We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chef Nowel a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Chef Nowel, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
I decided to start my plant-based journey due to being diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Systemic Lupus attacks the internal organs; the liver, lungs, heart and kidneys. Unfortunately, there is no cure for lupus; I was dying. My rheumatologist gave me a short life expectancy of 32 years. He also advised that the probability of having a child was slim to none, and if I did, it was a considerable risk to my life. I was then placed on a cocktail of medications to help me manage the symptoms of my illness. Those medications created life burdens due to their side effects. I gained a substantial amount of weight, my hair was falling out, I had insomnia, and developed osteoporosis and depression. It was at that point, I knew something needed to change. I started my research on autoimmune diseases and how to decrease symptoms.
I decided to go vegan in September 2010, with hopes of easing my symptoms, which would ultimately help decrease my medication intake; I had nothing to lose. I started to feel better within a month of my lifestyle changes. Fast forward to April 2012, I was given a clean bill of health- I no longer had lupus! I then went on to give birth to a healthy baby boy in 2016.
During my two-year journey to better health, I shared my experiences via social media. I then started to get requests for meal prep and nutrition advice. I never thought of myself as someone who cooks and provides health advice to others. I graduated with a degree in psychology and was on the path to becoming a Marital and Family Therapist. I filled one request of preparing meals for an individual and shared tips with others, advising them to continue to always consult a physician; I knew that I was not certified to give any medical advice. I then started to get referrals which turned into me becoming a Vegan Chef, Certified Holistic Nutritionist and manufacturer of vegan goods. My mission is fueled by my personal story. I’m a strong believer that we have the ability to create the healthier life we want if we genuinely try.
My mission is to take holistic health and veganism to a new level by creating a space that provides an amazing experience while educating others on the benefits of getting back to understanding the connection of the relationship between self and food.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
Sure! I go by Chef Nowel, but I’m also known to others as Chanel. I was born and raised in Compton but currently reside in Kent, Ohio (neighbor to Akron, Ohio). Other than being in love with creating plant-based cuisine, I love to sing. I also am the author of two eBooks, Throw Some Greens on that Sh*t and So, You’re Interested in Giving Up Meat. I became a Certified Holistic Nutritionist to further my education and better help others. I am also known for my award-winning Mac N’ Cheeze which is shipped nationwide.
I received my Bachelor of Science from the BEST HBCU in the land, Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. I am also the recipient of TWO Vegan Foodie Choice Awards in Ohio and was a contestant on Top Vegan!
As stated before, my journey to becoming a vegan chef started with wanting better health for myself. I’ve always been in the business of helping others and making them feel wholesome while doing so. My journey was not easy, but it was worth it. I still have more work to do!
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Whew! The lesson I had to unlearn was to understand that everyone will not celebrate you and your mission. Many times, people will project their fears upon you and cause you to feel insecure about your decisions. I recall an aunt telling me I could never be a “real chef” because I only specialized in vegan food. She told me that I wasn’t being realistic and I wouldn’t make a living from it because there isn’t a large vegan population. It caused me to second-guess myself. Although I didn’t allow her thoughts and projections to stop me, I learned that everyone will not support my passion- my story isn’t theirs to tell. The fire in my heart is fueled by my personal story that no one else lived. Today, ironically, 97% of my clients are non-vegan. Go figure!
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
I’m a super baby influencer… I don’t have tens of thousands of followers, but the following I do have was built on authenticity. I don’t follow trends or famous sounds, etc. Stressing about views and likes drove me crazy. I know it seems like the more followers you have, the more reputable you are. That’s not always true. I honestly believe that my following was grown from the consistency in my story. I never switched up. I’m shy, quirky and genuine in my approach to health. My advice would be to continue to be yourself. Those that need and want to see you, will see you!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ChefNowel.com (http://www.chefnowel.com/)
- Instagram: @VeganChefNowel
- Facebook: @ChefNowel
- TikTok: @TheSingingVeganChef