South Middlesex Times

With videos that feature deft in-the-air pizza dough twists and charming patter with family members, all at her parents’ New Jersey restaurant and home, Rutgers University-New Brunswick sophomore Julia Molinari has emerged this year as a social media sensation. Her video series, including "Let’s Make a Pizza," has earned her 2.3 million followers as “jumo” on TikTok and 1.3 million as “juliahmolinari” on Instagram. Behind the visual spectacle of her handmade creations and the allure of pizza and pasta making is what she believes drives her success: her passion for the creative process that goes into making content.

New Jersey-born-and-raised Molinari, a student at Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, described the path to her success and pondered future directions.

“I’ve always loved and found success when I get the opportunity to express myself in a creative way,” said Molinari. She added that dancing has been a significant part of her life since she was two years old, participating competitively since she was nine in various styles such as hip hop, tap, contemporary, and jazz.

Her parents own an Italian American restaurant in Neptune City, N.J., where she spent much of her time learning to cook. “My mom always had me involved in the cooking process,” she noted.

Molinari’s journey into social media began during winter break when she decided to create a TikTok video with her father and uncle at their restaurant. “Creating video content about food at the restaurant and at home grew into a regular thing,” she explained.

Currently studying at Rutgers' School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Molinari also enjoys taking advantage of other academic opportunities. This summer, she took classes on culinary nutrition and pop culture. She is also an active member of the Rutgers Performing Dance Club.

Her most popular videos include an Instagram reel where she made Capriccioso pizza (15.4 million views) and a TikTok video featuring two pizzas made simultaneously (11.1 million views). Another notable video shows her making Grandma Pizza (8.2 million views).

Molinari handles all aspects of production herself—planning, filming, performing, and editing—and emphasizes authenticity in her work: “It’s very important to be yourself, be original and be authentic.”

She expressed enjoyment in every aspect of content creation: “I especially love making pizza and having friends and family join in.” Occasionally, she creates fashion or dance videos as well.

Reflecting on her success, Molinari said: “When you love what you do it usually leads to success.”

Looking ahead, Molinari aims to expand into long-form content creation with potential collaborations both domestically and internationally. She also hopes to compile family recipes into a cookbook someday while supporting animal shelters financially.

As for her academic aspirations at Rutgers University? Molinari plans to pursue degrees in marketing or communications: “Who would have thought that making a pizza would quickly lead to so many changes and opportunities? I’m so grateful!”