Welcome to the inaugural episode of Portraits of Strength! Join host Harry in an intimate conversation with Lavanya Mahate, a celebrated restaurateur, entrepreneur, and community leader who has redefined success on her own terms.
From a childhood in India where the kitchen became her safe haven, to building a restaurant empire in Utah, Lavana shares her journey of resilience, self-discovery, and transformation. As the 2025 James Beard Foundation Award semi-finalist and Utah Business Person of the Year, she's proven that success isn't just about external achievements—it's about inner fulfillment.
Guest Bio
Lavanya Mahate is the founder of Saffron Valley restaurants (6 locations), Rise Culinary Institute, and former owner of Biscotts Bakery Café. She's a 2025 James Beard Foundation Award semi-finalist and was named Utah Business Person of the Year. Originally from Andhra Pradesh, India, Lavana moved to Utah in 2001 and has since become a champion for refugees, women entrepreneurs, and the culinary community.
Key Topics Discussed
From India to Utah: Navigating immigration, dependent visa challenges, and finding opportunity
The Kitchen as Sanctuary: How childhood experiences shaped a culinary empire
Breaking Through: From intern to director at Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce
Entrepreneurial Leap: Starting at farmers markets and growing to 10+ restaurants
The Pivot Point: How an ankle fracture led to profound personal transformation
Rise Culinary Institute: Training refugees and building community through food
Redefining Success: Moving from ego-driven achievement to soul-centered fulfillment
Daily Practices: Meditation, breathwork, visualization, and emotional regulation
Women & Strength: The power of emotional resilience and self-awareness
Memorable Quotes
"The world will define you by whether you're successful or not, if the restaurant did well or not. But for me, I was already successful in taking that first step towards following my passion."
"Build your foundation of self before you build success... the society teaches us the other way where we build success and then we look for ourselves."
"What you focus on grows."
"I was so successful on paper with all of these awards, yet I felt like a stranger in my own house."
"True success is when the external success equals the inner fulfillment."
Timeline Highlights
Childhood: Growing up in Kakinada and Chennai, India; finding refuge in the kitchen
2001: Moved to Utah on dependent visa
Early 2000s: Masters at University of Utah; volunteered at Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce
8 years: Career at Women's Business Center (intern → marketing manager → director)
2009: Started at farmers market with spice blends
2010: First Saffron Valley location opens in South Jordan
2010-2020: Expanded to 10+ restaurant locations (including London)
2020: Pandemic hit; closed London location
2022: Launched Rise Culinary Institute
Present: Managing 6 locations, training refugees, and living with intention
Resources Mentioned
Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce - Women's Business Center
Saffron Valley Restaurants
Rise Culinary Institute
Utah Refugee Center
Rapid Fire Answers
Favorite Book: Entrepreneurial biographies (currently reading Howard Schultz's story)
Favorite Song: A.R. Rahman - "Roja" title track
Favorite Quote: "What you focus on grows"
Favorite Movie: Pirates of the Caribbean (first one)
Greatest Fear: Losing self-awareness
Most Courageous Act: Skydiving at 40 + moving across the world
Life Philosophy: Build your foundation of self before you build success
Connect with Lavana
Saffron Valley Restaurants: Multiple locations across Utah
Rise Culinary Institute: Sugar House, Utah
Next Episode
Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations with individuals who embody resilience, courage, and quiet strength.
Host: Harry
Production: Portraits of Strength Podcast
Episode Length: ~53 minutes
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