Today we’d like to introduce you to Sari Kern
Hi Sari, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I often joke that I have career ADHD, but my winding path has always been fueled by passion and curiosity.
It all started with the ocean. I declared myself the “Legged Mermaid” as soon as aliases became a thing in the early ’90s. SCUBA certified at 17 in Hawai‘i, I headed to the University of Miami to study Marine Biology and Theatre Arts. I graduated with a degree in Psychology, simply because it let me finish quickly and pursue my dream of becoming a professional SCUBA diver.
Straight out of college, I landed what I thought was my dream job as an Assistant Dive Safety Officer at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. One day, while leading a behind-the-scenes tour, a visitor collapsed in a seizure. My basic life support training kicked in—I supported his head and did what I could to protect him until the paramedics arrived. While I felt proud to help, I also felt helpless as the professionals took over. That moment was life-changing: I decided to become a nurse—something my mom had encouraged me to do for years.
During nursing school, I paid my bills as a professional poker player. It wasn’t glamorous, but I learned how to make calculated decisions under pressure and used my acting skills to read people at the table. I spent hours grinding $2-$4 limit tables at Hustler Casino with no bankroll, and somehow, I made it work.
After nursing school, I jumped into ER and Trauma at Northridge Hospital. I thrived in the adrenaline-filled environment—starting IVs, advocating for patients, saving lives. But I also saw the flaws in the healthcare system and wanted to be part of the solution.
At 15 weeks pregnant with my first son, I transitioned into management. I quickly realized that being in management often felt like being stuck in the middle, unable to create the systemic changes I wanted. So, I left the big hospital systems to join start-ups.
One of the most pivotal moments of my career came while working for an urgent care start-up. My mentor, Seth Ellis, recognized my analytical mind and drive for improvement. He encouraged me to pursue business school, and when I called Pepperdine, they told me they had a spot in their MBA program for someone in healthcare. My son was just one year old, and I was working full-time, but it felt like destiny.
My career led me to another start-up in clinical research and tech, where I worked in operations and strategy, even building and training a national team of nurses. After earning my MBA, I launched my first company, Alpha Data Strategies, helping middle-market companies improve efficiency and profitability through data analytics.
Then the pandemic hit. I had my second baby boy, and as things began to recover in 2022, I became pregnant with my third. Around 20 weeks pregnant, I woke up in the middle of the night with an idea. By 5 a.m., I had the concept for Zen Stax. Three days later, it launched on Shopify, and within five days, we made our first sales.
Growing Zen Stax has been an incredible challenge, especially with three young kids (plus two dogs) and another business. But I love it like one of my own children. I’m proud of how far we’ve come and excited to see what the future holds for Zen Stax. It’s a labor of love, fueled by the same passion and determination that has shaped my journey every step of the way.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting a business has been anything but smooth, especially while juggling a growing belly, two young boys, and all the chaos life brings. I started working farmers markets just three months postpartum, which meant long hours away from my baby, secretly pumping under my canopy, and lifting heavy equipment with a recovering body.
On the business side, the challenges have been endless—broken freezers leading to thousands of dollars in spoiled product, failed events, and ongoing hurdles with packaging and sourcing.
Weather is another unpredictable factor. Since most of my sales happen at farmers markets, I’m at the mercy of the elements. When it’s too cold, too rainy, or too windy, sales often don’t even cover costs.
But through all the struggles, I’m constantly learning, growing, and finding ways to keep moving forward. Each challenge has been a lesson, and I’m proud of what Zen Stax has become.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At my core, I strive to live and work with the spirit of aloha—showing kindness, care, and connection in all that I do. As the founder of Zen Stax, I’ve tried to infuse this mindset into my business, creating something that brings people together in moments of joy and nourishment. But Zen Stax is only one piece of who I am.
I’ve always believed deeply in kōkua—the Hawaiian value of selfless help and support. This has guided much of my work outside of business, including my involvement in various non-profits. Whether volunteering time, contributing resources, or rolling up my sleeves for a cause I care about, I’ve always felt a responsibility to uplift the communities I’m a part of.
What I’m most proud of isn’t necessarily Zen Stax’s growth or success, but the way it reflects my values. It’s not just a pancake company; it’s a way to share the aloha spirit with my customers, whom I treat like ‘ohana. They are a huge part of my life and the reason I get to do what I do, and I hope they feel the same way about me.
What sets me apart isn’t a flashy skill or a unique product—it’s the relationships I build and the intention I put into every interaction. I believe in creating meaningful connections, supporting others however I can, and always leading with a sense of gratitude and aloha. That’s what drives me, both in my work and in life.
What’s next?
I’ve always been a dreamer, and I truly believe that Zen Stax and I are meant to accomplish big, world-changing things. My vision is to redefine how we think about food—taking what’s often indulgent and making it not only delicious but also packed with nutrition and made from real, whole ingredients that fuel our bodies and families with goodness.
As a working mom, I understand the importance of convenience. I don’t always have the time to make everything from scratch, but I also don’t want my kids eating overly processed foods, loaded with sugars, preservatives, and empty calories. That’s why I’m passionate about creating quick, easy-to-prepare foods that are also genuinely nutritious.
Looking ahead, I want to be at the forefront of a shift in the food industry—moving away from highly processed options toward whole, nourishing foods that are accessible and convenient for busy families. It’s about making it easier for all of us to take care of ourselves and the people we love, one meal at a time.
Pricing:
- Batter: $29/24 oz pouch (makes about 10 six-inch pancakes
- Gift cards of various prices
- Chaga Maple Syrup $25
- Gift Bags starting at $60
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zen-stax.com
- Instagram: @zenstax
- Facebook: @zenstaxbatter
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/zen-stax-los-angeles
- Other: tiktok: @pinkhairedpancakequeen
Image Credits
Shane O’Donnell photographed some of the photos (please check with me on which ones).
