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Perfectly Strong Women: Karen Krasne

Perfectly Strong Women: Karen Krasne
Name: Karen Krasne
Occupation: Owner/Pastry Chef, Extraordinary Desserts
Location: San Diego, CA
Perfect Formula Product Used: Delicate Gel Coat Color

How long have you been practicing your trade?
I have owned my bakeries for over 25 years.

What is your definition of a Perfectly Strong Woman?
A woman who is balanced with work and home life and who can practice self-care without guilt.

Tell us more about your business.
There are two Extraordinary Desserts locations in San Diego that are open daily. One location is in Balboa Park, a great walking neighborhood of museums, theaters, and the zoo, and the other is in Little Italy, a bustling cafe and boutique destination with a farmer’s market every Saturday.

Each trip into one of our locations will offer a unique and engaging experience. The dessert menu changes daily, and there are dozens of different cakes and desserts that will be in our cases on any given day or hour. It makes coming in exciting for our clients, especially when getting to try new items and also when their favorite dessert is available.

We have a large selection of organic blends of teas and delicious coffees that are both espresso based drinks and 100% Kona beans we bring in from the Big Island of Hawaii.

In addition to desserts, teas and coffees, we also offer savory foods, cheese plates, salads, and paninis. We have options for gluten free and vegan diets. To pair with our food, we feature a curated list of organic, sustainable, and biodynamic wines that include several sparkling varieties, as well as mostly local San Diego craft beers.

What is one piece of advice that you would give a young woman aspiring to fulfill her dream? 
Enjoy the journey while also being open to where it takes you. It is the hunting and gathering of your life experiences that will collectively help you discover your passions; and as a result, your true craft. The dream, to me, is discovering that passion and then having the opportunity to go for it.

Name the one woman who has been most influential in pursuing your dream/craft.
It is hard to name one woman because I come from a long line of strong and creative women. Witnessing my grandmothers and aunts baking in the kitchen and working, while also being mothers and wives definitely had an impact on me. We are talking about multi-faceted women, who could still find the joy to be together in the kitchen baking things and making desserts. Ultimately, it was my mother, who encouraged me to pursue my desire to travel, to study pastry in Paris, and to aim at being a talent in the kitchen. When I returned from my studies in Paris, she was a part of helping me believe that I could start my own bakery.

As a busy woman, what is a time-saving technique or life hack that you would share?
Making lists keeps me on top and ahead of the game. As one list ends, another list is already beginning, which keeps everything moving forward all of the time. I make lists for everyone in my kitchen, my office, and even for my daughter and husband at home. I swear by making lists.

What is your guilty pleasure?
Being by myself.

What are some skin care/beauty tips that you would like to share that will help a woman look her best and feel confident?
Every woman is different with regards to how much money, time, and effort they want to (or can) spend on skin care. However, the first things that can help with skin care are drinking lots and lots of room temperature water and eating a plant based diet as much as possible. Then, of course, splurging what you can on delicious creams and sunscreens that you love, and that love you back, can be nourishing for the soul.

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