Today we’re excited to be connecting with Lisa again. We’re excited to feature one of their experience offerings in our gift guide – learn more below and we encourage you to use your gift budget to support small businesses & creatives whenever possible.

Lisa, so thrilled to have you joining us again, this time to talk all about experiences and so let’s jump right in. Please give our audience some background on the experiences you provide for folks?
I don’t offer just one experience, I offer many allergen free cooking and pastry classes. I used to work as a private chef for people who have auto-immune diseases and diet related illnesses. I love helping people feel better (and safe) while they focus on taking care of themselves and living their lives.

After 10 years, I realized that I knew a lot about allergen free products and how to utilize them to make simple meals. So I decided to start teaching people how to make allergen free meals instead.

I offer eight private classes ranging from artisanal chocolates to a 3-course gourmet gluten and dairy free meals. All classes are hands-on, 2.5-3 hours with one-on-one instruction with a chef by their side to guide them along. Kids are welcomed too! I highly suggest bringing a bag to class because we make a lot of different treats in each class.

What’s been the most exciting part of the journey of taking this product from idea to real life?
The most exciting part of switching my business over to teaching allergen free classes has been the relief expressed by the folks when they discover someone will teach an allergen free class.

They know and visit gluten and dairy free bakeries, but people want to be able to make it for themselves or people they love. They seek information about which allergen free ingredient they should be investing in. Fortunately there are many allergen free ingredients on the market, but not all of them work. There is also a lot to know when it comes to working with an allergen free recipe. Many techniques are omitted, so I make sure to cover many tips and tricks in every class.

I am also thrilled to hear them say “we will be back” or “I will be sure to let my allergen free friends know about your classes”!

If you had to boil your experience or brand down to one core message – what would that message be?
Learning that you need to refrain from foods can be hard to hear and accept. You wonder “what will I eat, who will I eat with?” You feel like you have been told “NO” and are banished to an aisle that you never knew existed.

It’s doesn’t have to be that way. Many improvements have been made to allergen free ingredients and the support network is vast.

All of you favorite dishes – mac n’ cheese, bread, sauces and yes, even French pastries can be made or bought allergen free. In fact, some French pastries never had gluten to begin with! There are apps to find restaurants and eateries. Chefs dedicating their craft to allergen free dishes, drinks and to teaching classes, like me!

What are you most thankful for?
I am most thankful for the outpouring of enthusiasm, joy, exchange of information and education I receive from all of my allergen free clients.

I learn so much when they share a personal experience or ask about a ingredient, recipe or method. Occasionally they ask “can I read the label”. I willingly offer the package, much to their surprise. I am eager to learn what I may have overlooked and appreciate them for not being too upset that I didn’t know. The world of food is vast, there is a lot to know and consider when it comes to being allergen free.

Image Credits
Jessie Wyman