From Ego-Centric Living to Soul-Centric Living with Lavanya Mahate

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 BioLavanya 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 DiscussedFrom India to Utah: Navigating immigration, dependent visa challenges, and finding opportunityThe Kitchen as Sanctuary: How childhood experiences shaped a culinary empireBreaking Through: From intern to director at Salt Lake Chamber of CommerceEntrepreneurial Leap: Starting at farmers markets and growing to 10+ restaurantsThe Pivot Point: How an ankle fracture led to profound personal transformationRise Culinary Institute: Training refugees and building community through foodRedefining Success: Moving from ego-driven achievement to soul-centered fulfillmentDaily Practices: Meditation, breathwork, visualization, and emotional regulationWomen & Strength: The power of emotional resilience and self-awarenessMemorable 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 HighlightsChildhood: Growing up in Kakinada and Chennai, India; finding refuge in the kitchen2001: Moved to Utah on dependent visaEarly 2000s: Masters at University of Utah; volunteered at Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce8 years: Career at Women's Business Center (intern → marketing manager → director)2009: Started at farmers market with spice blends2010: First Saffron Valley location opens in South Jordan2010-2020: Expanded to 10+ restaurant locations (including London)2020: Pandemic hit; closed London location2022: Launched Rise Culinary InstitutePresent: Managing 6 locations, training refugees, and living with intentionResources MentionedSalt Lake Chamber of Commerce - Women's Business CenterSaffron Valley RestaurantsRise Culinary InstituteUtah Refugee CenterRapid Fire AnswersFavorite Book: Entrepreneurial biographies (currently reading Howard Schultz's story)Favorite Song: A.R. Rahman - "Roja" title trackFavorite Quote: "What you focus on grows"Favorite Movie: Pirates of the Caribbean (first one)Greatest Fear: Losing self-awarenessMost Courageous Act: Skydiving at 40 + moving across the worldLife Philosophy: Build your foundation of self before you build successConnect with LavanaSaffron Valley Restaurants: Multiple locations across UtahRise Culinary Institute: Sugar House, UtahNext EpisodeStay tuned for more inspiring conversations with individuals who embody resilience, courage, and quiet strength.Host: HarryProduction: Portraits of Strength PodcastEpisode Length: ~53 minutesSubscribe and follow for more stories of resilience and strength.