How Lovina Zook left the Amish and found an online audience
This 23-year-old who grew up in a conservative Amish community and had never used a cell phone or computer is today an unlikely social media influencer, sharing stories and recipes of the Amish with her six million online followers.
Lovina Hershberger Zook is a 23-year-old social media creator who has gained six million followers by sharing her recipes and stories about Amish culture. Born into one of the strictest Amish subgroups, she left the faith five years ago while still a child. Despite abandoning the Amish lifestyle, she maintains many traditional customs at home.
Lovina's online presence primarily revolves around cooking Amish dishes, which range from traditional to unconventional recipes like coffee soup and an Amish cheeseburger. She initially had no knowledge of technology such as phones and computers, but now owns a laptop and can only call it a "computer" because she does not fully understand its name.
Her journey from the Amish community to social media stardom began when she realized she was tired of the strict rules and pronouncements, including the threat of going to Hell if she left. She left the Amish community by timing her escape when her family was asleep, ensuring she did not disturb them with the noise from the creaking stairs.
Written by urgent.news from CBS News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Ex-Amish Lovina Zook finds an online audience cbsnews.com
