Culinary Dreams

In 2015, Laura Donahue ’15’s culinary journey began in an unexpected place — a gluten-free and paleo bakery called White Lion Baking Company. Working as a bakery chef, she was inspired by the joy and gratitude of customers with dietary restrictions who finally indulged in treats they’d missed for years.

"It was so inspiring to see how happy and grateful the customers were, sharing stories of how it's been years since they've been able to eat a cheesecake," Laura said.

Her culinary adventure didn't stop there. While working as a nanny and a librarian in Pembroke, Massachusetts, Laura embarked on a personal culinary exploration. In 2021, she challenged herself to bake her way through the cookbook published by the Flour Bakery + Cafe, a beloved Boston bakery.

"I learned so much that year," Laura explained. "New ingredients, new baking techniques, and most importantly, how much I loved the work that went into it."

Laura's self-imposed challenge was a turning point. She realized her culinary passion was more than just a hobby — it was a calling. Her cookbook collection expanded, and she voraciously consumed culinary knowledge through master class sessions, journals, magazines and television programs. Laura scoured thrift stores and online marketplaces for kitchen equipment she’d seen on TV or in culinary magazines.

Eager to test her newfound skills, Laura entered local culinary competitions and began earning awards. She essentially enrolled herself in an informal culinary school, absorbing every nugget of culinary wisdom she could find.

Then, in June of this year, Laura discovered the Aperitivo Society, a traveling supper club in Boston. The society collaborates with local chefs and restaurants to host ticketed dinners and other culinary events. Inspired by this idea, she reached out to the founder, Maria Colalancia, and partnered to host her own dinner event, titled Smoke and Sugar, a testament to her favorite flavors. The event sold out within hours of ticket sales and was a resounding success, with six strangers coming together in Laura's cozy Quincy apartment to enjoy a four-course meal.

"I'm on the path to something greater for myself," Laura reflected.

The success of the dinner event was a testament to her hard work and dedication to her culinary dreams, values she attributes to her time at Colby-Sawyer College. Above all, Laura's mother is a constant source of inspiration and motivation for her culinary endeavors. With ten children and a commitment to educating young parents, Laura’s mother embodies strength, love, kindness and empathy.

Beyond the kitchen, Laura enjoys exploring the area, visiting parks and hiking trails. Her current favorite spot is the Quincy Quarries Reservation, where she can take in the Boston skyline and admire the incredible graffiti art. Laura's culinary exploration has led her to embrace curiosity and have an open mind, allowing her to experiment with a variety of ingredients, from cactus to whole squid.

As for her culinary dreams, they keep evolving. While she's captivated by the idea of opening a restaurant called Smoke and Sugar in the city, she refuses to limit herself to a single goal. Laura aspires to travel, try restaurants, learn about foraging, appear on a cooking show, write cookbooks — anything that involves food is on her bucket list.

Laura’s advice to fellow dreamers: "Hang on to your dreams and your passions. Embrace your excitement for things, and don't let anyone talk you into coming down from the clouds. The view is better up there anyways."