Shining a Light On … Nicole Pecina Shahar

We would like to introduce Nicole Pecina Shahar to the community. Nicole will be spotlighting the culinary scene in the foothills in partnership with the Montrose~Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce. She will be showcasing the businesses of the MVCC through social media. With her MVCC nametag, a camera and the approval of local businesses, she will share a unique perspective.

About Nicole: She is a wife and mother of two, and is owner of An Old Soul Jewelry and An Old Soul Life. An Old Soul Jewelry is a bohemian handcrafted fashion jewelry line with an emphasis in pearl work that is designed and produced in Montrose. Her designs are sold at boutiques around the country. Nicole knows what it means to be local, to support local and to share local.

An Old Soul Life is a food and lifestyle company that focuses on seed-to-table cooking. Her passion in life is to feed and educate people on how to feed themselves in an affordable, relatable and home-grown way.   

“I love the way food brings us all together and brings to life our cultural histories and traditions,” she said. Her Italian-American grandparents had her in the kitchen at a very young age and she fell in love with the transformation of humble ingredients into delectable dishes that drew all of her family members to the table to laugh, talk and tell stories of the past. Now she has her two young boys in the kitchen with her as well as in her large vegetable garden.

“Understanding the work that goes into growing every cucumber and the patience it takes to watch your tomatoes ripening in the sun, then tasting your hard work and the magic that the earth gives you makes a spring and summer such a special time in our household,” said Nicole. “I am inspired to help other families find their cooking paths and to bring good food to their tables.”

Learning her grandmother’s recipes that have been passed down from many generations have always been at the core of Nicole’s dishes. Love, happiness and soul go into each and every meal and it all starts with fresh ingredients, many which are grown right in her backyard! A plate full of rich color and vibrant flavors are sure to be whipped up every night for her and her family.

Nicole’s love for bringing people together over a delicious meal started at a very young age. With this new collaboration with the Montrose Chamber, she will continue to bring people together, on a larger scale, connecting them with the community. 

An Old Soul Life will be launching a YouTube channel and cooking workshops and will offer in-home cooking and gardening guidance. Find out more at www.anoldsouljewelry.com.

Look to see Nicole around town, on Instagram and via the Montrose Chamber social media. We are very pleased to add this next level to the chamber experience.  

Victoria Marie Malone, Executive Director

YOUR Montrose/Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce

3436 N. Verdugo Road,
Suite 100,
Glendale, CA 91208

Office: (818) 249-7171

www.montrosechamber.org

  Victoria Marie Malone