October 20th 2024.
Lara had been working in Human Resources for a decade, but deep down she always knew she wanted to do something more fulfilling. It all started with a simple question that many of us face daily: What am I going to cook for dinner tonight? As she flipped through food magazines during her lunch breaks, she couldn't help but daydream about the delicious recipes and beautiful dishes she saw. "It was a little naughty," she admits, "but I would often get lost in thoughts about what I could make for dinner that night while I was supposed to be working."
Even outside of the office, Lara's mind was consumed by food. On the weekends, she would tune into Lorraine Pascale's cooking show and feel inspired by her creativity in the kitchen. "I really wanted to cook good, healthy meals for my kids," Lara says, "but there was also a part of me that was curious about how these amazing dishes were made and photographed for magazines and shows."
Eventually, Lara's curiosity got the best of her and she found herself at a crossroads. At the age of 31 and heavily pregnant with her second child, she decided to leave her office job behind and embark on a new career path. She was determined to learn the ins and outs of food styling and photography, and with 11 months of paid maternity leave, accumulated holiday time, and support from her husband, she had the opportunity to do just that.
"I know it may have seemed crazy to some people, going back to work so soon after having a baby," Lara reflects, "but I felt like this was my chance to explore my passion and see if it was something I wanted to pursue. I didn't want to live with the regret of never trying."
Lara started by reaching out to food companies and photography studios, asking for opportunities to assist on photoshoots and learn from professionals. Although she faced numerous rejections, she didn't let that discourage her. "People may have treated me differently because I was starting over in my 30s," she says, "but with age comes a certain level of confidence and determination. I knew what I wanted and I wasn't going to let anyone judge me for wanting to learn."
Her persistence paid off when she landed her first paying job as an assistant to a food stylist in 2017. She quit her HR job and began working with various brands, prepping dishes and styling food for photoshoots. "It was my job to make sure everything ran smoothly," Lara explains, "and I learned everything I needed to know to eventually lead my own shoots."
However, just as she was starting to feel like she was "riding high" and making progress in the food industry, the pandemic hit and changed everything. Suddenly, Lara was without a job and had to find creative ways to keep working with food. With the help of a government grant, she was able to stay afloat and decided to focus on building her Instagram account.
"Since people couldn't go out to restaurants or get takeaways, I started sharing my own recipes and cooking videos," Lara says. "I wanted to provide inspiration for those who were stuck at home and tired of eating the same meals every week." Her content gained a strong following, and she even landed the opportunity to write original recipes for the magazines she had previously assisted at.
Despite the challenges, Lara's determination and hard work paid off. She now works as a self-employed recipe developer and chef, hosting supper clubs and receiving recognition for her cooking skills. "I love what I do now," she says, "and it's amazing to be able to share my passion for food with others."
As a mother of three children, Lara also appreciates the flexibility of her job. "One of the biggest perks is being able to pick my own hours," she says. "I can be there for my kids and be present in their lives, which is something I value deeply."
Looking towards the future, Lara has big plans for her career. She hopes to publish a cookery book, continue hosting supper clubs, and bring more visibility to Caribbean cuisine. "Food is for everyone," she says, "and I want to see more diversity in the industry. Caribbean and African meals should be enjoyed regularly, just like Italian, Indian, and Asian dishes."
Lara's inspiring journey shows that it's never too late to follow your passion and make a career change. Despite the challenges and setbacks, her determination and hard work have led her to her dream job. And she's not slowing down anytime soon. "I'm only as good as my next job," she says. "I'm always thinking ahead and looking for ways to reach new audiences and share my love for food."
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