Suzanne Pollak
biography
Suzanne Pollak, a social strategist specializing in cooking, hospitality and design, is the cofounder of the Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits, a class and lecture platform designed to foster more meaningful connections to how and where we live.
Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Pollak was raised in Africa for eighteen years. Her parents hosted weekly parties, integral to her father’s job in the CIA as well as providing a vital social network for international guests and local residents. Pollak attended a dozen schools in twelve grades (one in a camel barn), but her primary education took place out of the classroom and in the kitchen. She watched the pre-party preparation and cooking, then observed the party itself: the costumes, cocktails, conversations and the diplomats anticipating and averting crisis. Not much got past Pollak’s eagle eye and her experiences created a foundation for the execution of successful entertaining.
Featured in The Wall Street Journal for her historic restoration of a 1780 townhouse, and Town & Country magazine for her restoration of a 1780 Georgian tabby mansion and garden in Beaufort, South Carolina. Pollak is the former spokesperson for Federated Department Stores, appearing at seminars in seventy-seven stores over ten states, building customer loyalty with her advice columns (“Suzanne Suggests”; “Ask Suzanne”; “Home Ingredients”) and playing a vital role in brand development as point person for morning television shows and newspapers in the major markets.
Suzanne is the co-author of three books: Entertaining for Dummies (Wiley, 1997), The Pat Conroy Cookbook (Doubleday, 2009), and The Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits: A Handbook of Etiquette with Recipes (Abrams, 2014). She is currently at work on her forthcoming book, Mothers and Sons, an in-depth look at the interlocking relationship between successful men and their strongest domestic influence. (View live Mother's Day interviews with Roger Goodell and Daryl Hall.)
COOKING CLASSES
Join Suzanne for school the way it should be. Learn how to build a more beautiful and rewarding life in Charleston or your own city. Demonstration or hands-on classes on cooking, homemaking, and etiquette can be customized for both individuals and groups for any topic - from how to host a fabulous dinner party to preserving your grandmother's silver.
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SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
In original talks about living at home, Suzanne incorporates ancient wisdom from her diplomatic family childhood in Africa with best contemporary practices learned by raising four children and running a home business. Learn how to create a household that enriches life as homes have done for generations part, producing a rewarding foundation for everyone within.