Meet Loria Stern | Entrepreneur & Culinary Artist

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

Hi Loria, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
Our founder, Loria Stern, is from Ojai, California, a small and vibrant town nestled in the beautiful Southern California valley. Growing up here has had a profound impact on shaping the small botanical bakery business that Loria has started.

Ojai is known for its natural beauty, serene atmosphere, and strong sense of community. Surrounded by picturesque mountains, citrus orchards, and abundant flora, Loria developed a deep appreciation for nature and its healing properties. The natural surroundings inspired her love for botanicals and their potential to enhance well-being.

Additionally, Loria’s upbringing in Ojai instilled a strong sense of community and sustainability. The town’s emphasis on supporting local businesses and promoting eco-friendly practices left a lasting impression on me. She witnessed firsthand the power of collaboration and the importance of building relationships within a tight-knit community.

Ojai’s diverse and inclusive culture also played a significant role in shaping Loria’s outlook on life and business. Growing up in a place where people celebrated individuality and embraced different cultures taught Loria the value of diversity and inclusivity. It motivated her to create a business that caters to a wide range of tastes and dietary needs, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and accommodated.

Moreover, Ojai’s laid-back and creative atmosphere fueled our founder’s entrepreneurial spirit. The town is a hub for artists, artisans, and entrepreneurs, fostering an environment that encourages innovation and pursuing one’s passion. This environment provided her with the courage and inspiration to pursue her dream of combining her love for baking and botanicals into a unique bakery concept.

Overall, Loria’s background and upbringing in Ojai have had a profound impact on who she is today as a female business owner. The town’s natural beauty, sense of community, sustainability values, cultural diversity, and creative atmosphere have all influenced her business philosophy, product offerings, and commitment to creating a welcoming space for everyone. She is grateful for her roots in Ojai and the experiences that have shaped her into the small business owner that she is today.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
From our founder, Loria Stern:

Growing up, I had a passion for the natural world, artistic expression and feeding others. What sets me apart is my unique approach to baking. I combine my love for botanicals and culinary creativity to create exquisite edible works of art. Each creation is meticulously crafted, incorporating vibrant flowers, herbs, and natural ingredients to not only delight the taste buds but also stimulate the senses with their beauty and aromatic qualities.

I also grew up playing competitive tennis, which taught me discipline, perseverance, and the importance of hard work. These traits have been instrumental in my journey as an entrepreneur.

What I’m most proud of and excited about is the impact my botanical bakery has on people’s lives. It brings me immense joy to see the smiles on my customers’ faces when they experience the magic of my creations. I take pride in providing a unique and memorable experience that celebrates the beauty of nature and nourishes both the mind, body and soul. I also take pride in employing others– creating jobs for other hardworking individuals by my art.

Getting where I am today professionally hasn’t been an easy journey. Just like any entrepreneur, I have faced numerous challenges along the way. From finding the right staff to properly bake my special treats, to building a loyal customer base, I encountered obstacles that tested my determination and resourcefulness.

To overcome these challenges, I embraced a mindset of resilience and adaptability. I honed my craft and sought guidance from others. I learned to embrace failure as an opportunity for growth and never gave up on my dreams. Perseverance and a strong belief in my vision propelled me forward, even during the toughest times.

Throughout my journey, I’ve learned valuable lessons. I discovered the importance of building a strong network and surrounding myself with supportive individuals who share my passion.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that I’m deeply committed to sustainability and ethical practices. I source my botanical ingredients responsibly, ensuring that they are organic, locally grown, and harvested with care. I strive to minimize waste and embrace eco-friendly packaging options. My brand is built on values of authenticity, creativity, and respect for nature.

Ultimately, my story is one of pursuing my passion, overcoming challenges, and creating a brand that brings beauty and joy to people’s lives. I want to inspire others to follow their dreams, embrace their unique talents, and make a positive impact in their communities. Through my botanical bakery, I hope to ignite a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world, while leaving a lasting impression on the culinary industry.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
That is a difficult question since there are so many wonderful things to do in LA. I’d suggest breakfast at Bubs & Grandmas in Eagle Rock, a hike around Mount Washington, a visit Storrier-Stearns Japanese Garden or the Huntington Garden, and dinner at Saffy’s.

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?
Specific tennis coaches, high school teachers, parents, and family friends.

Website: www.eatyourflowers.com

Instagram: @eatyourflowers.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loriasternshop