Former Amish Woman Becomes Social Media Influencer

The Amish, known as “plain people,” are deeply religious Christians who prioritize tradition and simplicity over modern technology. Most Amish avoid using cars, computers, or phones. However, Lovina Hershberger Zook, a former member of this community, has embraced a new way of life as a social media influencer.

Lovina, a 23-year-old social media creator, has attracted around six million followers with her content focused on Amish recipes and stories. Raised in one of the most conservative Amish subgroups, she grew up speaking “Pennsylvania Dutch,” a dialect of German. Though she left the Amish community five years ago, she continues to keep many traditions alive in her home. She creates her own dresses and wears them within her household.

Lovina’s online presence includes sharing Amish culinary traditions, ranging from traditional dishes to unconventional recipes like coffee soup. This dish combines hot milk, instant coffee, sugar, and saltine crackers and is best enjoyed with cottage cheese and meat. One of her specialties is an “Amish cheeseburger,” which non-Amish people would recognize as a grilled cheese sandwich, made with homemade bread, butter, and cheese.

Having never used a phone or computer before leaving her community, Lovina had much to learn about technology. She mentioned her initial confusion between a laptop and a computer, showing how foreign these concepts were to her. Her transition from a simple Amish lifestyle to being a social media star seemed unimaginable to her younger self.

Along with food, Lovina shares insights into the culture she left behind. One of her most popular videos, with over 50 million views, is a tutorial on Amish women’s hairstyling. Reflecting on her past, she described the Amish worldview as insular, believing their lifestyle was the right one.

The rules against electricity extended to many other prohibitions. Women were forbidden to wear makeup, dance, smoke, or drink. Even innocuous phrases like “Oh, my gosh” were considered unacceptable.

The path away from her community was challenging. Lovina, one of 13 siblings, followed her older brother in leaving. After finishing eighth grade, she worked as a schoolteacher earning $12 a day, commuting eight miles via horse-and-buggy. Her father urged her to find a better-paying job at a sawmill.

Feeling constrained by expectations, Lovina began planning her escape after being criticized for her church attire. She spent two weeks quietly preparing, even oiling creaky door hinges to avoid detection during her nocturnal escape.

Now settled in the “English” world, Lovina has adapted to modern life. She initially lived with her brother and other relatives, learning new ways. Today she earns a living through social media and sells a self-published cookbook. She is married to Eli, a former Amish, and they are expecting their first child.

Lovina aspires to farm and possibly open an Amish restaurant and market. She believes she is living the life God intended for her and feels her future holds many possibilities and happiness.

Recipe: Amish Peanut Butter Pie

For more details, visit Lovina Zook’s official site and consider her book, “Lovina’s Amish Cookbook: 230+ Authentic Amish Recipes.” Available in hardcover and eBook formats.