Meet Sandra C. Koch | Biochemist PhD/ Energy Healer/ Baker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sandra C. Koch and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sandra C., what’s your definition for success?
For many people, success is measured by achievements and material gain. It surely plays a role as money makes life easier. It can’t buy a healthy relationship with your partner or make one a better mother to your children though. I find deep fulfillment in going on a bike ride, watching my kids play together or having a good conversation with my friends.

To me doing what I love and having purpose in life, as well as being surrounded by my children and good friends matter the most.

I believe the real luxuries in life are time, health and happiness.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

Half German, half French, and fully Italian at heart (fueled by pizza and gelato) I speak all three languages fluently. Living in all three countries during my childhood, I’ve learned to navigate different mentalities and blend the best of each world.

After obtaining my PhD in Biochemistry in Germany I moved to Los Angeles in 2015 to pursue my research as a postdoctoral scientist at UCLA. During that time my first son was born, and I suddenly understood the saying “time is money”. I became aware that I’d rather make less money but spend more time with my son. I love babies and children. This sacred time is unique in my life and makes my soul rich.

After my second child was born during the covid pandemic, I decided to stay at home and take care of my children. To keep them entertained and myself some company I ended up hanging out with the Hispanic nannies from the neighborhood. It was a fun time. Kids were playing together, and I started improving my Spanish skills.

As I love baking and wasn’t able to work in the lab anymore due to the pandemic I opened my own little rainbow lab in my kitchen. Every occasion was valid to bake a cake. Neighborhood friends, nannies and children were privileged to taste my new creations. One day a friend asked me if she could order her birthday cake from me. I was surprised and accepted enthusiastically. That was the beginning of my mini cake business as a stay-at-home-mom.

Baking Passion LA is my little home bakery here in Los Angeles. Each cake is custom designed, made with love, scientific detail and some magic. As a scientist and health advocate, I bake with natural and organic ingredients. I only create cakes for my customers that I would serve to my own children.

Success to me is observing the sparkle in the children’s eyes when they see their birthday cake and blow their candles while making a wish. The world is richer by one more child’s smile.

As an artist and scientist, a lot of care and detail goes into every creation. I love baking since childhood, and I really do it with passion. You can find my latest creations on Instagram @bakingpassionla or email me at email: bakingpassionla@yahoo.com

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

My best friend came to town for an extended weekend. We spent our first day together in Beverly Hills. She was very excited to see Rodeo Drive, and we had fun taking pictures of us, feeling like movie stars. We enjoyed the French vibe from boutiques like Chanel, Céline and Christofle. I invited her to have lunch at the Italian restaurant “Via Alloro” where we ate a delicious pasta vongole followed by a sorbetto al limone. Then we enjoyed our Italian espresso at “Ferrarini Cafe”. This place serves the best Italian coffee in town. We both felt like being on the piazza in Sorrento in southern Italy.

On Sunday morning we went to the Brentwood farmer’s market. I love going there as one can taste fruit samples while enjoying a cappuccino to go, eat a delicious croissant and smell the wonderful flowers they sell there. It just gives me so much peace.

We then spent two nights in Topanga Canyon, where one feels like being in the Austrian alps. Given that I have spent many winters of my childhood skiing in Austria, it made me feel home. One morning we discovered the inspiring “Café on 27” where we had brunch sitting in the middle of trees surrounded by lavender flowers, lemon trees and beautiful butterflies flying around. We felt like children sitting in our treehouse and had a wonderful conversation.

The last evening, she was in town we went to see the sunset at the Griffin Observatory. It was amazing to discover the immensity of Los Angeles♡ and see the lights all over the city twinkling like millions of stars. Beautiful!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a shoutout to all my loving friends and family members who believe in me and my dreams. I also want to thank everyone who critized and questionned me – they triggered the will to keep going and fight for what I believe in.
I have had the fortune to meet many inspiring mentors in my life that tought me to follow my instinct and be seeking happiness in simply doing what I love and being myself.

Instagram: Bakingpassionla