Colleen Kennedy Shows Us What ‘Souffle’ Really Means
The power of a good heart and a determined mind can not be overlooked, especially when found in a mother. Moms have been known to climb all types of mountains in the fury of righting a wrong, solving a problem or saving a tear.
Colleen Kennedy is this type of mom. She doesn’t let anything stop her, rather turning challenges into souffles, cookbooks and dreams come-true. Is it any wonder that she inspires other homegrown chefs to “step out of their” comfort zones in both life and the kitchen through her blog, Souffle Bombay? I think not.
Like Colleen, Souffle Bombay makes every “adventure" - in food and purpose - seem simple. She solved the dilemma of one little girl sitting in Alaska who failed to realize the tidings of Santa Claus as easily as she did my need for the perfect Orange Cranberry Scone.
An example of resolve in the very best sense of the word, Colleen Kennedy represents the best of all moms who fail to let life dictate circumstance to them, rather deferring to their hearts, which “when speaking” drowns out most everything else in the way. Colleen sums it up in her interview below.
What is your full name?
Colleen Kennedy
Where do you live?
Bucks County, PA (Outside of Philadelphia)
How many children do you have?
Two. A son, 14 and a daughter, 11.
If you were asked to describe yourself in one word, what would that word be?
Happy
What is your personal mantra? (The phrase in your heart and head that defines how your choices and how you live)
It is what it is till it isn’t.
Do you believe you have a “life’s purpose?” If so, share it.
I’ve wondered about this, and have been waiting for whatever the “it” is that was to be my legacy. However I am beginning to think it was becoming a mother. Having children derailed me…in a good way. It made me so empathetic, excited, joyful and scared. I had no idea how powerful those emotions could be before I had them, it was like a lens dropped over me and magnified every emotion. I have also done some big things to help others since becoming a mom…so maybe those moments, those people that were helps…maybe those were the “it”.
Tell us about you and your life.
I have always loved whipping up things in the kitchen. I can remember getting the Sesame Street Cookbook from Santa when I was 9 and immediately making a Blizzard Cake. I remember everything about that cake and how I felt carrying it to my family. I remember the look of anticipation in their eyes awaiting their slice. It felt good. I love to make people happy through food; something I feel I now get to do through my food blog.
I am a simple gal, who dreams of living on acres and acres of land however there would have to be no spiders. I spent a good part of my adult life in Corporate America in banking. I was job eliminated when the recession hit the banks and within 48 hours had an idea that ended me up on QVC with a product.
My perfect world would be living in a house on a lake with my husband and kids with a big beautiful kitchen, a walk-in pantry and a well-stocked bar! Of course no spiders would be there either!
Finish this sentence, “The best part about being a mom is _____.”
Watching my children unfold into the people that they will be. And the hugs and kisses aren’t too shabby!
How long have you been blogging for? Do you blog for any group blogs or websites beyond your own?
Almost 6 years.
What is the name of your blog? When was it launched?
Souffle Bombay. 2010.
Share with us the significance of the name of your blog to you. How did you come up with it?
My daughter named it when she was 5. I told my family I was starting a food blog and asked what I should call it (never intending to listen to them since I had ideas of my own, lol). My daughter immediately said “Souffle Bombay!” I was like what?? What? What are you saying? Once I understood her I loved it. I said what IS a Souffle Bombay? She said with her little hand on her hip…”Mooo-om, a Souffle Bombay is a giant pumpkin filled with oatmeal!” Like “I should have known that. 18 months later as I sat beside her watching a cartoon she liked called "Maggie and The Ferocious Beast", I heard Hamilton the pig (who happens to be a chef) say “I am making a Souffle Bombay.” I jumped up and was like what???? And yes, he had a ladder propped up against a pumpkin the size of a small house and filled it with oatmeal! Ha!
What is the primary focus of your blog?
Memorable recipes anyone can make. Think dishes that people will think either you worked harder then you actually did or are more talented in the kitchen that you actually may be!
What makes your blog unique?
I show people that it’s easier to make delicious, pretty food that they would think. And I am an advocate of getting kids, at every age, in the kitchen.
Tell us about your blog, including what you hope to accomplish through it.
I want to inspire people to step outside their regular rotation of go-to meals and desserts and try something new. I also want people to see just how great it is when you get your kids comfortable in the kitchen.
Are you a Brand Ambassador and if so, for which companies?
Yes, I am an ambassador for both California Avocados (yum!!) and SABER Grills.
Beyond your blog, do you engage in other social media outlets such as Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, etc.?
Yes and yes! I love social media, it has connected the world!
What is the one piece of advice you would give to moms who may be interested in beginning a blog?
Think about what you are passionate about. What thoughts and ideas wake you up in the middle of the night? Grab onto one and run with it!
Are you an entrepreneur or professional beyond your blog (and outside of being a mom)? Please share.
I am the Project Manager for Philly Social Media Moms, a network of talented and passionate women bloggers from the Philadelphia Metro Area and beyond. I work with brands from across the country, Canada and Europe and partner them with influencers. I also do this outside of the group with a network of food bloggers across the US. I also wrote a unique children’s cookbook which I sold on QVC.
Do you support – either formally or informally – a particular social cause?
Nothing formally, however I have spearheaded a number of initiatives when a story reached my ears of people who needed help or a little magic in their lives, including bringing Christmas to a remote village in Alaska, population 78, when I heard that a 7 year old girl told her teacher (who happened to be a friend of mine sent there in 2014) “Santa doesn’t come to Alaska”. That small village never saw it coming! I gathered blogger friends, brands and personal friends and plane after plane delivered a Christmas they will not soon forget ☺
When all is said and done, what is the one thing you hope your loved ones and those who knew you remember about you?
That I loved and lived with all of my heart!
Suffice-it-to-say, never underestimate the power of a mother on a mission. In fact, just move out of her way. It is safer, unless you want to join her. Probably the safest position of them all. As Colleen Kennedy and Souffle Bombay have proven, neither fire nor incredible odds nor remote territories will dampen the determination of a mother with a mindful goal and genuine heart. It’s one of life’s few truths, I promise you!