As Strong As The Mother Next To Me: Kathleen Loofbourrow

Meet Kathleen Loofbourrow, Owner + Mommy Salami, GRAZE

We are so grateful that Kathleen shared her story with us…

“I’m Kathleen, aka “Mommy Salami”—a former mortgage professional turned stay-at-home mom, now a charcuterie entrepreneur. For a year, the fear of failure held me back. When our household got hit by Covid last year, it forced me to pause and reflect, that stillness became my turning point. In August 2024, I took a leap of faith and launched Graze—a charcuterie company that has given me newfound purpose in this chapter of my life.”

Our ‘As Strong as the Mother Next to Me’ weekly spotlight highlights and celebrates Moms in San Diego and across the globe who believe in building up and supporting moms.

We are excited to share Kathleen’s story with you today!

How did you get started with your current role?

Growing up in Pampanga, the culinary capital of the Philippines, I was always surrounded by the best food. I once dreamed of becoming a chef but studied Foods and Nutrition at SDSU instead. Though my path took many turns, I always knew I’d find my way back to my love for food.

In 2021, I took on a part-time role assisting Joe Johnston, a prominent San Diego real estate agent. What started as admin work evolved into event coordinating, where my role involved curating brunch and charcuterie spreads for his open houses or events. People often asked if it was my business—I’d always say, “Not yet, but someday.” Then one day, everything aligned. I was scared but ready, and Graze was born.

Owning a business brings flexibility—some weeks I am able to focus on business growth through marketing & networking, while others can get so hectic I question why I opened up a business in the first place. But in moments of quiet reflection, I always return to my why. I opened Graze because it was my turn to be brave, courageous and resilient – just like Kai who endured so much the year prior. Every creation from Graze is a love letter to our clients and community. We make it a point to source as many items from local and small businesses that make each creation truly special.

What does “As Strong as the Mother Next to Me” mean to you?

To me, “As strong as the mother next to me” means resilience, perseverance, and the ability to push through life’s challenges—just like the incredible moms I’ve met over the years. I experienced post partum anxiety and depression after giving birth so I started working out at a gym that offered childwatch. After a few months, I ended up also working there part time in the childwatch department.

Working out & working at Burn Boot Camp’s childwatch for several years, I saw firsthand how mothers show up for themselves and their families, tackling hard things in and out of the gym. Their strength inspired me to embrace my own and reminded me that we’re all capable of more than we realize.

What strategies do you use to stay connected?

In 2023, our son was in a dog bite accident that turned our worlds upside down for a little while. He also broke his arm in 3 places a few months after which prolonged the physical, emotional and psychological healing for our family.

I went through the darkest time in my life during his recovery for various reasons. I have found myself anchoring myself to God first and truly surrendering everything during the most challenging of times. I also went to therapy, a lot of quiet reflection and relying on the love and support of family and friends when things felt so heavy and empty. Luckily, I have the best family support that includes my husband, family and a handful of best friends who gave me all the grace and love I needed until I felt like myself again.

How do you involve your children in your professional life, if at all?

Many of my core childhood memories involve tagging along on business trips and errands with my parents, shaping my understanding of hard work and dedication. Now, I love involving Kai in my own business—bringing him along on errands and even asking for his opinion when appropriate.

He’s my best taste tester, my comic relief during stressful moments, and the sweetest cuddler after a long day of working at an event.

Can you share an example of a collaboration with another mom that was particularly successful or fulfilling?

One of my favorite collaborations last year was with the moms from Kai’s school while preparing for our kids’ Alphabet Fashion Show. We all came together, combining our talents to create lasting memories for our children—it was such a rewarding experience to see our collective vision come to life. More than that, it was the moment I finally connected with the other school moms, overcoming my initial shyness and building genuine friendships.

As a bonus, I met Marissa, whose kindness led me to this feature, Tiffany, my graphic designer turned soul sister, and Katie, who showed up to help me through one of my busiest weeks so far. I’m so grateful to be surrounded by these incredible women—badass moms and kindhearted humans who make the world a better place.

How do you define strength in motherhood?

To me, strength in motherhood is the ability to show up every day, even when it’s hard. It’s in the quiet sacrifices, the endless patience- (oh the endless patience!), and the resilience to keep going despite exhaustion or doubt. Strength isn’t just about doing it all—it’s knowing when to ask for help, when to honor what your body is asking of you & honor the value of rest. It’s also found in the love, grace, and unwavering commitment we give our children and ourselves. Most importantly, I define strength in motherhood in our the ability to trust ourselves & truly believing that we are more than capable of enduring the toughest challenges life may throw at us.

How do you celebrate small victories in motherhood and business?

I celebrate small victories in both motherhood and business by embracing the little moments of joy and progress. In motherhood, it’s acknowledging the wins—whether it’s a smooth bedtime routine, a good conversation with Kai, or simply making it through a tough day with patience intact. In business, it’s taking time to appreciate milestones, no matter how small—booking a new client, receiving positive feedback, or creating something I’m truly proud of.

Sometimes, celebrating means treating myself to a quiet moment with lunch, sharing the win with loved ones with dinner at our favorite spots , or going to the Seabird hotel lobby to be still & sta

re at the ocean (it’s my favorite spot to daydream in!) and pausing to reflect on how far I’ve come. It’s a reminder that even the smallest steps forward deserve recognition.

How do you think societal perceptions of motherhood have changed over the years?

Societal perceptions of motherhood have evolved significantly over the years. Traditionally, mothers were expected to be primary caregivers, often sacrificing their personal ambitions for their families. Today, there is a growing recognition that mothers can pursue both career and personal goals while being devoted parents.

There’s also a shift toward valuing maternal mental health, self-care, and the idea that “being a good mom” doesn’t mean doing it all alone – it truly takes a village. Conversations around motherhood now emphasize flexibility, individuality, and support systems, rather than rigid expectations. While challenges remain, there is more space for mothers to define their own paths without as much societal guilt or pressure.

How do you balance self-care with taking care of your family and business?

Balancing self-care with family life and running my business is something I’m constantly learning to navigate. For me, it comes down to being intentional and setting clear boundaries. If I don’t make time for myself on purpose, everything else starts to feel overwhelming.

Some of my go-to self-care practices include working out 2 to 4 times a week — ideally with my best friend. Moving my body not only helps me clear my mind amidst the chaos, but it’s also a powerful reminder that I’m capable of doing hard things. I also treasure those small pockets of quiet whenever I can find them, just to sit and be still. And every now and then, a little retail therapy is a fun way to reward myself.

How did you build your community of moms around you? 

I built my community of moms organically through intentional, meaningful interactions over the years. With the many roles I juggle daily, my time and energy for socializing is limited, so I make every moment count by fostering relationships that promote mutual growth.

This community has profoundly impacted my life in two key ways:

Personally:
They’ve become my go-to source for emotional support, understanding, and friendship. Sharing our ups and downs has helped me realize I’m not alone in my experiences, which in turn has eased the weight of stress and self-doubt. We celebrate our wins together, however small, and offer a shoulder to lean on during tougher times.

Professionally:
My network of moms has provided valuable insights and honest feedback, often sparking creative solutions for managing work-life balance. Their perspectives have sometimes led to collaborative opportunities and referrals, enriching my business with ideas and support that are deeply rooted in the real challenges of juggling family and entrepreneurship.

In essence, cultivating this community has not only nurtured my personal well-being but has also enriched my professional journey by providing a space where shared experiences translate into practical support and growth.

How important is it to you to surround yourself with other moms professionally and personally?

Surrounding myself with other moms is not just important—it’s absolutely essential. On a personal level, their support, shared experiences, and genuine understanding create a safe haven where I feel heard and valued, helping me navigate the challenges of motherhood with resilience and warmth. Professionally, the insights and creative ideas that arise from these connections ground my business in real-world experiences, fostering collaboration and growth. In a truly profound way, this community enriches every aspect of my life, reminding me that I am never alone in the journey of balancing family, career, and self.

What piece of advice would you give another mom who is struggling with balancing motherhood and business?

The quote I live by—both professionally and personally—is: “all you need is a little delusion and audacity and you can seriously do anything in this life.” When balancing work and home or thinking about starting your own business, remember that a bit of fearless belief in yourself can go a long way. Embrace the idea that it’s okay to dream big and step outside your comfort zone. Let your “delusion” be the spark that challenges the status quo, and let your “audacity” drive you to take those bold steps toward what truly matters to you. This mindset can empower you to navigate the chaos, overcome challenges, and ultimately create the life you envision.

Do you have a non-profit or cause that you want us to know more about? And why are you so passionate about this?

The Rady Children’s Hospital Foundation is incredibly close to our hearts. When Kai had his dog bite accident and broke his arm, the exceptional care and support we received from the Rady team not only helped him heal physically but also provided our family with much-needed comfort during a challenging time. That personal experience has fueled my passion for this cause—knowing firsthand how life-changing quality pediatric care can be. Supporting the Rady Children’s Hospital Foundation means helping ensure that other families have access to the same high standard of care and compassion when they need it most.

What challenges do you face as a mother and businesswoman?

The biggest challenge for me has been adjusting to our new family dynamic. It’s a shift for everyone, learning that mom isn’t always available — and the guilt hits hardest during busy weeks with Graze when I can’t cook or spend as much time with my family. But Ian and Kai’s unwavering support keeps me grounded.

Balancing schedules, emotions, and responsibilities while staying creative as a business owner can be overwhelming, but it’s all worth it knowing I’m pursuing something that empowers me — and showing Kai what it means to chase your dreams and create something meaningful.

Tell us about a challenging time in your business or in your role in motherhood and how you overcame it?

At the start of my business, I made a significant investment in a mobile charcuterie cart for Graze. The cart was designed to break down into smaller pieces, with the goal of fitting into my mid-sized SUV so I could easily transport and operate it on my own.

However, I quickly discovered the cart didn’t fit in my vehicle as planned, creating unexpected logistical challenges. To get it to events, I would need to rent a larger van, adding both extra cost and complexity to each setup. Initially, I felt a wave of buyer’s remorse, and the cart ended up sitting unused in our home for several months. Thankfully, I was able to secure other bookings and keep the business moving forward while I took time to rethink my strategy for its official launch.

After the holidays, my family took an extended trip to the Philippines, which gave me a much-needed opportunity to step back, unplug, and reset. But once we returned, I realized that if I continued to delay the cart’s launch out of fear or uncertainty, I would never truly know its potential.

So, I decided to take action and reached out to Adobe Hill Winery — a venue I had been hoping to collaborate with ever since I learned about their grand opening in November. I scheduled a meeting and, to my delight, the meeting went incredibly well. This led to the official launch of the cart just a few weeks later on Valentine’s Day, followed by a second appearance the very next day.

The response from both the winery’s owners and their guests was overwhelmingly positive, and as a result, I was invited back for the final two Saturdays in March.

Through both business and motherhood, I’ve learned that when challenges arise, my approach is to step back, assess the situation, and break it down into smaller, manageable pieces. By tackling each part one step at a time, I’m able to work through obstacles and ultimately turn a challenge into an opportunity.

What are some of your favorite resources managing your business and/or home life that have saved you time?

One of my most valuable resources for managing my business so far has been Instagram. It’s become an incredible platform not only for marketing my services but also for research, inspiration, and—most importantly—connection. Through Instagram, I’ve been able to learn from and build relationships with charcuterie business owners across the globe, each offering unique insights that have helped me continuously improve my craft.

I once came across a quote that really resonated with me: “Collaboration happens at the top, while competition happens at the bottom.” That couldn’t be more true. The sense of community I’ve found within the charcuterie industry—both locally and internationally—has been invaluable. We openly exchange tips, tricks, and ideas, and that spirit of collaboration helps us all grow stronger.

As a solopreneur, running a business can sometimes feel isolating, but having a network of like-minded creatives who understand the challenges on a deep, personal level makes all the difference. It’s a reminder that while I may run my business alone, I’m never truly alone in this journey.

Can you share a moment when another mom’s support made a significant difference in your life?

I met my best friend Mavhis a few years ago at Burn Boot Camp. She overheard me talking about needing an accountability partner and volunteered. We exchanged numbers and have talked every day since. Mavhis has kept me accountable not only at the gym, but in other areas of my life too.

Mavhis is the embodiment of consistency, and I strive to be like her when I grow up. She shows up for me and my family, always tells the truth when I need it, and supports me, especially during tough times. Despite having a busy life with three kids, a military husband, and multiple jobs, she handles everything with grace and resilience. I’m so grateful to have her as a constant source of support and encouragement.

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MOMination

We become better women, partners, leaders, and friends by empowering and lifting each other up. Thank you Kathleen for MOMinating this women below who has inspired you.

Allison Andrews (San Diego Fashion Week)

Allison is a mega mompreneur. She is the founder of the San Diego Fashion week, has written a book about Taking Ownership of one’s life and is constantly juggling several business that include a marketing company, a chicken coop cleaning business and several others while being a co-parent to her 3 lovely children. With her vast experience in building businesses from the ground up, she is often my first call when I have questions or just need a voice of reason to keep going amidst some moments of doubt during this chapter of my life as an entrepreneur. She is one of the kindest and most genuine people I know!

Elizabeth Smith

Elizabeth is a marketing and business strategist who helps businesses grow further. She is also a trainer at Burn Boot Camp and homeschools her two children. I truly do not know how she does it all with grace. I admire Elizabeth’s resilience and ability to take on any challenges that come her way while maintaining a level head & a strong faith.

We are thrilled to bring back our weekly spotlight that will highlight and celebrate Moms in San Diego and across the globe who believe in building up and supporting moms.

We hope that if we can debunk the idea that you have to take on this journey alone, as a community of moms, we will all walk away stronger, inspired, and raise stronger children and become better partners. We’d love to hear from you!