W(O)W: Kenzie Kober x Harvest Waffles
Harvest Waffles is a gluten-free and vegan waffle pop-up that was birthed from Kenzie Kober’s vision of gathering people from all walks of life and bringing them to the same table. She does pop-ups, deliveries, catering and everything in between. The pop-up includes a waffle bar with 5+ vegan toppings, “it’s more than waffles, it’s a party!” Her goals for Harvest Waffles include having a waffle storefront and products available in Whole Foods.
Joyful. Dreamer. Passionate.
Kenzie grew up in Lake Charles, Louisiana and was homeschooled all the way through high school. She gratefully reflects back on her time being homeschooled and believes this experience gave her the time and space to dream and discover who God created her to be. Kenzie finds joy in the little things and recalls being marked with joy in every season. Everything she does, whether media, ministry or waffle related, is fueled with passion and joy.
After high school, she made the jump and moved 13+ hours from home to work in content creation and social media for Proverbs 31. She didn’t have qualifications for the job, but believes her time in prayer and preparation enabled her to take advantage of the opportunity. Fun fact: Growing up Kenzie was not interested in business or writing and it didn’t come natural. For Kenzie, this serves as an example of how vision and passion can catapult you to where you’re dreaming of arriving.
In 2018 she felt God leading her back home to Louisiana, after living in North Carolina for 3 years, to work at a smoothie bar. Although it felt like a step backwards, this decision ultimately led her into more than she could have dreamed of.
“Sometimes we have to take a step back, to be launched.”
-Kenzie Kober
“My work is far from normal.” Kenzie shares how it’s hard to put her life into words because it’s not a typical path. She makes waffles on the side, manages social media freelance, and does ministry. She appreciates the opportunity to work alongside people and serve a vision beyond herself through all of her pursuits. As an entrepreneur and creative, she values being able to set the pace of her life and work with meaning. She enjoys being able to set the culture, boundaries and bring meaning into the work space as well as those who benefit from her creativity.
Beyond pursuing her dream job and starting her own business, Kenzie is proud of her ability and opportunity to create a space for people to know their purpose and hope in Jesus. Recently, she hosted an event in Lake Charles, “Hope Rally,” after Hurricane Laura wiped out the city. She loves gathering with others, but for Kenzie, “this event was the highlight of my life.” Many were gathered, the local news was present and Kenzie was able to pray over the mayor and preach to a city in desperate need of hope.
If she is not balancing all the different passions in her life, you can find Kenzie at the beach, long boarding or biking (preferably around Huntington Beach, CA), going for long walks with friends, at a coffee shop or reading. Her personal goals for the future includes writing a book and running a half- marathon.
Kenzie starts each day in quiet time with Jesus. She acknowledges how he radically changed her life and empowers her to all that she does, so this is where she receives direction, strategy and her strength. Knowing she has a purpose on the earth and the opportunity to share the love of Jesus in all she does keeps her motivated.
In the face of challenges, she turns to Jesus and lays it down. She knows in her own strength she does not have the means to overcome obstacles with worry and her own strength. She encourages other entrepreneurs to remember that they don’t have to have it all figured out before they start. She recommends establishing a clear vision and then going for it. The first step is the leap of faith and the doors start opening after that.
Kenzie’s Advice:
“If it makes you uncomfortable, the idea terrifies you and seems absolutely impossible, you know you are heading in the right direction. Go for it.”
Kenzie loves empowering women so that they can walk in the faith that enables them to dream big and take risks that scare them. She acknowledges how our jobs and positions will change, but what we carry doesn’t. She wants women to know that they are more than their job titles (PREACH), and know they each carry something unique beyond their occupation.
Women in her personal life have empowered her to risk it and live outside her comfort zone by seeking the approval of God only, not man. She remembers her mother, from the time she was young, reminding her to not focus on what other think of her and to be fully herself.
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