We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashley Autry. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashley below.

Ashley , appreciate you joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The inspiration for Livin’ Fresh came from my desire to create a food business that offers healthier alternatives to traditional soul food and comfort food. I wanted to reimagine these beloved dishes in a way that promotes wellness without compromising on flavor.

As I explored vegan options, I discovered that many plant-based foods still include ingredients that can negatively impact health—soy being a prominent example. During my dining experiences, I frequently encountered soy in dishes, and it became clear that avoiding it was nearly impossible at most restaurants. Given the growing awareness of soy’s potential health risks, this was a unique approach so I made it my mission to develop recipes that completely exclude it while maintaining the rich, satisfying flavors people expect from comfort food.

I knew this would work because Livin’ Fresh is about redefining the way we think about healthy eating, offering delicious, wholesome meals that truly nourish the body and soul.

Ashley , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My journey into creating vegan meals began with my own health struggles. I realized that much of our overall health stems from the gut, and I wanted to make changes to my diet to support my healing. Vegan food, however, had a reputation for being bland or unappetizing, so I began experimenting in the kitchen to create dishes that not only tasted amazing but also felt familiar—comfort foods with a healthy twist.

Many of my customers share that they want vegan food that tastes great but doesn’t include the harmful chemicals often found in processed plant-based meals. At Livin’ Fresh, we prioritize clean eating by eliminating food dyes, soy, and toxic additives.

Livin’ Fresh is built on a commitment to the health and well-being of our customers. As I continue my own healing journey, my mission is to help heal my community by offering greener, cleaner, and healthier food options. Together, we can work toward a healthier, more vibrant future.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

My journey has been a testament to resilience, especially as I navigate the challenges of starting a new business without widespread recognition. Building Livin’ Fresh hasn’t been easy—limited resources make finding a kitchen space difficult, creating content to showcase my food is time-consuming, and the occasional wasted ingredients from slow order weeks can feel discouraging.

However, I remain steadfast in my vision. Each setback fuels my determination to push forward because I truly believe that one day, Livin’ Fresh will flourish and become everything I’ve ever dreamed of.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I made a significant pivot in my life when I decided to transition from eating meat, dairy, and eggs one day to adopting a completely plant-based diet the next. This change was driven by my desire to improve my health and begin a natural journey toward healing my body and embracing a healthier lifestyle.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.livinfreshvegan.com
• Instagram: livinfreshvegan
• Facebook: Livin’ Fresh Vegan

Image Credits

Taylored Design Co