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Exploring Life & Business with Francesca Lorusso of MindFULL Table

Today we’d like to introduce you to Francesca Lorusso.

Hi Francesca, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I always knew I had two passions in life – baking and mental wellness. When I was 3 years old, I told my mom I wanted to be on the Food Network just like “the duck fat man” which I so lovingly called Emeril Lagasse since he frequently cooked with duck fat.

What I did not realize then was that my love for the kitchen would get me through so many difficult times in my life from making friends to my parent’s divorce when I was 15, and ultimately my journey with ADHD. Baking has always been my safe space to be creative and bring joy to others in return. Baking is my therapy!

I did not always bake gluten-free, but 6 months after graduating college I had a “stress trigger” that caused a gluten intolerance to set in. I was CONSTANTLY sick after eating and gained unhealthy weight in a way I never had before. I had to start eating gluten-free for my physical well-being but did not recognize the incredible effect this would have on my mental health as well.

It turns out gluten, and gut health, in general, has a direct correlation with mental wellness, especially for those who are neurodivergent. I had to share my story with others, and thus MindFULL Table was born.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The biggest hurdles I have had to jump through have to do with time and money – shocking I know.

I started my company while planning a wedding and having a second full-time job. It is expensive to start up a food business, between rental cooking spaces, licensing, insurance, packaging, etc.

It can get overwhelming, but I have to remember if my mission is to raise awareness for mental health then I also have to keep my mental health a priority.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about MindFULL Table, LLC?
My business sells gluten-free baked goods directly to doorsteps, and gluten-free recipes that are easy and delicious. We also have a weekly video vlog for anyone looking to learn more about gluten-free eating and mental wellness.

I am so proud of my small business, specifically our mission – supporting happy bellies, and healthy minds. Every product sold donates a portion of profits to different mental health awareness and research organizations across the country. Every detail of the brand is centered around mental wellness, right down to the color palette.

Our green color represents mental health awareness overall, and our orange represents ADHD awareness specifically. The deep navy and bright yellow were chosen to represent the highs and lows that come along with mental illness, and to act as a reminder to stay grounded during good times and hopeful during bad times.

What do you think about happiness?
Making others happy makes me happy. It sounds cliche, but it is true! I think that is why I am so drawn to baking overcooking.

I love to cook, but people get less excited when you bring them a well-crafted salad in comparison to a huge slice of chocolate cake. My favorite quote is “Be the change you wish to see in the world” from Gandhi. I want to see a happier world, and thus I enjoy being happy as well.

Of course, other things keep me happy like my dog, cat, fiancé, baking, chocolate croissants, the beach, my nieces and nephews… all the good stuff!

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Lauren D’Alessandro

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