Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandrine Pilaz.
Hi Sandrine, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am a French woman who has been living in the U.S for 12 years. My husband and I started our expat journey in Baltimore, MD for a year and a half with our 2 young daughters at that time (a 5-month and a 22-month-old). Then we moved to Durham, NC for 8 years. Our family kept growing, with 2 other daughters. My husband followed his career as a researcher in Neurosciences while I was a full-time mom for our 4 daughters. In 2019, my husband’s hard work was paying off and he got offered a position at Sanford Research in Sioux Falls, SD. The whole family moved once again, this time in the Midwest, with a perspective of a long-term plan. What a relief! It was also time for our family to change our immigration status and try to apply for a green card (allowing us to have the status of permanent resident). After 2 years and a half of long and tedious procedures, we obtain this precious card. Now, we can travel with more ease but most of all, I have the possibility to work in this country.
There is one common thread during all those years away from family and friends left in France: My husband and I were very dedicated to be part of a loving community. We wanted to be surrounded by people whom we could be authentic with. We wanted to create a caring village around our family. So, despite my poor English and lack of confidence, I dedicated my time at home with my children to connect with other families. And I mostly did this via food. Food is, in my opinion, the ultimate connector. It allows for connection between people but it also connects us to the land and to our bodies. When we just moved to the U.S from France, it was quite challenging to feed our family. There was no real food culture to look up to. I was feeling homesick and realized how lucky I was to grow up in France with solid eating and cooking habits. That’s when I started taking notes about differences I noticed between French and American food culture. Over the years, my notes became thicker and 10 years later, my first book Simply French in America: Homemade Family Meals Made Easy is released. After our move to Sioux Falls, 3 years ago, I rapidly found my tribe of like-minded people, wanting to care for themselves, their families, their communities and their environment in a very authentic and simple way. I am now working with Chef Emily Wilson (from BeeLovedKitchen) and for Sarah Bruxvoort Yoga and Retreats. I love making homemade meals for families in need. Cooking for other people is my love language. Taking the time to prepare and cook a meal for ourselves and our loved ones is such a special and wonderful endeavor, that I want to spread the word and share that passion with as many families as possible.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to getting where I am at today hasn’t been an easy one. Being an expat is an amazing experience on so many levels but it also comes with many challenges. The language barrier, being away and far from close friends and family, different cultural codes, raising young kids in a different country, making new friends with different beliefs and upbringing, dealing with visa paperwork and administrative procedures…The list can go on and on. For the last 12 years following our move abroad, I wasn’t allowed to get a working permit because we initially came to the U.S for my husband’s work. So I have been a full-time stay-at-home mom for my 4 daughters. I loved it and wouldn’t have done it differently but it was also very difficult mentally. I suffered from a couple of serious nervous breakdowns. I needed professional help to get over those depressive episodes. I have no shame about this situation and am always open to talking about it because it is still considered taboo.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Our family obtained our green cards earlier this year. We now have the status of a permanent resident. And most of all, I can legally work in the U.S. It is about time for me to enter the “Working Force” and offer my gifts to my larger community. I am currently working with chef Emily Wilson at BeeLovedKitchen. I love this job. Being in a kitchen comes very naturally for me. I always feel recharged and energized when I am chopping and meal prep. I have been catering for different Yoga retreats via a beautiful collaboration with Sarah Bruxvoort yoga and Retreats. Feeding people with homemade meals using fresh produces is such an honor. But what excites me even more is coaching families to help them eat better. Going to people’s home, seeing their lifestyle and helping them create the changes they want to make is where I get the most passionate about. There isn’t one way to do this. Finding a customized plan for each family I meet is a challenge I am always up for. And it is so rewarding to see the pleasure and autonomy they develop after just a few sessions.
In September 2022, I published my very first book, Simply French in America: Homemade Family Meals Made Easy. With that resource, my goal is to encourage families to cook more at home (without being too time-consuming or too complicated). There are some strategies to have some homemade meals at the dinner table without losing your sanity.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
We are not meant to be alone. We are social creatures who need the support of one another. Whatever we do, it is always better to have the support of a loving and helping community. That’s why I have been facilitating monthly women’s circle, to create a safe space for women so they can experience authentic sisterhood. I want them to be empowered and empower other women. Those gatherings are a great opportunity to engage in spiritual practices that have no religious or ideological baggage.
Pricing:
- $9.99 for the ebook version
- $19 for the paperback version
Contact Info:
- Website: www.6outwest.com
Image Credits
Headshots from Hannah Boquet
Food pictures from Sandrine Pilaz
