Lisa Eriksen

When Lisa was 17, she met her husband Jens, an engineer, who was 24 at the time. They were at a sanatorium where they were both treated for tuberculosis. After they were cured and returned home, Lisa started her education at a dress design school in Copenhagen, while Jens moved to the USA to explore new opportunities. Two and a half years later, Jens returned to Denmark on vacation and the two decided to marry. After both of them immigrated to the United States, they were often invited to dinner parties as Jens already had many friends. When they hosted their first party, Lisa realized she had no experience in cooking and entertaining, so she turned to a good friend, who was a great hostess, for help and advice. Soon Lisa became a great hostess herself as she also enjoyed learning about it.

Times were tough during the Vietnam War. By this time Jens and Lisa already had three children, and they needed more income to support the family, so their friends suggested Lisa to start a catering business. At first Lisa took a job at a restaurant to learn the basics. Once Lisa was more knowledgeable and confident, she finally started her own business, and the popular Bon Appetit was born.

Years later, after their son Peter was killed in a plane crash, Lisa decided to retire from the business and help her daughter Susanne care for her first grandson. Bon Appetit is now owned and managed by Susanne, who has greatly expanded it. She is now joined by both of her sons. Lisa’s youngest daughter, Annette, is a successful Financial Adviser managing her own business. She and her husband live in San Francisco.  Location: Redondo Beach, CA.	

Lisa’s message for the world:
“Touch other people’s lives in a positive manner and help where you can.”
Abstract/Description: When Lisa was 17, she met her husband Jens, an engineer, who was 24 at the time. They were at a sanatorium where they were both treated for tuberculosis. After they were cured and returned home, Lisa started her education at a dress design school in Copenhagen, while Jens moved to the USA to explore new opportunities. Two and a half years later, Jens returned to Denmark on vacation and the two decided to marry. After both of them immigrated to the United States, they were often invited to dinner parties as Jens already had many friends. When they hosted their first party, Lisa realized she had no experience in cooking and entertaining, so she turned to a good friend, who was a great hostess, for help and advice. Soon Lisa became a great hostess herself as she also enjoyed learning about it. Times were tough during the Vietnam War. By this time Jens and Lisa already had three children, and they needed more income to support the family, so their friends suggested Lisa to start a catering business. At first Lisa took a job at a restaurant to learn the basics. Once Lisa was more knowledgeable and confident, she finally started her own business, and the popular Bon Appetit was born. Years later, after their son Peter was killed in a plane crash, Lisa decided to retire from the business and help her daughter Susanne care for her first grandson. Bon Appetit is now owned and managed by Susanne, who has greatly expanded it. She is now joined by both of her sons. Lisa’s youngest daughter, Annette, is a successful Financial Adviser managing her own business. She and her husband live in San Francisco. Location: Redondo Beach, CA. Lisa’s message for the world: “Touch other people’s lives in a positive manner and help where you can.”
Subject(s): Portraits
Eriksen, Lisa
Redondo Beach (Calif.)
2011-2020