Posted by: The Holland Sentinel

Written by: Austin Metz

Starting a business of her own was Kate Bolt's way of showing her creative side.

It started five years ago, when the Holland native decided to write down 100 of her original recipes — recipes for home cooks needing to slow down and "enjoy more life and time at home.”

Bolt was born and raised in Holland, attending college in Indiana and moving to Europe for a period for work. She met her husband Dan and moved back to Holland to raise their three children.

“We love living near the coast of Lake Michigan and going on a 'lark' together through fun hikes in the sand dunes, picnics outside with friends and being with our extended family at the dinner table,” Bolt said.

"Living Lark" — as her website is called — means celebrating clean eating, having fun, and splurging when necessary, Bolt said. It's about indulgence and reset; taking a moderate approach to healthy food during the week and indulging reasonably on the weekend.

“No matter the time or the season, I want to enjoy every bite,” Bolt said.

Bolt has published her recipes in cookbooks and on her website, and has sought growth through partnerships with local businesses.

“In the past few years, I've enjoyed the growth of my company through serving one beverage per month at a local bistro, Galleria,” Bolt said. “This cocktail is served in-house at their restaurant and also served to-go through my Bottle Club.”

The creation of Lark has also allowed Bolt to promote other small businesses, using their products in her recipes. Bolt plans to continue to write recipes and teach cocktail workshops. And for the future? Bolt isn't sure whether to hire staff and open a mobile bar cart or brick-or-mortar storefront — or to keep it simple. “I've decided not to (open a cart or storefront) at this point because I enjoy the hours I’m working and can primarily work while our kids are in school," she said. Learn more at livinglark.com.