We recently connected with Theresa Parker and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Theresa, thanks for joining us today. Do you have any thoughts about how to create a more inclusive workplace?

Food Inclusivity is lacking in most workplace environments. Quite few people in the workplace are left out when it’s time for celebrations including food, conferences, trainings, and holiday parties. I attended a conference this year and there weren’t any vegan selections for the event. Several attendees and sponsors didn’t have anything to eat during a four hour program. One of the sponsors at the 10k level pulled lunch out her purse and asked the banquet staff to warm it up for her. Another sponsor from a different table left and did not return. I tried to doordash myself some food but there wasn’t any vegan food in the area.

On another occasion I was a part of a workspace and the owner would order food and most times it would have cheese on it and when I asked if she could order some items without cheese I was told no because I was the minority and majority wins.

Why should only certain people be able to eat and other have to buy their food during these moments at work or at conferences?

Theresa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am known for making fruits and veggies dance on your palate. Currently, my top-selling items are my vegan ceviche, watermelon (ahi tuna), jackfruit nachos, and charcuterie boards.

I plan experience events that feature vegan food options made from fruits and vegetables that most people have never tried. I have a collaboration with KG Smooth and his Quiet Storm Island Vibe Vegan Wine and Clutch Distilling for these events. I have also teamed up with ICRYO West University for several wellness events. I would love to plan your next wellness event for your next team building event with your friends, family, colleagues or employees.

I am most proud of the spotlight exposure that I have received this early in my business journey, such as being the 1st Vegan Vendor to be Spotlighted at Wild West Brewfest in Katy, TX.. I have catered events at The Ion, HAUL, and Greentown Labs.

The thing that sets me apart from other vegan vendors, I don’t use any of the processed meat substitutes. All of my dishes are created using fruits and veggies.

I offer The Farmer’s Market Experience which gives you the opportunity to meet me at the farmer’s market and learn how to shop the farmer’s market. We also shop for spices that your will enjoy. Next we create 4-5 dishes out of the box of fruits and veggies from the farmer’s market using the spices you selected. This experience gives you the opportunity to fall in love with fruits and veggies.

My mission is have people fall in love with fruits and veggies. There are so many healing and preventive properties in increasing your intake of fruits and veggies.

Vegan Curious Flexitarians are my largest customer base.

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

Here’s a fun fact about me…… I am very seldom in regular clothes.
Most days I have on a Vegan Palate brand baseball t-shirt majority of the places I go.
On 3 occasions, I have been in a bar/lounge with my branded t-shirt and new customers have ordered meal prep on the spot.
Most people aren’t thinking about healthy food choices while they are enjoying a drink or smoking a cigar but branding yourself works. Making a sale was the furthest thing on my mind when I walked into these places of business.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

My reputation was built within my market because I live the Vegan/Plant-based lifestyle. I took time to learn my industry for personal reasons and people see that it is reflected in my brand.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: instagram.com/veganpalate22
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veganpalate22/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theveganpalate22/

Image Credits
Randall McHenry C. Allen Photography