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Meet Elizabeth Mehditach of Leza in San Fernando Valley

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Mehditach.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m a native Angeleno, born and raised in Hollywood, California. I grew up in a home with great food, a love of art, culture, film, theatre, music and dance. So much so, I set out for a career in the arts as a singer, actor, dancer. Studying with some of the most renowned teachers and talents of their time, at some of the most prestigious schools in the world; Jerzy Grotowski at UCI Theatre Department, Oxford University’s, BADA – British American Drama Academy, Uta Hagen and Broadway Dance Studios in New York. Life hurdled some heavy curve balls my way, in my late 30’s, and later with two small children in tow, I found myself as a single mom. We are survivors of Domestic Violence, as such, a new fire awakened in my soul to make sure we all thrived and moved past the buredon forced upon us. I became especially fueled to learn and grow beyond these weighty life lessons; to provide the life of my dreams for my children, my family, and myself.

As a perpetual student of life with a love of learning, I went back to school many times during and after my marriage. The talent of reinventing myself was not one I consciously sought to master, but master it I did, out of the necessity of survival and, always, curiosity. Among the many programs I enrolled in after University; Writing, Business, Early Childhood and Infant Education (certified), Culinary School, proved to be the path that would not only define me as a chef but also an artist. While certainly, the lessons of Early Childhood Education validated the importance of compassion, empathy and understanding, in all aspects of my life, lessons and a philosophy I practice everyday; expressing myself through food and baking became the medicine that helped heal my family and by extension bring joy to so many clients I work with.

Today, I actively participate in women’s business networking associations and with other creatives. Through this village of powerful women entrepreneurs, I realized the importance of an authentic, clear brand name. I then reinvented (once again) my brand name to reflect who I truly am, to LĒZA (long E sound). LĒZA is my Russian nickname; it’s what my family calls me. It became obvious that it was the perfect way to depict who I am as a tastemaker, reflect my Angeleno Fusion Cuisine and reflect my love of culture and the arts. LĒZA brings out the best in SALT, HEAT, SUGAR, highlighting flavors from the Mediterranean, Middle East, Asian and Latin cuisines. Our Desserts embody the technique and pastries of the French masters while always expressing LĒZA’s whimsical, rustic and comfort food style.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There are always struggles in life. Everyone at some point or another will suffer some sort of obstacle. That’s the energy force of the universe, right? The pull of positive and negative energy, for balance, the yin and yang. Without darkness we would not know light. Without evil we could not know goodness.

I certainly have endured my fair share of struggles and have experienced true evil. I am grateful to have had the strength, tenacity, and the wherewithal to have navigated through and survived it. I am also profoundly grateful to my immediate and extended family. Who have supported my children and myself, stood by us, and have been our rock throughout the struggles and also throughout all the good and all the joy. There’s been so much joy, as well.

The struggle taught me amazing lessons that I may not have otherwise learnt. These lessons opened my eyes as to what it takes to thrive, to be successful.

Ultimately, I was forced to believe that I deserve to achieve all that I dream of accomplishing in this lifetime. I absolutely have come out of these struggles with a knowing that I can survive and achieve anything I set my mind to. While also creating a better life for my children.

The reality of Domestic Violence and sexual harassment is now at the forefront of conversations we are having about gender equality, boundaries, and respect. Women are becoming less and less afraid of coming forward to tell their stories. These are important stories to tell. I am proud to be among the survivors sharing my story of getting out, and to hopefully, make a positive impact on, even just one woman’s life.

LĒZA – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
LĒZA is more than just a personal chef. Our services provide special curated dining experiences for the busy professionals and families. From professional corporate events and family gatherings to a la carte dessert options and gift basket choices. We specialize in a unique Angeleno Menu. Marrying the beautiful flavors, herbs and spices, from the Mediterranean, Middle East, Asia and Latin America, creating a cohesive and exciting bill of fare, highlighting the flavors LĒZA grew up relishing. We specialize in bringing the best out of SALT, HEAT, SUGAR. LĒZA’s unique perspective on her native city, Hollywood, California, encompasses all that it is, a city with a love of food, fashion and film; so too does her love of art, reflect in her colorful, theatrical presentation and flavorful dishes. This privileged perspective combined with her Mediterranean, Middle Eastern heritage, is the perfect cocktail that sets her cuisine and talent apart from her competition.

Not only does LĒZA entertain and delight with her savory dishes; her desserts also vie for center stage, with their heightened simplicity, delicious textures, and artful presentation. All the while remaining delightful, whimsical, succulent, with mouthwatering textures.

Our desserts are available in Gluten Free, Vegan, Kosher and with alternate sugar options.

Our savory menus are also available Kosher, GF, Vegan and Vegetarian.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
My personal marker of success is a newly understood one. One that I am most proud of finally grasping the essence.

In that, having clarity and focus in your brand, which is to also say, having clarity in your purpose, is an incredible milestone for any entrepreneur to achieve. The understanding that this wisdom comes in the doing, from the actual “figuring-it-out-as-you-go”, is an important business lesson/life lesson. Experiencing first hand the feelings of discovery, what works, and what doesn’t, getting in the trenches, getting dirty, failing, falling down, and getting up again, and again, and again; learning that failure is part of the success, is by far the most integral part of any success story. Sure, monetary gain is the physical reward, and of course should be celebrated, but the most profound success, the success that defines the trajectory of your next venture, that certainly defines your character, is the ability to own a “stick-to-itiveness” that it takes to achieve any and all your goals.

Pricing:

  • Event Menus are individually curated per client. Prices per person generally begin at $35 per person/ with a $500 minimum
  • Private Chef services start at $80 per hour plus receipts. $35 an hour for meal shopping

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Kathy Schuh Photography

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