Chef Lindsay Smith: 19 Years, Divorce & Rebuilding a Farm-to-Table Legacy | Ep 40

Send us Fan MailWhat does it take to run the same restaurant for 19 years while navigating motherhood, divorce, and complete reinvention?In this episode, Aimee Rickabus talks with Lindsay Smith, owner and executive chef of Nirvana by Chef Lindsay in Laguna Beach, about resilience, creativity, and the power of building community through food.Lindsay shares:- How she went from culinary school at 19 to restaurant owner at 26- The pivotal moment at her 40th birthday that sparked her divorce- Navigating COVID while buying out her husband and rebuilding solo- Why she shifted from "operator" to "owner" mindset- The origin of her famous goat cheese ice cream (hint: a backyard fig tree)- How her monthly ladies' dinner became a movement of 50+ womenWhether you're a business owner navigating a major life transition, a mom trying to balance ambition with presence, or anyone who's ever wondered if it's too late to reinvent yourself—this conversation will remind you that the best chapter might still be ahead.🔗 CONNECT WITH LINDSAY SMITH:Instagram: @nirvana.lagunaWebsite: nirvanlaguna.com🔗 CONNECT WITH THE MANAGE HER:Website: https://www.themanageher.comInstagram: @themanageher———The Manage Her® Podcast — hosted by Aimee Rickabus. Honest conversations on leadership, financial empowerment, motherhood, wellness, and career reinvention for ambitious women.🎧 SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-manage-her/id1809208475Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/03FuFRyzkaWhZkk5yxFePJAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/91c217a5-4245-4b83-8d15-8edfdde06884/the-manage-her📲 CONNECT WITH THE MANAGE HER®:Website: https://www.themanageher.comInstagram: @themanageherTikTok: @themanageherYouTube: @themanageherLinkedIn: @themanageher💗 If this episode resonated, follow the show, leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts, and share it with a woman who needs to hear it.© 2026 The Manage Her®. All rights reserved.