Meet Pearl Steffie

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Pearl Steffie. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Pearl below.

Pearl , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I think being resilient is simply part of me being Filipino. It is richly embedded in our Filipino culture. We understand suffering but we also learned that joy can be found in the little things in life and that those little things that make us happy, when put together, can make all the difference in the world. In the midst of tragedy, we have learned to stand up and draw out strength. Our strong love for family drives us to overcome all challenges to provide a good life for our loved ones. This also explains how thousands of overseas Filipino workers including myself are able to overcome living away from their families for a long period of time.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I hail from the Philippines, born and raised on a tiny island. Despite my humble beginnings, I harbored grand aspirations such as relocating to Australia, mastering French, or retiring in Bali. Surprisingly, Los Angeles wasn’t initially part of my plan; however, a job offer in a Beverly Hills restaurant altered my course. Choosing to take a leap of faith, I left everything behind in the Philippines to pursue my culinary aspirations in America. Arriving in L.A. solo, with just a suitcase, I faced the unknown without any connections, friends, or family. This risk, though daunting, turned out to be the most significant and rewarding decision I ever made. Little did I know that within this span of six years, I would transform from someone who left their comfort zone into a proud owner of both a restaurant and an ice cream business. Kusaki Market Cafe is a fast-casual spot offering Asian-inspired, plant-based dishes. Our menu features small plate tapas, a market with plant-based wines, cheese, and goods. You can indulge in the exquisite taste of my signature Vegan Ice cream, Isla, prominently featured on our menu and available for purchase by the pint. At Kusaki, we are driven by a profound mission—to contribute to the end of animal exploitation and promote a compassionate lifestyle. As stewards of this planet, we believe in leaving the smallest yet most compassionate footprints possible.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Becoming a skilled chef requires paramount patience as a foundational quality. This journey demands a significant investment of time, often spanning years. Personally, it took me 11 years to master the craft adequately, and I acknowledge that my culinary odyssey is still ongoing. Equally important is cultivating a mindset that transcends viewing this profession merely as a job; it should be embraced as a lifestyle choice. Shifting the perspective from job-oriented to lifestyle-focused is pivotal. Furthermore, diligence and hard work are non-negotiable in the culinary realm, given its inherent challenges. A relentless commitment to self-improvement and an unwavering focus on refining one’s skills are essential. By adhering to these principles and exerting consistent effort, aspiring chefs increase their likelihood of ascending to the pinnacle of their field. Of course, a touch of innate talent can also play a role in this pursuit.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
I developed resilience and strength as I witnessed my single mom confront and overcome every challenge life threw at her. Despite enduring tough times that likely brought tears to her eyes, she resiliently rose every morning, displaying incredible strength in raising us four kids. Her strength became my inspiration, teaching me the invaluable lesson that weakness has no place in the face of adversity. I learned from the best.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Anthony Bello Matt Herter

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Portraits of Resilience

Sometimes just seeing resilience can change out mindset and unlock our own resilience. That’s our

Perspectives on Staying Creative

We’re beyond fortunate to have built a community of some of the most creative artists,

Kicking Imposter Syndrome to the Curb

This is the year to kick the pesky imposter syndrome to the curb and move