Laura Prepon Builds a Culinary Empire: From “That ’70s Show” Star to HSN Lifestyle Innovator with PrepOn Kitchen
“I hope so. That’s the goal.” A vibrant, undeniable joy illuminates Laura Prepon’s face when asked about her ambition to emulate the iconic Martha Stewart, expanding her burgeoning brand into the expansive lifestyle and home entertaining sphere. For the 44-year-old actress, celebrated for her role as Donna Pinciotti on the beloved series That ‘70s Show, this vision is far from a new fancy; it’s an idea she has been meticulously cultivating for over two decades, even during her early days on television.
Today, the accomplished mother-of-two offers insights from the comfort of her inviting New York home, eager to discuss PrepOn Kitchen, her innovative new cookware line that recently made its much-anticipated debut on HSN. Amidst engaging conversations about her culinary passion and the smart solutions she brings to the kitchen, Prepon also addresses the persistent question of a That ‘70s Show reunion (a prospect she gently dismisses, but more on that later), all while revealing the profound inspiration behind her ingenious cooking hacks and practical home-entertaining philosophies.
“I basically grew up immersed in the world of the kitchen,” Laura shares exclusively with HollywoodLife, her voice reflecting a deep sense of nostalgia and admiration. “My mother was an incredibly talented gourmet chef, and I was always profoundly inspired watching her artistry as a youngster. Her culinary skills were truly captivating.” However, Prepon also acknowledges a critical observation from her childhood: “But you know, she was always tirelessly cooking and, as a result, was never truly present with us at any of our meals. Even as a young girl, despite being so inspired by her in the kitchen, I distinctly felt like there had to be a better way to experience that shared mealtime.”
This early insight sparked a lifelong quest for efficiency and connection. “There’s got to be an easier way, a more practical and streamlined method to still be able to share this vital nourishment – and, more importantly, this love – with your family and friends,” Prepon emphasizes. For her, cooking is far more than just preparing food; it’s a profound act of affection and bonding. “Because, truly, that’s how I share my love with my dearest friends and family. I cook for them, and we cook together, creating memories around the dinner table, not just in the kitchen.” This philosophy forms the very cornerstone of her PrepOn Kitchen brand, aiming to simplify culinary tasks so that home cooks can focus on the joy of connection rather than the stress of preparation.
The meticulous level of thought and user-centric design that has gone into developing each PrepOn Kitchen product is immediately apparent. Take, for instance, the innovative cutting board, a standout item in her collection. This isn’t just any cutting board; it features a cleverly integrated, extendable arm, specifically designed so you can effortlessly attach a compostable bag. As you chop, dice, and slice, product waste can be slid directly into the bag, preventing your precious counter space from becoming an overflowing mess of scraps. This ingenious feature exemplifies Prepon’s commitment to practical kitchen solutions that enhance efficiency and reduce cleanup. Another brilliant example is the set of multi-sized silicone food lids. These versatile lids are designed to snap securely over a variety of items – from a half-eaten apple to an open jar or can – providing an airtight seal to preserve leftover food with remarkable ease. These aren’t just tools; they are thoughtful innovations crafted to empower home cooks, making kitchen tasks more manageable and enjoyable, ultimately freeing up time to spend with loved ones.
[jwplayer T94PKkXO]
Fantasizing about elegant and creative solutions to everyday household problems has been Laura Prepon’s inherent talent and passion for a very long time. “I’ve always kind of had a distinct business mind, a desire to innovate and build,” says the two-time author, reflecting on her grander vision of expanding PrepOn Kitchen into a comprehensive lifestyle brand, much in the vein of industry titans like Martha Stewart or Gwyneth Paltrow’s highly successful Goop. Her entrepreneurial spirit is robust and multifaceted: “I absolutely thrive on juggling a bunch of different things at once,” she adds, highlighting her capacity for managing diverse projects simultaneously, from acting and writing to product development and brand building.
“I’ve harbored the dream of creating one of these culinary lines since I was just a child,” reveals the acclaimed Orange Is The New Black star. Her deep-seated love for cooking and entertaining isn’t a recent development; it’s a long-standing passion that she even attempted to transform into a television show decades ago, long before her current success on HSN. This persistent drive underscores her authentic connection to the culinary world, demonstrating that PrepOn Kitchen is the culmination of years of dedicated thought and aspiration.
“It’s always been a profound passion of mine, deeply rooted in my personal journey,” she asserts. “I began my journey on That ‘70s Show when I was merely 18-years-old. Yet, even back then, the very first show I wanted to sell, before anything else, was a concept I titled Entertaining 101.” Laura had meticulously crafted a compelling concept and a detailed pitch, going so far as to assemble an elaborate presentation filled with captivating pictures of various “themed parties” she had personally hosted. These early efforts demonstrate her innate talent for conceptualizing and her unwavering dedication to the art of entertaining, a passion that has clearly persisted and evolved into the PrepOn Kitchen brand we see today.
Despite her ambitious early attempts, no one initially bought into the idea of Entertaining 101. Instead, she found success selling a show about poker playing, a stark contrast to her culinary dreams. Yet, her profound love for the genre of home entertaining never waned; it simply simmered, waiting for the right moment. “I’ve always loved the process of entertaining, paying attention to home décor, and especially, of course, the heart of the home – the kitchen,” she reiterates with conviction. Her current focus is sharply defined: providing practical, actionable tips for family gatherings and, critically, streamlining the entire culinary and entertaining process. This focus is particularly poignant as a working mom navigating the demanding schedules of a 3-year-old and a toddler. “I just want things to be simpler and significantly less stressful, especially when it comes to cooking,” she candidly admits, reflecting a sentiment shared by countless parents striving to balance family life with nourishing meals. This desire for ease and efficiency is the driving force behind every product in her PrepOn Kitchen line, designed to bring more joy and less chaos to modern households.
When it comes to engaging in candid discussions and exchanging wisdom with fellow working mothers, Laura Prepon’s close-knit “tribe” of parents includes some very familiar faces: her former That ‘70s Show castmates, namely Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher, who are also raising two children of their own. These enduring friendships, forged during their formative years on set, have evolved into a supportive network as they navigate the joys and challenges of parenthood together. Their shared experiences as actors and now as parents create a unique bond, allowing for genuine connection and understanding.
“Actually, for my last book that was released – titled You and I, As Mothers – I had the wonderful opportunity to interview Mila for it, and she shared so many truly wonderful and insightful things about her own journey through motherhood,” Laura proudly recounts. This collaboration highlights the depth of their friendship and their shared commitment to empowering mothers. However, the idea of reuniting on a set for a That ‘70s Show revival or reunion special is, according to Prepon, simply not in the cards. While the memories remain cherished, she believes some experiences are best preserved as they are.
“That entire experience of filming That ‘70s Show was truly wonderful, a magical time in our lives,” she says, her voice tinged with affection as she reflects on the series that aired from 1998 to 2006. “It’s something that feels like it’s perfectly encased in this beautiful time capsule for all of us involved… It genuinely stands as this incredibly special, pivotal moment in my life, and while I can’t speak definitively for the others, I know for a fact it was utterly transformative for so many of us.” Prepon articulates a common sentiment among the cast, suggesting a collective desire to preserve the show’s legacy in its original, untouched form. “It kind of…wants to stay right there, you know what I mean? Like in that cherished time capsule where, when we do get together, we laugh about the old days, sharing fond memories, or like Mila sends me something genuinely funny that reminds us of our time together. The magic of that show lives on in our memories and our bond, and that’s a powerful legacy in itself.”
In the bustling interim, Laura Prepon is meticulously focused on a multitude of ambitious endeavors. She is diligently working on writing her third book, a testament to her ongoing commitment to sharing her insights and experiences. Simultaneously, she is dedicated to raising her children, fostering a nurturing home environment amidst her thriving career. And, perhaps most significantly, she is actively building a formidable lifestyle empire with PrepOn Kitchen. Her entrepreneurial spirit shows no signs of slowing down; indeed, she’s already enthusiastically dreaming up and sketching out new, innovative items to add to her rapidly expanding PrepOn line. “I have countless little scraps of paper scattered around my office, and I’ve ripped things off from magazines, all filled with intricate design ideas for my product line,” she reveals, her passion palpable. “This isn’t a fleeting venture; I truly have been thinking of this specific line for years, envisioning every detail. It emanates from such a deep, authentic place within me, born from a lifetime of observations, passions, and a genuine desire to make life easier and more joyful for others.”