Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Pohopien
Hi Laura, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Growing up in North Hollywood, CA, in a Lebanese American family, I was surrounded by the rich flavors of my mom’s incredible Lebanese cooking. This culinary foundation shaped my future, but my early career took a different path. In the late ’80s, while attending Cal Poly Pomona full-time, I worked as an Estée Lauder consultant at Nordstrom in Glendale. I earned my business degree in 1992 and continued working in the luxury cosmetics industry while pursuing an MBA, which I completed in 1998.
Teaching became a passion when I accepted a part-time position at Cal Poly Pomona, and soon after, I decided to pursue my love of food by attending culinary school on weekends. In 2000, I made a full career shift, leaving the cosmetics world behind to start my own catering company. Around the same time, I launched “In The Pantry,” a local cable cooking show that eventually aired nationally, winning multiple independent production awards.
In 2004, I wrote my first cookbook, Dinners from In The Pantry, and began teaching cooking classes both privately and at gourmet retail stores. My passion for education led me back to school, where I earned a doctorate in education in 2013, focusing on entrepreneurship and creative disruption.
In 2020, I rebranded my company as The Prime Ingredient and built a strong online following on Instagram and YouTube. The next year, I launched The Prime Ingredient Original Mediterranean Spice Blend, a hand-curated, small-batch spice blend inspired by the street kabobs of Lebanon, perfect for everything from meats to vegetables. By 2023, I had expanded the product line to include olive oils, and in 2024, I introduced olive tapenade and garlic-infused olive oil.
That same year, I published my second cookbook, Generations of Flavor. This full-color book features recipes passed down from generations of Lebanese mothers, alongside my own creations. My daughter Amanda, a talented photographer and student at Sonoma State University, captured the stunning visuals, and my sister Paula penned the foreword. It’s a heartfelt collection that I hope becomes a family favorite for all who read it.
Today, I continue to teach at Cal Poly Pomona’s College of Business Administration, where I find immense joy in working with my undergraduate students, helping them thrive and succeed.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road to finding true enjoyment in life wasn’t a straight path for me—it was more of a curvy, unexpected journey. A few struggles that come to mind have roots in work/life balance.
Trying to achieve that balance meant that the pursuit of my entrepreneurial dreams had to move at a slower pace than most whose focus is 100% on their venture. I am happy to have taken the slow lane because it afforded me the joy of raising our daughter and establishing myself as a “seasoned” time-tested entrepreneur.
Slow and steady isn’t always glamorous, but it is prudent and very rewarding.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Over the years, I’ve carved out a niche that feels true to both my roots and my journey. I specialize in modern Middle Eastern cuisine—a reflection of my Lebanese heritage blended with my American upbringing. The dishes I create are infused with the flavors I grew up with, but with a fresh, contemporary twist that speaks to where I am now.
What I’m most known for is my ability to layer flavors. I love taking simple ingredients and turning them into something vibrant and complex. My bubbly personality, quick quips, and curly hair are as much a part of my brand as the dishes I serve. People often joke that I may be short in stature, but I bring big energy and flavor to everything I do.
What I’m most proud of, though, goes beyond my culinary achievements. My daughter, Amanda, is my greatest source of pride, not just for her creativity and talents but for the beautiful partnership we’ve built, especially as we worked together on my second cookbook, Generations of Flavor. And when I look at my journey—from navigating a curvy career path to building The Prime Ingredient, I’m equally proud of my tenacity and grit. It’s been a long road, but every twist and turn has made me the person, teacher, and chef I am today.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I learned that time is your best friend as long as you treat it well. I utilized the time to rebuild a brand that I knew was stellar. I took advantage the time we all were spending at home to connect with people online and create a community of fun-loving “let’s not be so serious” cooks. I took time to look back on my past, reflect on all the great flavors and create a delicious spice that everyone loves. I took advantage of the time to learn about technology. I taught myself simple editing and graphic design. I just enveloped myself with learning and that helped my cope with the crisis.
Pricing:
- The Prime Ingredient Original Mediterranean Spice Blend (The Prime Spice) $15.99
- Mild California Olive Oil 29.99
- Tuscan Robust Olive Oil 29.99
- Garlic Infused Olive Oil 29.99
- Farmstead Olive Tapenade 15.99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theprimeingredient.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_prime_ingredient/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyyzniaP7eXj4-RllEUkEpg
Image Credits
Amanda Pohopien
