We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Loria Stern a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Loria , so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
My confidence and self-esteem come from a combination of my athletic background and my professional accomplishments. As a semi-professional tennis player, I learned to embrace the mental toughness and resilience required to compete at a high level. I carried that mental fortitude with me into my business ventures, which has helped me to take calculated risks and push through challenges.
Additionally, seeing my work featured in Vogue Magazine five times has been a tremendous boost to my self-esteem. It’s a validation that my hard work and dedication have paid off, and that I’m making a meaningful contribution to my industry.
But most importantly, my confidence comes from within. I’ve learned to embrace my uniqueness and celebrate my accomplishments, rather than comparing myself to others. As a single female business owner in my late 30s, I’ve come to realize that my journey is mine alone, and that my successes and failures are a part of my own story. That self-awareness and self-acceptance have been key to building my confidence and self-esteem.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Growing up in Ojai, California, I was always surrounded by nature and creativity. I spent my childhood taking art classes and honing my skills on the tennis court, where I became a nationally ranked player. I was fortunate enough to receive a full athletic scholarship for high school and college, which taught me discipline and hard work. But my true passion was always in the kitchen. I’m a self-taught chef who worked my way up in New York bakery kitchens, experimenting with flavors and techniques until I found my own unique style.
What’s most exciting about my work is the intersection of art, nature, and nourishment. I took adult education classes in medicinal and edible plants, which opened my eyes to the world of wild edibles and medicinal flowers. I started infusing these flowers into my pastries, creating a truly unique and Instagram-worthy product! After years of hard work, I decided to take a leap of faith and start my own business as a private chef.
My Instagram posts went viral, and before I knew it, I was featured in Vogue magazine, Oprah, Harpers Bazaar, NY Times, LA Times, and more and within months, had a full-fledged business on my hands. Fast forward six years, and I’ve just published my first cookbook, landed a deal on Shark Tank, and am now working on a MasterClass for baking with botanicals. It’s been an incredible journey.
What sets my brand apart is the fusion of art, nature, and nourishment. My pastries are not only delicious but also healthy and visually stunning, using edible flowers and all natural colorants derived from plants to create a one-of-a-kind experience. I’m passionate about sharing this unique approach with others, whether through my cookbook, MasterClass, or social media. I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next and how I can continue to inspire others to embrace their passions and creativity.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, I believe the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were:
1. Creativity: My artistic background and passion for experimentation allowed me to think outside the box and create unique, visually stunning pastries that set me apart.
Advice: Encourage yourself to explore new ideas and take risks. Don’t be afraid to fail – it’s often where the best learning happens!
2. Resilience: My athletic background taught me mental toughness, discipline, and perseverance, which helped me push through challenges and stay focused on my goals.
Advice: Develop a growth mindset and embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Practice self-care and prioritize your mental health.
3. Self-directed learning: My willingness to teach myself new skills, from baking to medicinal plants, allowed me to continuously evolve and innovate.
Advice: Be curious and seek out knowledge. Don’t wait for opportunities – create them! Take online courses, attend workshops, and read books to expand your expertise.
By cultivating these qualities, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your goals and making a meaningful impact in your field. Remember to stay true to yourself, be open to learning, and always keep pushing forward!
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, here are some strategies that I’ve found work for me:
Prioritize self-care: I remind myself to get enough sleep, exercise, and eat nourishing foods. Often even going on 20 minute walks outside makes me feel better. Taking care of my physical health always improves my mental well-being.
When faced with a daunting to-do list, I often break tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. This helps me regain a sense of control and momentum.
Last but not least, I always try to practice gratitude: I reflect on the things I’m grateful for, no matter how small they may seem. This helps shift my focus away from stress and towards the positive aspects of my life.
Everyone’s journey is unique, and what works for me may not work for everyone, but these little tips have really helped me over the years.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.eatyourflowers.com
- Instagram: @loriastern
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loriasternshop/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loria-stern-b4372419b/
Image Credits
Laurie Frankel
