We had the good fortune of connecting with Laura Ann Masura and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Laura Ann, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Hi Shoutout!  I have learned that when you own your own business, and you ARE the business (the way I am…Laura Ann’s Jams), you are working 24/7/365. Early on, I fought this and tried to MAKE hours. Now I try to live with the business as a part of my day-to-day life, and my goal is to make every moment happy and productive.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My jams are life-inspired and made especially to pair with cheese and also be a cocktail mixer as well as your favorite on toast! I got to where I am today from ALL of the people I have met over the years. I used to be in a rock band, and SO many of the skills I have from promoting my band I have used in promoting my Jam company. It seems that Jams and Jams are a LOT alike! It is incredible how many people from rock & roll are in the culinary arts. I run into old friends all the time. So my advice…NEVER burn a bridge and be the kindest person you can. You never know when you will see that person again.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in LA and moved from Chicago…so visitors are a REGULAR thing (especially when the weather in Chicago sucks! haha). My “out of towner itinerary” usually includes: A trip to the Beach and a lobster roll from Broad Street Oyster Company, a trip to either Getty, Musso & Frank for a martini (and their signature dessert that features Laura Ann’s Jams Strawberry Vanilla Bean Jam), a walk in Griffith Park (with a stop by TRAILS CAFE – that also happens to have my jam in their cafe) and of course some DTLA photo ops in the AMAZING Grand Park, Disney Hall, Moca & Broad rounded off with a little happy hour at the Redbird Bar with Tobin Shea (world’s most outstanding bartender, my ex-boss and my cocktail hero) and of course just a night on my porch in City Terrace where we can see the lights from L.A. to San Pedro twinkle and sparkle like my love for Los Angeles.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Terri Hart from Spotted Hen Catering (AKA: Terri Wahl from Auntie Em’s Kitchen & also fellow rock & roll buddy) has been one of my best foodie friends and fellow business owner that I share ALL KINDS of questions, findings and fun with. She hosts dinners with a mix of different business ladies where we discuss ups and downs and how we can help each other. Her knowledge of all things YUM helps inspire me on a regular basis.

Website: LauraAnnsJams.com

Instagram: @lauraannsjams

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraAnnsJams

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