Laura Warren is the executive pastry chef of Puffer Malarkey Collective, a San Diego-based hospitality collective inclusive of Herb & Wood, Animae and Herb & Sea. Learn about Laura Warren…
Hometown: Novato, CA
First job: My first job was as a server at a retirement home.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in CA: I love spending my free time outside, whether it’s doing fun activities with my family or exploring new restaurants.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: One of my biggest accomplishments is collaborating with four female chefs for the MAKE Projects dinner. All ticket profits from the charity dinner were donated to MAKE Projects, a local social enterprise for refugee and immigrant women.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: Learning how to collaborate with three savory chefs and manage three pastry teams in separate restaurants. There are different personalities in every restaurant, which makes it both challenging and rewarding.
Someone who inspires you and why: My dad inspires me. He’s hardworking and is the type of person that keeps working at something until it’s perfect. He’s where I got my work ethic from.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: The restaurant industry is a grind, so stay true to who you are and don’t let anyone dim your light. Also, focus on mastering the basics!
Favorite quote: “Great things never came from comfort zones.”
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: On my two-hour long commute to work, I listen to trap music to stay hyped.
What makes someone fabulous: Embracing your flaws and being confident.
Photo credit: Valerie Durham