My Journey
Hi, I’m Orna. I am a foodie, baker, mom, YouTuber, musician, writer, entrepreneur.
You might know me as a Jazz Singer (Orna: The Very Thought of You).
My identity growing up in Johannesburg was as a singer/songwriter/musician. Everyone knew me as “the singer.” And now (in LA) everyone knows me as “the baker.” But music touches my soul as much as baking fills my heart. They are both ways of expressing my creativity that bring me joy. And I’m now even more inspired by my amazing daughter, Aja’s natural creativity and extraordinary musical talent.
My baking reflects my Jewish South African heritage. I am best known for my Bulkas (traditional cinnamon buns) and Crunchies (South African oats and coconut bars).
In 1993 I left South Africa to study Film Scoring and Performance on scholarship at my dream school, Berklee College of Music in Boston, where I further developed my passion for Jazz. After graduating, I began gigging around LA and in 2003 released my album, Orna: The Very Thought of You.
My old story was how, in a panic before being signed to my record label, I joined Weight Watchers and so began “My Weight Loss Journey.” After becoming a WW Leader and Ambassador and private “Weight Loss Coach” (words that now make me cringe), in February 2015—under the direction of a marketing company—I released an e-book “The Yummier You: 7 Secrets to a Healthy, Happy, and Yummy Life” (more cringing) and was even interviewed on CNN about Weight Watchers.
But while that is my old story and doesn’t have a place in my current life, I appreciate how it all led me to where and who I am today. I’m including it here in case that’s how you originally connected with me and are wondering how it vanished. I am committed to a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, which I believe is the true answer to sustainable change and good mental and physical health and well-being.
I am loving being in my 50’s and finally comfortable in my own skin. It took many years and a lot of hard work to truly heal my relationship with food and my body; I used my passion for cooking and baking to heal—by embracing good food instead of fearing it. I believe in moderation and lifestyle changes (and finding joy!) and am very anti-dieting or any restrictive or extreme ways of eating. My other passion is Pilates and I am happier, stronger, and more fit than I was in my 20’s.
My goal is to always be my authentic self and to share my recipes, stories, and tips, and hopefully inspire you to find joy and be kind to yourself. And to bake!
I live in Calabasas, California, with my wonderful husband, Sam, my beautiful daughter, Aja, and adorable Wheaten Terrier, Scruffy.
I always love hearing from you, so please reach out if anything resonates and tag @ornabakes and mention #ornabakes if you make a recipe!
xoxo
Hi, I’m Orna. I am a foodie, baker, mom, YouTuber, musician, writer, entrepreneur.
You might know me as a Jazz Singer (Orna: The Very Thought of You).
My identity growing up in Johannesburg was as a singer/songwriter/musician. Everyone knew me as “the singer.” And now (in LA) everyone knows me as “the baker.” But music touches my soul as much as baking fills my heart. They are both ways of expressing my creativity that bring me joy. And I’m now even more inspired by my amazing daughter, Aja’s natural creativity and extraordinary musical talent.
My baking reflects my Jewish South African heritage. I am best known for my Bulkas (traditional cinnamon buns) and Crunchies (South African oats and coconut bars).
In 1993 I left South Africa to study Film Scoring and Performance on scholarship at my dream school, Berklee College of Music in Boston, where I further developed my passion for Jazz. After graduating, I began gigging around LA and in 2003 released my album, Orna: The Very Thought of You.
My old story was how, in a panic before being signed to my record label, I joined Weight Watchers and so began “My Weight Loss Journey.” After becoming a WW Leader and Ambassador and private “Weight Loss Coach” (words that now make me cringe), in February 2015—under the direction of a marketing company—I released an e-book “The Yummier You: 7 Secrets to a Healthy, Happy, and Yummy Life” (more cringing) and was even interviewed on CNN about Weight Watchers.
But while that is my old story and doesn’t have a place in my current life, I appreciate how it all led me to where and who I am today. I’m including it here in case that’s how you originally connected with me and are wondering how it vanished. I am committed to a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, which I believe is the true answer to sustainable change and good mental and physical health and well-being.
I am loving being in my 50’s and finally comfortable in my own skin. It took many years and a lot of hard work to truly heal my relationship with food and my body; I used my passion for cooking and baking to heal—by embracing good food instead of fearing it. I believe in moderation and lifestyle changes (and finding joy!) and am very anti-dieting or any restrictive or extreme ways of eating. My other passion is Pilates and I am happier, stronger, and more fit than I was in my 20’s.
My goal is to always be my authentic self and to share my recipes, stories, and tips, and hopefully inspire you to find joy and be kind to yourself. And to bake!
I live in Calabasas, California, with my wonderful husband, Sam, my beautiful daughter, Aja, and adorable Wheaten Terrier, Scruffy.
I always love hearing from you, so please reach out if anything resonates and tag @ornabakes and mention #ornabakes if you make a recipe!
xoxo