Stella's Story

Graduate: Stella M.

Interviewer: Julia Granet (Marketing and Communication Coordinator, Stone Soup PDX).

Q: Where are you from, and how did you find out about Stone Soup PDX?

A: I was living in New York before moving to Portland. I found Stone Soup about a month after I got here. I went on a walk around my neighborhood when I happened to pass by the old location on Broadway. I saw a flyer about the program and felt the urge to stop and take a picture. Deep down, I just had this feeling it  was something that could really change my path.

Q: That’s amazing! What initially interested you about the program?

A: I was searching for a new community. I’ve always loved cooking at home, but I wanted to take that passion further. I was ready to start over and really follow my dream.

Q: Watching you go through the program, two things stood out; your curiosity and your ability to connect with others. Would you agree?

A: Yes. I love learning and getting to know people. I’m still in touch with a few classmates, and I stay connected with Stone Soup by checking in with the team and keeping up with updates on Instagram. I really love this program. It has helped me in more ways than I ever expected.

Q: Do you have a favorite memory from your time in the program?

A: Graduation. That feeling of accomplishment was really rewarding, especially doing so with my classmates. We went through this 12 week program together, it was really special. And honestly, learning how to make better chocolate chip cookies was another! I learned that combining the sugar and butter in the beginning helps make for a better cookie. 

Q: Towards the end of the program, in Tier 3, participants learn about batch cooking through our community meals program. Did you enjoy that part of the training?

A: I did! Batch cooking is really different from restaurant cooking, and I’m glad I got to learn that style. It gave me great experience that I’ve carried into my current role at Feed The Mass. I think it even helped me get the job.

Q: What did you learn about yourself during your 12 weeks?

A: That I’m more adaptable than I thought. I wouldn’t have described myself that way before, and it’s something I still work on, but this experience really showed me that I can handle change and grow through it.

Q: Is there something you’d like the Stone Soup PDX team to know?

A: Everyone was so welcoming and made me feel right at home. I felt important. Thank you. I also couldn’t have done it without the instructors. I felt genuinely supported — they believed in me, and that made a huge difference. They were patient, encouraging, and always made me feel seen in the kitchen.

Q: What would you tell your younger self, or someone who’s thinking about joining the program?

A: Don't over think it. Go for it. You’re going to learn, you’re going to grow and you’re going to SURPRISE YOURSELF. Don’t try to fulfill other people's expectations of what your life should be. If you’re passionate about it, go for it.

[See more stories, interviews, and behind-the-scenes moments at www.stonesouppdx.com or on Instagram @pdxstonesoup.]