The Journey of Lovina Hershberger Zook: From Amish Tradition to Social Media Stardom
The Amish community, known for its commitment to simplicity and tradition, largely abstains from modern technology like cars and computers. Lovina Hershberger Zook, once part of this community, now thrives in the online world as a social media influencer. She has garnered six million followers sharing recipes and stories about Amish life.
Zook comes from one of the most conservative groups within the Amish. She grew up speaking Pennsylvania Dutch, a German dialect. Although she left the Amish faith five years ago, she still practices many traditions. For example, she makes and frequently wears her own traditional dresses at home.
Online, Zook charms her audience with Amish cooking. Her recipes range from traditional to unique, such as a coffee soup made with milk, instant coffee, sugar, and crackers, enjoyed with cottage cheese and meat. She jokingly refers to her grilled cheese sandwich made with homemade bread as an ‘Amish cheeseburger.’
Her journey from an Amish upbringing to social media stardom is marked by curiosity and adaptation. Zook recalls being unfamiliar with technology, having never used a phone or computer before leaving her community. She humorously describes the learning curve, such as discovering what a laptop is.
If asked about becoming a social media star while still Amish, Zook says she wouldn’t have understood; she didn’t know what social media was. Her popularity rose from not just food content but also educational videos about Amish culture. Her most popular video, showing how Amish women style their hair, has over 50 million views on TikTok.
Discussing life as an Amish person, Zook shares her struggle with restrictions. There was no electricity, no makeup, no dancing, and strict language rules. Even saying “Oh, my gosh” was prohibited. Leaving the Amish meant facing the severe consequence of being told she would go to Hell.
After leaving, Zook had to adjust to the “English” world. She initially lived with family, including a brother who had left before her. Reflecting on her decision, Zook recounts her dissatisfaction with low wages as an Amish schoolteacher and pressure to follow a strict lifestyle. Her mother’s criticism of her church attire was a turning point, motivating her escape.
She prepared meticulously, timing her exit while the family slept, even oiling door hinges to prevent noise. Although free from strict rules, Zook respects many Amish practices and misses her family, especially her siblings, who affectionately called her “Momma #2.”
Today, Zook drives and supports herself through social media and her self-published cookbook. She is married to Eli, an ex-Amish, and they are expecting their first child. Zook believes her life has God’s approval and expresses optimism for the future, longing for a home, garden, and potentially an Amish restaurant and market.
Recipe: Amish Peanut Butter Pie
For more details, visit Lovina’s Official Site and explore her book “Lovina’s Amish Cookbook: 230+ Authentic Amish Recipes,” available in hardcover and eBook formats.