Story & Lesson Highlights with Summer Rose

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Summer Rose. Check out our conversation below.

Summer, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
It’s definitely a busy time. I try to wake up at least 30 minutes before my children so I can have a little quiet time with my fiancé and connect before the morning rush begins. We usually make a matcha tonic together (you can find my recipe on my website: www.summerrose.life). I love having those few minutes to dream a little before the day begins. I make an effort not to look at the phone till the kids are dropped off.

After that, it’s all about the kids with breakfast, getting everyone ready, and the usual routines. I used to have a structured morning wellness practice, but over time it started to feel more like a chore than self-care. Now I wait until the kids are at school before I focus on myself, and I actually love it this way. Sometimes I go for a hike or do a workout in the morning, but most days I prefer to jump into work and move later.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a restaurateur, author, and creative living in Sedona, Arizona. I have two children, ages six and twelve, who have been the greatest inspiration behind everything I’ve created in my career.

I began working in the wellness world in 2009, first as a raw food chef with Matthew Kenney in Los Angeles, later as a private chef and health coach. From the very beginning, my work has been rooted in food and wellness as expression, ritual, and healing. Cooking has never felt like a chore to me… it’s a joy, a creative outlet, and one of my greatest passions.

In 2015, I opened Local Juicery in Sedona, which has been thriving ever since. I credit its success to our dedication to quality, care for our customers, and our incredible team. In February 2023, I opened Wildcraft Kitchen in Sedona with my business partner, a project close to my heart. It’s been such a pleasure to offer our community a warm, welcoming place to gather and enjoy nourishing food. Wildcraft is an organic farm-to-table café with a full espresso bar, made-to-order juices and smoothies, and a menu designed for everyone, including organic meats, gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options.

I’m also the author of two recipe books, Raw and Radiant and Love Your Body, Feed Your Soul, both published by Skyhorse Publishing.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My godfather, Tim, is an organic farmer and a true man of the land, salt of the earth. He taught me that I didn’t need to be successful in the traditional sense to be loved.

He always encouraged me to give my best, no matter what I was doing. If I was sweeping a floor, he reminded me to be the best floor sweeper I could possibly be. Because of that, I’ve carried his wisdom into every work environment, always showing up as fully as I can

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has taught me, that in my blessed life, suffering is a choice. Getting to the pain and moving through it is the place it seems that real healing begins.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
My fiancé, John. he’s the best man I know. Incredible moral compass and deep care for humanity. This in itself is powerful.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
When it comes to food and hospitality, I feel like I have an intuitive understanding of what people want to experience, both in taste and in feeling. I genuinely love people and deeply enjoy serving them. I believe we are all far more sensitive and tuned in than the corporate machine gives us credit for. That is why small, family-run shops like mine can really thrive. People can sense when there is true quality, care, and intention behind what they are being offered. It has to be as much about the farmer, the cook, the human connection, and creating something people can truly feel as it is about business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.summerrose.life
• Instagram: @_____summerrose
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/summercrose/
• Other: www.localjuicery.com – @localjuicery
  www.eatatwildcraft.com – @eatatwildcraft

Image Credits
All photos credit to Hannah Rose Gray