Stefanie Schwartz, Head Sommelier, Portale Restaurant (New York, USA)

Years in industry:

15! My first restaurant job was as a hostess at an Uno Chicago Grill in Florida, senior year of high school. Since, I attended Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, NC learning about BOH operations and was introduced to the magic that is the world of beverages. I moved to New York City after graduation and have worked in so many amazing restaurants (Aureole, Le Coucou) as a sommelier, leading me to the current position of Head Sommelier at Portale Restaurant.

My biggest challenge to wellness:

Myself. I have high functioning anxiety with a side of depression. When one or the other becomes overwhelming, I go to extremes: go faster and do more, or stop all together. I notice this when there’s a pile of dishes in the sink (because who has the time?!), or when my body decides to forcefully slow down.

The latter happened recently. Running, work, rock climbing, yoga … my left hip flexor become strained and overworked. I could hardly walk for two weeks. With hot baths, massage, and physical therapy, I’m so close to being back to 100%. But there’s still some strain that is reminding me to slow down, rest, and to sit with myself. This experience has forced me to face emotional discomfort while physically healing. It’s important to do this because this is where we grow, even though it’s scary.

How I keep it together to stay well:

I have a check list on my bathroom mirror of daily rituals that keep me grounded. If I haven’t done all five things, then I need complete the rituals, and reassess daily feelings. These daily rituals are: practicing yoga, expressing gratitude, making the bed, washing dishes, walking outside. These rituals maintain cleanliness of the mind and home. When I skip one, like letting the dishes pile up, it’s a physical signal that something is off.

Having a strong support system also keeps me together. My closest friends are scattered from NYC to Florida to Pennsylvania to Oregon. But these people are there 100% for me in the best of their capacity, utilizing text messaging, phone calls, FaceTime, Zoom … any way we can connect emotionally.

A huge shift in my wellness came in June, when @sommation_live started. This has become a lifeline. This group chat doesn’t seem to stop. We cover all topics and are very candid with each other. I’ve been introduced to so many beautiful souls that teach me so much. This group has become chosen family and I would feel lost without them. There aren’t words strong enough to express my gratitude for this community.

You can connect with Stefanie on Instagram @stefanieschwartz @sommation_live , Facebook and LinkedIn