We were lucky to catch up with Rhea Adkins recently and have shared our conversation below.

Rhea , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

The biggest risk to this date was taking a leap of faith and putting my all into my business. I had my Son at age 15 and by age 17 he was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. It’s hard to believe that was almost 20 years ago, wow!!! Something I’ve learned that often goes unnoticed is when you spend time focused on others it’s hard to see who you are at your core…This is my core defining moment of taking a risk…
Right before the Pandemic started my Son had a major surgery and the recovery time was expected to be 6 months to a year. I had no idea what journey awaited. I kept praying for direction and every time I was led to pour my all into my vegan food business. Truthfully, I kept ignoring the answer because in my head it just wasn’t logical. Lol…The idea as crazy as it seemed wouldn’t let me go. I have the most amazing family and support system who cheered me on and cheer me on to this day. I am truly blessed to have them!

I still don’t know why it was so difficult for me to believe this was my next season because I love cooking and creating. Not to mention, there were many times I prayed to be able to do what I’m doing now…Dreams really do become reality…During the “waiting phase,” I was presented with a few great opportunities but for some reason I didn’t have peace about them. Deep down I knew that was God telling me to wait on Him! Trust Him and when the time was right He’d present my opportunity. A few months after focusing on my business I was presented an opportunity to open a booth space in our local Market. The same Market my Mother and I visited during my adolescent years. I seriously couldn’t believe it! Talk about a full circle moment. It was a very competitive process! My nerves had me in a chokehold but so did my faith…After the first interview I was invited for a food tasting and shortly after I received the call that my dream was now becoming my reality!…And I had no idea where to start! Lol…I’m convinced and that if you just keep moving, every door that needs to be opened will open and every move that needs to be made will be highlighted. Take the risk, your dreams are worth it!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Vegan It IZ Eats was birthed from a spiritual fast with my church and a health scare with my Mother, who is truly my Best Friend! A few years ago my church did a corporate Daniel Fast where you refrain from eating sugar, meat and dairy products. You opt for a more holistic lifestyle filled with fruits, vegetables, beans and etc. I never thought it would become my new “lifestyle.” Shortly after the fast the Doctors thought my Mom had two different types of Cancers. After test results they determined she had to change the way she was eating. I wasn’t too far removed from creating delicious vegan food, the timing couldn’t have been more perfect.

Once I become certified in Holistic Nutrition I started with meal preps and eventually expanded beyond there. I was constantly creating new recipes and dishes not realizing people would eventually have the opportunity to taste them. The idea of creating and serving comes from my passion/enjoyment for cooking. Fun fact: I’ve been cooking since the age of 4. Growing up I never realized cooking was a gift or even a thing. I just thought you have to cook so you can eat! Ha!

Last year a cooking competition show I was selected for aired on YouTube. It changed my perspective, challenged me and created a drive within me.

Vegan It IZ Eats is located at 2nd Street Market in downtown Dayton, Ohio. We are open Fridays and Sundays from 11:00am-3:00pm and Saturdays from 9:00am-3:00pm. We challenge palates! We take delicious plant based food and create food that satisfies the body and nourishes the soul. We also assist with cooking classes, team building workshops and so much more!

One of my favorites aspects of Vegan It IZ Eats is providing kindness, compassion and love through food and service to others.

I am also a published author. Plant Based Jumpstart (A beginners guide to a plant based lifestyle) His Masterpiece and Jehovah Nissi (Devotionals) all of which are available on Amazon.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Resilience teaches us that it takes courage, strength and grit to bounce back. However, I have learned that the need or expectation to bounce back can hinder the progress/development that lies ahead.

My story is, I stopped looking to bounce back! I learned to embrace the imperfections and find beauty in the ashes.

When life presents “lifin” opportunities you can shy away or take them head on!

My faith keeps me determined, passionate and dedicated.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

The lesson I had to unlearn was sticking with “1 thing.” I have two degrees a BA in Sociology and a MA in Management. For years I thought I had to find something I loved within those parameters and create a life. However, if you passion expands beyond where you started you owe it to yourself to explore the more.
I realized that we don’t have to choose we really can have it all! Find your lane and put your car in motion. It won’t stop until you do!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.veganitizeats.com
• Instagram: Vegan It IZ Eats
• Facebook: Vegan It IZ Eats
• Linkedin: Rhea Monee’
• Youtube: Rhea Monee’
• Yelp: Vegan It IZ Eats