A conversation with Cynthia Louise
Our path crossed with that of Cynthia Louise quite by chance - as often the most memorable encounters do. A humid, weekend afternoon and a late lunch at a cafè tucked away in the folds of Ubud provided the backdrop to what turned into a conversation that we still recall with incredible joy and inspiration, years after that first casual meeting. It was a mutual friend who brought our tables together on that day, and we ended up spending hours sharing not just lunch, but also stories about Bali, food, fashion, and life.
A renowned plant-based chef, it is Cynthia’s radiant enthusiasm towards not just what she does but also towards life generally that made the greatest impression, and we have observed - inspired - how this very energy continues to propel her from one success to the next. This is what distinguishes Cynthia from the work of others in her field - each sustainable recipe created; each piece of health and life advice given is shared with a generous infusion of genuine love for all that she does, for nature, and for humanity.
Cynthia Louise
From her vast array of books to her courses, classes, retreats and meticulously-researched products, Cynthia seeks to bring us closer to food that is both as pure and as rich in flavour as possible - meals that are designed to be easy to prepare, no matter where you may live in the world, and that are packed with high-vibrational nutrients. Simplicity, acceptance of self, and showing up to food just as you are are fundamental to Cynthia’s vision - not just as a chef, but also in life.
As we embrace 2021 and the renewal of purpose that we are experiencing on the individual and collective level, we’ve chosen to cast a spotlight on Cynthia and her infective, purpose-filled energy, reminding us of the importance that food holds to support us through change. We asked her ten questions drawn from the Proust Questionnaire - a questionnaire that has its origins in a parlour game that had been popularised by French essayist Marcel Proust, designed to reveal the player’s true nature.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
For me there is no feeling of "perfect" anything. I feel that my state of mind can lift and shift into anything from happiness to sadness. The idea that I can move from worry, lack, loss, and hardship is a great space as it brings out more happiness.
What is your current state of mind?
Joyful.
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, who or what would she/he/it be and why?
Me, I would come back as myself. Simply because so far, I have had a magnificent life and to come back to that after death would be heaven.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would go to school and start my cooking journey earlier and invest in the art and science of baking.
What is your greatest regret?
Nothing.
What is your most treasured possession?
My heart.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Kindness, loyalty, truth, strength and willingness.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Kindness, loyalty, truth, strength and willingness.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Living.
What is your motto?
Today we get to begin again.