. A perfect day.