Why We Cook at Williams-Sonoma

At Williams-Sonoma, we’re passionate about food — both in the office and at home. As we explore the many reasons why people cook, our team members tapped into their own inspiration and motivation. Read on to learn how cooking makes us feel, and tell us your stories, too.

 

 

“There’s something rather soothing about the whole process of cooking – the familiar smell of onions sautéing, the crunch of crisp vegetables being cut, the gentle growing warmth of a kitchen in use. A lot of those things are related to memories of my dad cooking dinner for us after he got home from work. As a result, it’s a process that, for me, marks a shift in focus—from work to home.” — Victoria Van Roijen, eCommerce Content

 

“Cooking is very therapeutic for me. It reminds me of when I was young, hunched over the counter watching my mom cook. She would never measure anything. I aspire to be as good of a cook as my mom.” — Josephine Hsu, Internet/Catalog Merchandising

 

“I cook because it’s the only time my brain is truly quiet. Yes, cooking gives me sustenance and brings happiness and nourishment to my family, but it also gives me stillness and peace of mind that are hard to come by otherwise. Some people meditate; I cook.” — Emily Wann, Internet/Catalog Merchandising

 

 

“My weekends begin with a shopping trip to the farmers’ market, where the fresh produce inspires my cooking, whatever the season. With all those wonderful fruits and vegetables at hand, how could I not cook!” — Kris Balloun, Recipe Editor

 

 

“For me, cooking a meal from scratch is the best way to express my love for my family. Even to make a quick meal, it takes time, commitment, planning and love! I cook because I know that whatever I make for dinner will be better for my children than what I could buy down the street. Plus, it’s the one chance we have each day to sit down together and connect as a family.” — Amanda Haas, Test Kitchen

 

“I cook because I find it therapeutic, but also because I want my children to develop good eating habits. I want them to learn to eat healthy, to try a lot of different types of foods and to be able to fend for themselves when they get older. I always include them in some way in the cooking process.” — Michelle Foss, Retail Merchandising

 

 

“I cook to try new recipes and WOW my family and friends… as well as myself.” — Bianca Richardson, Visual Merchandising

 

“For me, cooking is the best way to unwind after a crazy week at work. On Sundays, I usually walk to the farmers’ market with my husband, pick out a bundle of delicious, seasonal produce, search cookbooks and websites for recipe inspiration and then spend a few hours preparing a meal for us (and, often times, guests!) to enjoy. It may sound like work for a lot of people, but it’s my favorite way to relax.” — Jillian Locks, Retail Merchandising

 

 

“I cook… to honor traditional family recipes that have been passed on from one generation to the next. To spend time with my wife and catching up on our day. To share a delicious meal with friends and family.” — Bradley Kleparek, Retail Merchandising

 

About the author: Olivia Terenzio grew up in Mississippi, where she cultivated a love of sweet potatoes, crawfish and cloth napkins at a young age. A passion for sharing food with friends and family led her into the kitchen and later to culinary school, where she learned how to roast a chicken and decorate a cake like a pro. As a Williams-Sonoma blog editor, she’s now lucky enough to be talking, writing and thinking about food all day.