Shiza Shahid, Malala Fund cofounder, women’s rights advocate, mission-minded investor, and now cookware entrepreneur is the true definition of glow. She is an activist entrepreneur who is now telling the stories of immigrant Americans through her new cookware line, Our Place. With the intention of building a cookware line that is not only beautiful, functional, and durable, Shiza and her team have surpassed just these surface attributes to include a much deeper pursuit; that of sharing inclusivity, affordability, and highlighting the cultural diversity that makes up the fabric of this country.

Our Place is different than any other cookware company we’ve come across. Starting off with their product line, it is streamlined down to the essentials and basics, with high design, extreme durability, and multi-purpose use. Take the Essentials collection, a stunning contemporary four-person set featuring our absolute favorite Always Pan. This pan is not only beautiful (we always leave it out on our stoves), it includes a built-in wooden spoon, a steamer attachment, and comes in three soothing colors. It really is our absolute favorite pan we’ve come across.

Secondly, Our Place is all about inclusivity. Built by females, immigrants and/or first-generation group of foodies, the cookware company is doing things a bit differently. Our Place’s brand imagery is rooted in sharing different cultures and authentically representing their unique approaches to cooking. It’s not about cooking the most picture-perfect meal, it’s about getting messy, and cooking authentically from the heart. America is truly a melting-pot, as they say, and Our Place is highlighting this beautiful diversity. They even have decided to offer seasonal releases to be timed on multicultural holidays (such as the Nochebuena collection, celebrating Mexican-American holiday food traditions) and paired with charitable give-back programs based in those communities.

We couldn’t be more impressed by Shiza’s mission-based cookware brand and so thrilled to share it all with you!

Our Place // www.fromourplace.com

Name:

Shiza Shahid

PROFESSION:

Mission-driven entrepreneur, investor and speaker/story-teller.

CoFounder Our Place, Malala Fund, NOW Ventures.

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?

The quiet and picturesque Islamabad, Pakistan.

WHERE DO YOU LIVE?

Sunny Los Angeles

WHEN YOU’RE EATING HEALTHY, WHAT IS A TYPICAL…

My ‘healthy’ eating philosophy is just listening to my body, not denying anything or demonizing food, everything in moderation. I do care deeply however about how where my produce and meat comes from, my impact on the planet, farmers, our land, and minimizing animal suffering.

BREAKFAST: Eggs and toast.

LUNCH: Grilled salmon with rice and veggies, lentils (daal) and rice.

DINNER: Sushi, tuna salad on toast, lentil pasta with marinara sauce.

SNACK: Green juice! Popcorn. Fruit. Nuts. I’m a big snacker!

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE SPOTS/RESTAURANTS TO EAT HEALTHY?

I love supporting women-owned restaurants like Kreation, Tavern, Huckleberry, Malibu Farm, and Kismet,

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE INDULGENCE?

Custard with fruit! Such a nostalgic dessert for me.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE SPOTS/RESTAURANTS TO INDULGE?

More women-owned restaurants : Pizzana, Scopa, Sweet Rose, and Guelaguetza

WHAT IS THE BEST DISH YOU COOK/ YOUR FAVORITE RECIPE?

Chicken Karhai. Its a Pakistan tomato chicken stew, a staple of home-cooking, made with tons of fresh and ginger and herbs and served with fresh naan (bread)

WHERE DO YOU GROCERY SHOP?

As much as possible at my local farmers markets (Bretnwood on Sundays and Santa Monica on Wednesdays).

TOP 3 ITEMS YOU ALWAYS HAVE IN YOUR KITCHEN?

My Always Pan - healthy, free of Teflon and PFAS, incredible nonstick, and beautifully designed
My Always Plates - stackable, ceramic, hand-painted
My Our Place Molcajete (mortar and pestle) - hand-caved by artisans from volcanic rock perfect for grinding spices and herbs, making gucamole, salsas and other spreads!