Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Steven Lash. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Steven, great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.
I don’t know that I would consider risking taking as something to be developed. Being a risk-taker often boils down to self-belief and intuition. For me, it’s about following my passion and listening to my instincts. When I’m truly passionate about something, I dive in headfirst and give it my all. Whether it’s trying out a new recipe in the kitchen or making a significant career move like starting my own restaurant, I trust my gut and go for it. It’s this willingness to pursue what truly ignites my heart that has led me to where I am today, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Absolutely, I’d be happy to share more about my journey. My name is Chef Steven Lash, and my path to culinary arts has been a rich and varied one. It all began when I started working as a dishwasher while still in high school. I was immediately captivated by the energy and creativity of the kitchen, and I knew I wanted to be a part of it.
Over the years, I worked my way up through the ranks, learning from talented chefs and honing my skills. However, life took me on a different path, and I took a nearly 18-year hiatus from the culinary world to focus on raising my three daughters and pursue a career in information technology.
During those years, my love for cooking never faded. I found joy in preparing meals for my family and friends, and I continued to experiment with new recipes and techniques in my spare time. Eventually, the call of the kitchen became too strong to ignore, and I decided to return to the culinary world.
I started my journey back into the industry as a personal chef, providing fine dining experiences in private homes. This experience reignited my passion for the culinary arts, and I knew I wanted to take things to the next level. In January of 2023, I opened Sage in Andrews, NC, fulfilling a lifelong dream of owning my own restaurant.
For me, cooking is more than just a job—it’s a way of life. It’s about creating memorable experiences, connecting with others, and expressing myself creatively. I’m incredibly grateful for the journey that has brought me to where I am today, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey, I believe three qualities that were most impactful were perseverance, creativity, and the ability to take risks.
Perseverance was crucial because there were many challenges along the way. Whether it was dealing with setbacks in the kitchen, facing the uncertainty of starting my own business, or dealing with life in general, perseverance helped me push through and keep moving forward.
Creativity has also been essential, both in the kitchen and in my career. Being able to think outside the box and come up with innovative ideas and solutions has allowed me to create unique culinary experiences that set me apart from others in the industry.
Lastly, the ability to take risks has been key. Whether it was trying out a new cooking technique or making a bold career move, taking risks has often led to some of the most rewarding experiences in my journey.
For those who are early in their journey, my advice would be to focus on developing these qualities. Cultivate perseverance by staying committed to your goals, even when faced with challenges. Nurture your creativity by constantly seeking inspiration and exploring new ideas. And don’t be afraid to take risks – sometimes, the biggest rewards come from stepping outside your comfort zone.
We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?
Both, but at the end of the day, you have to know when to say when in the areas that need improvement and lean into your strengths. We should always strive for growth. Sometimes the areas that need improvement can become strengths but sometimes we simply don’t have the aptitude.
Opening a restaurant with a partner who was supposed to handle the business side was a humbling experience that taught me the importance of recognizing and accepting my limitations. Initially, I believed that with effort, I could improve in areas where I was weak. However, when faced with the complexities of managing the business alone, I realized that some skills might be beyond my reach.
This experience taught me the value of humility and the importance of asking for help. Rather than stubbornly trying to excel in every aspect of the business, I learned to lean on others for support. Seeking advice from friends and professionals not only helped me navigate the challenges but also allowed me to focus on what I did best: creating exceptional culinary experiences.
Ultimately, this experience taught me that it’s okay to acknowledge our limitations and seek assistance where needed. It’s a lesson that has not only improved my business acumen but also enriched my personal growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://sageandrewsnc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sage.andrewsnc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sage.AndrewsNC
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenelash/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sageandrewsnc
Image Credits
J King Images Nathan Baerreis Photography
