This month, we’ll be hearing from inspiring women in our network and sharing their stories. We’re passionate about supporting women, especially in their health and wellness journeys. Read on to get top tips for living, working, and playing optimally from women trailblazers.
Profile: Lauren Ko
Tell us about yourself.
I am an artist, self-taught home baker, founder of the popular Instagram account @lokokitchen, and author of the best-selling cookbook, PIEOMETRY. My colorful geometry style made all hell bake loose on the frontier of contemporary pie art, and my iconic signature spoke design has been dubbed the “modern lattice.” I spend my time developing new pie and tart creations to share across my platforms, and brainstorming fun new projects!
What do you consider as your biggest achievement?
Writing a New York Times best-selling cookbook!
What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?
You never know where life will take you. Dream outside the box, work hard, and be an original.
How do you stay productive and be your best self at work?
Creativity ebbs and flows, so when I’m not feeling particularly inspired in the kitchen, I branch out to other forms of art/creating in the hopes of reigniting that spark. Last summer, I was stuck in a baking rut. Somehow painting a giant mural on my backyard fence was exactly what I needed to get back in the swing of things. Blocking out time for specific tasks and projects in my Google calendar also plays a big role in staying on task and keeping organized.
What’s your top mental health tip for when the going gets tough?
Since I am self-employed, work boundaries can be really blurry. I’ve found that intentionally taking mental health days or allowing myself specific times to not do work is critical for maintaining mental health. Additionally, since much of my work time is necessarily spent on social media, intentionally logging off from time to time is also key. Hugging my dog is also incredibly helpful!
What are your top health hacks?
I’m still working on optimizing this for myself, but I hear prioritizing these things is important. 😉
How do you ensure your personal and/or family’s financial wellness?
I’m privileged to be journeying with a partner, and we work together to ensure our family’s financial wellness. Part of this is budgeting and saving of course, but it’s also balancing each out in other ways. When I was continuing to build my brand, writing my book, and bringing in most of the income, my partner carried the lion’s share of household duties, dog walking, etc. so I could focus on my work. Similarly, in years when his work schedule is more demanding and he is responsible for a greater portion of our income, I take on increased responsibility for providing support in ways that allow him to focus on those opportunities.
What’s your favorite fun activity?
Traveling and exploring the chip aisles of any grocery store to scope out the flavors specific to that country/area!
Who are your female role models and why?
My maternal grandmother for being the fiercest family matriarch and also instilling in me a love for feeding the ones I love.
Emily Kim and Heather Hodge of The Pastry Project for identifying a need in the community and actively working to address it in tangible, productive ways. They do incredible work in Seattle and I’m inspired by their action.
This month, we’re sharing inspiring women’s stories. Who inspires you? Leave their name and social media link in the comments below!
Read more Women Inspiring Women profiles here.
Optimal Living 