Sohla El-Waylly's Culinary Journey: From Fine Dining to Food Media and Beyond

Welcome to Second Life, a podcast spotlighting successful women who've made major career changes—and fearlessly mastered the pivot. Hosted by Hillary Kerr, co-founder and chief content officer at Who What Wear, each episode gives you a direct line to women who are game changers in their fields. Subscribe to Second Life on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts to stay tuned.

In the world of culinary arts, Sohla El-Waylly has undoubtedly made a name for herself. As a chef, on-camera personality, and cookbook author, El-Waylly has carved a unique path to success, guided by her unwavering passion for cooking. 

Growing up, El-Waylly always knew that her heart belonged in the kitchen. However, it wasn't until after she graduated college with a degree in economics that she mustered the courage to pursue her true calling. She took the leap and enrolled in culinary school, setting the stage for a career that would soon be nothing short of extraordinary. In the years that followed, El-Waylly honed her skills by staging at renowned establishments like Eleven Madison Park. She navigated the demanding world of fine dining in New York City, working her way into some of the most acclaimed kitchens. 

In 2016, El-Waylly and her husband embarked on a new adventure by opening their own restaurant, Hail Mary. However, after a year of hard work and dedication, they faced the challenging decision to close their beloved establishment, marking a pivotal moment in El-Waylly's culinary career. She ventured into the realm of food media, joining Serious Eats, where her expertise shone brightly. She then went to Bon Appétit, where she contributed as a recipe tester, and she has now found her home at The New York Times, where she develops mouthwatering recipes.

But El-Waylly's talent and charisma extend beyond the kitchen. She seamlessly transitioned into the world of on-camera presentations, participating in the test kitchen at Bon Appétit. Her YouTube series, Stump Sohla, became a hit. Further showcasing her versatility, she launched the History Channel's online series Ancient Recipes With Sohla, where she explored the rich tapestry of culinary history. And perhaps one of her most exciting ventures has been serving as a judge alongside Dan Levy on the HBO competition cooking show The Big Brunch.

As if her impressive list of achievements wasn't enough, tomorrow marks yet another milestone in El-Waylly's career: Her first cookbook, Start Here, will hit the shelves. With this cookbook, she invites readers to embark on their own culinary adventures, sharing her wisdom and passion for cooking. Listen to the latest episode of Second Life to hear how El-Waylly continues to evolve her career, exploring every avenue of the culinary industry. 

Next: How Emily Schuman Has Become a Mogul in the Digital and Lifestyle Landscape