Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Lawless.
Hi Lauren, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started cooking at a very young age. Food was in many ways, my savior. I had alcoholic parents and my mother was very verbally and physically abusive. I turned to the kitchen for comfort. It made me feel safe and drowned out all the chaos in the home. At the age of just 10, my mother tragically shot and killed my father and I was sent to live with my grandma and grandpa. From there, my true passion began. I was always In the kitchen—holidays I always wanted to be part of the action putting my own spin on things.
Showing affection for me wasn’t easy. So when my friends had birthdays or special occasions I would cook for them to show I cared. I still do to this day it gives me such joy and a sense of purpose. It’s true when they say food brings people together. It allows us to create memories that we will cherish forever.
My sister was a huge part of my life and loved food also. We would eat at the best restaurants and watch cooking shows for hours. Unfortunately, she passed away in 2023 after a 19-year battle with cancer. She was and still is my biggest motivation and of course my kids.
Food is a way of life. It’s always been my calling and I’m so thankful I found such a blessing. It’s not a job when what you do is so incredibly rewarding. I wake up every day pushing to be the best that I can be and inspiring the world one plate at a time.
I didn’t always think I would be a chef. I went to school for hair and business. I did sales most of my life and I hated it. I sold cars, dogs, love, technology, collections, etc. One day I saw a casting for Masterchef, quit my job and from there the rest is history. The most important lesson I’ve learned thus far is to not be scared to take risks because without them you’ll never know. And without failure, there’s no reward. You must be willing to fail if you want to succeed, It’s all part of growth. So go out there believe you can do it and DO IT!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I spoke a lot about some of the hurdles I’ve gone through. Losing my parents, grandparents, aunt, and sister, businesses failing, financial difficulty, battling depression, and so much more.
I think being a pretty chef on top of it also made it difficult for me to earn the respect I deserved for years. I don’t look like most people think a chef should look like and I’m ok with that. I’m me and I love who I am.
Now people respect me and I think it’s pretty clear I can cook my ass off and am a hustler.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am the owner of a high-end catering company here in San Diego called Flawless Cuisine. I am a private chef for celebrities and athletes such as Zack Randolp, The Game, Ryan Garcia, Adrienne Bailon, Kobe, Nasa, Will Smith, and so many more. I recently released my first cookbook Flawless Cuisine: Inspiring The World One Plate At A Time, now available on Barnes and Noble and Amazon. Last year I opened my very own beer company called Flawless Beer Co. I am opening the first-ever self-serve ramen restaurant which will be franchised later this Summer called Ramen World. It will have over 100 fresh toppings to choose from, fresh ramen, soba, and udon noodles as well as condiments and 5 different broths on tap. I have done 7 TV shows such as Masterchef, Supermarket Stakeout (WINNER), Hells Kitchen (top 10), Travel Channel, Drop Out Tv (Tune in soon), Sushi Master on Roku with Iron Chef Morimoto, and Chopped on Food Network. I have other products dropping sometime this year. So much more in store so just stay tuned!
I also try to give back as much as possible helping sick kids, teaching children and adults with Down syndrome how to cook, feed the homeless, and much more.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Besides food, the obvious is my kids and husband are number 1. They give me a sense of purpose and so much joy. I look at it as my opportunity to be the mother I wish mine would have been. I enjoy traveling, shoes lol, being outdoors, and doing fun activities like fishing, hiking, camping, riding dirt bikes, horseback riding, etc.
Pricing:
- $250 pp starting at (private dinner)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.flawlesscuisineinc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chef_lawless/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/llawless3
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=lauren+lawless
- Yelp: https://biz.yelp.com/biz_info/f05QFUCNpygX-l81quEp9w
Image Credits
Amanda SanMartin
