These ladies are putting our sister relationship to shame! In this episode we interview twin sisters, Sarah & Boo Simms, owners of Lady & Larder. You can thank them for being one of the forces that started the charcuterie board trend that’s all over social media right now! Sarah & Boo are big on family and they talk to us about how they balance their work and personal relationship. They also talk about how they supported each other when Sarah was diagnosed with cancer last year. The story makes us just as emotional now as when we heard it the first time, but it’s a great reminder to not only stay on top of your health, but to also advocate for yourself when you know something isn’t right. Get ready to cry, laugh and take notes because these sisters are dropping serious gems that you won’t want to forget!
More about the Simms sisters: Twin sisters Sarah and Boo Simms are the culinary and creative duo behind Lady & Larder – the Los Angeles based cheese shop credited with starting a global grazing board movement in 2016. The two have deep roots in the California hospitality industry and both share extensive backgrounds in the food and beverage industry – Sarah on the culinary and operations side and Boo in design and marketing. Raised under the notion that the dinner table was (and still is) a sacred place, Sarah and Boo maintain that the only thing bigger than their love of food is sharing it with others.
Lady & Larder was built around their profound respect for American-made seasonal ingredients and an immense appreciation for the role beautiful food plays in creating moments of connection and joy - offering small-batch cheese, natural wine, craft beer, farm fresh flowers, local bread and curated gifts that spark joy. Since their start, Lady & Larder has become the go-to source for those looking to entertain in Southern California - specializing in edible displays, created with seasonal crudités, fruit, cheese and charcuterie. For those looking for something special out-of-state, Lady & Larder also offers DIY cheese and charcuterie board kits, custom virtual classes and an array of seasonal gifts that ship nationwide.
Most recently Lady & Lady was featured as one of Oprah’s Favorite things in 2019, was featured in the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Forbes, Los Angeles Magazine, O Magazine, and Martha Stewart Weddings . To learn more, visit ladyandlarder.com and check them out on IG @ladyandlarder.
About Lady & Larder
We are Lady & Larder. We live in Los Angeles, California. We are 100% women-owned. We are twin sisters and best friends. We grew up in the kitchen.
We provide the very best American made cheese and cured meats along with a selection of radically seasonal and impeccably sourced local accoutrements. We believe in supporting a 100% domestic and sustainable food culture, one that will continue to thrive for generations to come. Our goal is simple: use the best stuff we can get our hands on. We have found that the finest ingredients come from small batch producers and we, like you, know there is no substitute for quality. These American farmers, butchers, and cheesemakers are truly the best of the best. We are proud to support their unwavering commitment and dedication to their craft. So, build your board, invite your favorite people over and celebrate these inspiring makers with us. Cheers!
Gems from this week’s conversation
“Do every job you’re in to the best of your ability. Pick up skills, don’t burn bridges, and years later you’ll look back and you’ll realize your toolbox is full.”
“Sometimes people ask you a question and you answer and you’re like, ‘Wow, I know what I’m talking about.’”
“We’re all just out here winging it.” - Sarah & boo on adulting
“As twins, you go through a period where you try to do things individually and figure out how you’re different.”
“We fill in the blank for each other a little bit.” - Boo, on being a twin
“I feel like a more whole version of myself when I’m with her. When I’m by myself, I feel [I’m] lacking.” - Sarah
“With siblings, you’re just a little more raw.” - boo
”Completely raw.” - Sarah
“It’s the best part about having a business together. We get to share all the highs and low. It makes all the victories sweeter when it’s with someone you love and knows how important it is.” - Boo
“It makes us a stronger business owner, a stronger partner, stronger parents if we can set our foundation up and make sure our health is taken care of.” - Sarah
Pick or Tip of the Week
Our collective tip for this week is to schedule your physical! Go to the doctor. Stop pushing off what is necessary for you to do for your health.
Bricia’s pick is the Lady crackers from Lady & Larder. They’re so good and perfect for your cheese boards! You can pick them up in store if you’re local to Santa Monica, CA or order them online.
Paulina tip that everyone should know is that every insurance carrier has a patient advocacy office. If you have questions, comments or complaints, speak up! This is the department you want to talk to and they’ll make things right for you.
Links
Follow everyone on Instagram - @ladyandlarder @lafemmepicure aka Sarah and @boosimms
Boo & Sarah are mirror twins. Sounds pretty cool!
Visit the American Cancer Society website to learn more about what cancers to get screened for at certain ages. It could save your (or a loved one’s) life!
At Sarah’s request, her email is sarah@ladyandlarder.com. If you have cancer, have a loved one with cancer, need resources or connections or just need to talk, please send her an email. She wants to help,
