We had the good fortune of connecting with Leah Ferrazzani and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leah, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Ferrazzani’s Pasta & Market is new, but not new. In February of 2024, I rebranded my decade-old pasta business (Semolina Artisanal Pasta) to better express myself and all the ways the business had changed over the course of 10 years. I had been rather apprehensive about changing the name of the company, but doing so was reinvigorating, and has been wildly successful and has allowed me to better communicate who I am and what I do with authenticity. And I think that it’s that authenticity that has made the brand successful under any aegis. Ferrazzani’s is about family and community and quality Italian-inspired food, and I have worked tirelessly to build that trust with customers, when we on grocery store shelves, and even more so now that we are mostly direct to consumer.

Being successful, for me, is being responsive and integrated in a community. When the Eaton Fire struck Altadena, I immediately jumped into action to figure out how we could help our neighbors, so many of whom were displaced by the fire. But I also learned how much my business, the food and the connection built over that food, meant to the people in the community and it made me eager to reopen and to offer care.

What should our readers know about your business?
Ferrazzani’s is a testament to hard work and tenacity. It’s what came about when my back was against the wall, and the first version of my pasta business, Semolina Artisanal Pasta, was no longer working. I had spent a decade building a CPG brand, only to find that I wasn’t willing to sacrifice the connection and the quality to build that business to its next level. And so I stopped, looked at what I loved most about what I do, and found a way to move forward that was authentically me. It’s involved learned a whole new skill set–running a kitchen–since manufacturing a single product is different than running a deli. The change has reinforced my belief that being adaptable is the most important thing, and that you can’t be afraid to change, to figure out what works better, and to say no to just going along on the ride. Nothing is a forgone conclusion. I’m also learning how to be a better leader, a new journey for me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
It’s been so long since I’ve had time to entertain out-of-towners, but I would try to take them to places that were my L.A.–Petitgrains Boulangerie in Santa Monica or Friends & Family in East Hollywood. I’d go to Jitlada or Saap Coffee Shop for good Thai food, and Howlin’ Rays for a stellar hot chicken sandwich. In a perfect world we’d head up the coast and hit the Jolly Oyster in Ventura or, before the Palisades Fire, to the Reel Inn in Malibu. I’d try to get them out for a hike in the San Gabriels or the Santa Monica mountains, and I’d probably take them for a drive through Malibu Canyon because it’s so beautiful.

I love Hippo, Pizzeria Bianco, Rossoblu, Bestia, Bavel. But then we have to eat good tacos–Guisado’s, Villa’s tacos, and probably get churros from the street vendor on Eagle Rock Blvd in front of the Target. There are so many great places to eat; it always depends on what a guest likes!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Please give shout outs to: Carrie Meadows from Crescent Yoga in Altadena. She is working hard to try and keep her yoga studio afloat after the Eaton Fire and to care for the community.

Christine Moore from Little Flower Candy Co. is my she-ro. She is also able to see the gifts inherent to a struggle and to figure out how to lift each others up and build a stronger community.

Clemence de Lutz from Petitgrains Boulangerie is a remarkable human. She makes the most incredible pastries, but also strives to teach and share and be generous. I admire her so much.

Website: https://www.ferrazzanis.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/ferrazzanispastaandmarket

Facebook: https://Facebook.com/ferrazzanis

Image Credits
Headshot:

Marcus Ubungen.

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