The Proust Questionnaire with Jana Brunclikova of The Secret Kitchen
A naturopath, herbalist, and the soulful cook behind The Secret Kitchen, Jana carries an uncommon quietude—a kind of strength that doesn’t raise its voice. Known for her self-published cookbooks Earth Cakes and The Secret Kitchen, her work invites us to slow down and return to the elemental joys of nourishment, nature, and family.
Born in the Czech Republic and now living on the east coast of Australia, Jana weaves her European roots into a life of grounded ritual and soft rebellion against perfectionism. There’s a palpable sense of place in everything she does—whether it’s growing her own food, making clothes for her son, or dreaming up a future herbalist’s haven where her family could be closer.
In this Proust Questionnaire for Sén Living, Jana answers with poetic simplicity and a deep reverence for the everyday. From morning rituals involving chickens to musings on telepathy and the sea, her reflections offer a glimpse into a life lived with sincerity, softness, and strength.
Our editorial series is based on The Proust Questionnaire. It was originally a parlour game popularised by Marcel Proust, the French essayist and novelist, who believed that, in answering these questions it revealed ones true nature.
Photograhy by Sarah Maria Darling and Jana
Interview by Anna Harding
What is your current state of mind?
A mother's mind: a quiet sea,
Where waves of love rise endlessly,
Tides of worry, soft and deep,
Cradle her heart, yet never sleep.
How do you switch off?
In the ocean, surfing or exploring the under water world.
Also, when I create food in my kitchen or in the garden.
What is the trait you most admire in others?
Honesty and people being able to live in their own essence.
Which living person do you most admire?
I don’t have one person to admire: I seek the power of connection and the richness that comes from the diversity of experiences and people we encounter.
What is your greatest extravagance?
To live in a safe country, have a healthy family and clean food on the table.
What is the first thing that you do when you wake in the morning?
Currently, I make sure that our chickens are free for their morning run.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
"Perfectionism." While striving for excellence and attention to detail can be valuable, the pressure to be perfect can be overwhelming and counterproductive.
Sometimes, letting go of the need to be flawless allows us to connect more deeply with others and ourselves, finding strength in imperfection.
Do you have any daily rituals?
At this moment, I don't have set daily rituals. As a mom, my rhythms are shaped by my son—getting him ready for school and tending to his needs. But I do love days when I’m able to go for surf on sunset or sunrise, my favourite time of the day. Or when I have time to do something creative such as pottery or making clothes for my son. What I call a ritual must have is a home cooked meal on the table or by the fire for the whole family. I also love daily time in the garden.
What do you most like about your appearance?
I believe that appearance, while often emphasised in society, isn't something I prioritise in defining my sense of self or well-being. I tend to focus more on internal qualities and personal growth.
If I had to pick something about my appearance that I like is that I have characteristics that my Dad had who is no longer with us.
What does wellbeing mean to you?
For me, well-being is about appreciating the simple things—just being alive, healthy and create a healthy relationship with nature and our surroundings. Being able to grow your own clean food which, I’m aware, has become a luxury. Eating seasonally and learn how to use nature as medicine.
What is the quality you most like in a person?
Soft heart because we live in a rough world
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“ Do not harm”
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
I wouldn't say I have one 'greatest love' in life. For me, it’s more about how my passions shift and evolve. Sometimes, my love is focused on the people around me—relationships, friendships, and connections or goals I achieve.
If I meant to speak about “Unconditional “ love – I would have to say my son Luka.
“While striving for excellence and attention to detail can be valuable, the pressure to be perfect can be overwhelming and counterproductive.
Sometimes, letting go of the need to be flawless allows us to connect more deeply with others and ourselves, finding strength in imperfection.”
When and where are you happiest?
When everyone around me is happy too. I also love good sunset evening on the beach by the fire or arriving at a new place in nature I have never been before– I love exploring places less travelled.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Painting is very powerful as you can express yourself and connect with others on a very different level.
Telepathy is also a very good talent to have.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
To be less timid although I think it’s just a part of who I am.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
To be independent and to live the life I preach, with my family
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?
If I were to be reborn, I think I’d choose to be a dolphin, gliding through the endless embrace of the ocean. To swim with the currents, unhurried and weightless, surrounded by the calm whispers of the sea, would be a life I’d cherish. There’s a kind of tranquility in the ocean’s vastness that resonates with my soul, a serenity I’d love to carry with me in another life.
Where would you most like to live?
I like where I live now. If I meant to ask for more, I would love to own and create my own Herbalists place to live in and have my own family living closer to me * they currently live on the other side of the planet ( Czech republic).
What is your most treasured possession?
Cooking as medicine, being able to use herbs and plants for healing others. I express that passion via two self-published conscious cookbooks.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Betrayal.
What is your favourite occupation?
I truly enjoy my work in Naturopathy and Herbalism. It feels like something I was meant to do from a young age, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to turn my passions into a career. Being able to help others through what I love is a gift, and it's deeply fulfilling to be able to make a positive impact in people's lives.
What is your most marked characteristic?
My determination and ability to share and educate people about wholistic way of living and embracing nature in a day to day life.
What do you most value in your friends?
Loyalty, that they are here for me no matter what and vice versa.
Who are your favourite writers?
Milan Kundera “Unbearable lightness of being”,
Although I haven’t had much time to read recently, I believe I would have more examples to share if I had the opportunity to do so.
Who is your hero of fiction?
Sherlock Holmes (from Sherlock Holmes stories) – A brilliant detective who uses his intellect and observation skills to solve complex mysteries.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
It's difficult to choose just one, as I admire many historical figures for various reasons. However, I believe I can't fully identify with any of them, as I see myself as a unique individual with my own experiences and perspectives.
Who are your heroes in real life?
Mothers in general for their unconditional love.
What are your favourite names?
Currently: Gandalf and Saruman – two of our batman chickens.
What brings pleasure to your day?
Being in nature and feeling free.
Do you have any products or objects that you can’t live without?
I prefer to say “I don’t have any” , as I believe in the importance of letting go of attachments to any materialistic things. When the right time arrives.
Where is your favourite place to wake up in the world?
In a world without violence.
What is your motto?
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.