Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Simms. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Twin sisters Sarah and Boo Simms are the culinary and creative duo behind Lady & Larder – the Los Angeles-based cheese shop credited with starting a global grazing board movement in 2016. The two have deep roots in the California hospitality industry and both share extensive backgrounds in the food and beverage industry – Sarah on the culinary and operations side and Boo in design and marketing. Raised under the notion that the dinner table was (and still is) a sacred place, Sarah and Boo maintain that the only thing bigger than their love of food is sharing it with others.
Lady & Larder was built around their profound respect for American-made seasonal ingredients and an immense appreciation for the role beautiful food plays in creating moments of connection and joy – offering small-batch cheese, natural wine, craft beer, farm fresh flowers, local bread and curated gifts that spark joy. Since their start, Lady & Larder has become the go-to source for those looking to entertain in Southern California – specializing in edible displays created with seasonal crudités, fruit, cheese and charcuterie. For those looking for something special out-of-state, Lady & Larder also offers DIY cheese and charcuterie board kits, custom virtual classes and an array of seasonal gifts that ship nationwide.
Most recently, Lady & Lady was featured as one of Oprah’s Favorite Things in 2019, was featured in the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Forbes, Los Angeles Magazine, O Magazine, and Martha Stewart Weddings
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Running a small business is the hardest / best thing. When we set out to build our business seven years ago, without a proof of concept, it felt impossible to get meetings and very often, our phone calls were never returned. The best advice I got was to get comfortable being uncomfortable. Once you realize that uncomfortable is where growth happens you realize that you just need to stay the course until you get the “YES” you are looking for.
As you know, we’re big fans of Lady & Larder. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are Lady & Larder. We live in Los Angeles, California. We are 100% women-owned. We are twin sisters and best friends. We grew up in the kitchen.
We provide the very best American-made cheese and charcuterie, along with a selection of radically seasonal and impeccably sourced local accompaniments. We believe in supporting a 100% domestic and sustainable food culture, one that will continue to thrive for generations to come. Our goal is simple: use the best stuff we can get our hands on. We have found that the finest ingredients come from small-batch producers and we, like you, know there is no substitute for quality. These American farmers, butchers, and cheesemakers are truly the best of the best. We are proud to support their unwavering commitment and dedication to their craft.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Favorite podcasts:
– KCRW Good Food with EK
– How to be a Better Human (TED and PRX)
– Second Life with HK
I read a lot of cookbooks 🙂
Currently Reading:
Via Carota
ASADA
Six California Kitchens
One of my favorite books that I have read so far this year is Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara
Most Favorite APP:
Be my Eyes – connects you via video chat to visually impaired people who are in everyday situations and need help at that moment with things like reading a mailbox number, adjusting the temperature on their digital oven, or reading a label on a can of food in their pantry
Pricing:
- Our Picnic Boxes start at $25
- Our Cheese and Charcuterie Boards start at $85
- Our Cheese “Cakes” start at $95
- Our Sandwiches run $12-20
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ladyandlarder.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladyandlarder/
Image Credits
Images credits are Lady & Larder
