Sarah Heard shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Sarah, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Getting outside and either forage, wander in the trees, or sit by the river keeps me happy and grounded. I struggle with meditation, but these moments are the most quiet and peaceful for me.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Sarah Heard. I’ve been a Chef in the Austin area since 2009. My partner and I currently own Foreign & Domestic in Austin and Commerce Cafe & Hall in Lockhart. We purchased Foreign & Domestic in 2017, and just celebrated its 15 year anniversary. We opened Commerce Cafe in May of 2020. Both restaurants are rooted in sustainable sourcing of both our food and drink menus. Foraging is something that I truly enjoy and have done my best to integrate into the menus. We value hospitality as a culture and push to create leaders in the industry.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My first job was as a hostess at Red Lobster. At that time, we used laminated floor maps and charcoal pencils to manage the wait list. One night was particularly stressful and a co-worker was making a lot of costly mistakes at the host stand. I brought this to an already overwhelmed managers attention and he looked me dead in the eye and told me “Just manage it, Mills.” (my last name at the time). I was 16. I managed the situation and haven’t stopped managing since.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I’ve learned through life’s obstacles to embrace the fact that I am not in control of everything. I, now, know that I can only control my response to the situation. I’ve learned to lean into the struggle, feel the feelings deeply that come with the learning process and to learn as much as I can from the experience. I’ve also developed a deep sense of empathy and understanding. I am learning to manage others differently as I now comprehend the difference that a little grace can make in ones life when they are navigating a situation that they have no control over.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I used to think that work was the most important thing in life. I felt that the only way to be worth something was to work the hardest, keep the longest hours, and to get the awards. I know know that success for me is firmly rooted in the difference I make in peoples lives, the leaders that I help guide as they begin the journey, and the happiness I feel every day.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
If I laid down my name, my role, and my possessions, what would remain is a goofy mom with all the dad jokes, a lover of the outdoors, a leader, someone who runs into the fire, and probably enough time in the day to to acquire the zoo of animals that I’d love to have.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @chef.heard
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-heard-56007243/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.heard.773
Image Credits
Sarah Heard
