Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Yecenia Currie. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Yecenia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

I wanted to write a cookbook I’d actually want to read. After disappointedly reading through many vegan cookbooks over the years, my mission was to create one that focused on nourishing the whole self—body, mind, and spirit—with delicious recipes full of nutrition and flavor. My intention with writing “Sweet & Savory Life” was to share a simple, accessible, and yummy compilation of recipes that ignite passion, encourage spontaneity, engage the senses, and inspire creativity in the kitchen!

I started on this plant-based journey in March of 2010. During this particular season in my life, I had come to a bit of a crossroads. I was in the middle of watching an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show about this whole “vegan diet” thing, and I had a come-to-Jesus moment! I instinctively knew in that moment—this was for me.
I was tired of feeling sluggish and just crappy in my body as a whole. I was ready for radical change. I knew I needed to do something different, and I knew that changing my diet was at the center of it all.

The reasons behind why people decide to go vegan or vegetarian vary from person to person. My decision was based on my desire to improve my health and overall well-being.
But ultimately, I wanted to be an example to my kids.
I wanted healthy eating and living to be one of the legacies I left to my children.

I’m not in the business of telling anyone what they should or shouldn’t eat or whether what they choose to eat is “right” or “wrong.” I‘m much more interested in sharing the flavor and beauty of eating good food that nourishes from the inside out.

This was a very heartfelt & intentional project so, throughout the book, I sprinkled in some personal stories, practical tips, and holistic food for thought. My intention is to plant seeds of vitality and health-conscious cooking with each shared story and recipe.

I believed this was a worthwhile endeavor for all these reasons and more. And I hope readers feel the essence of my heart when reading through the book and preparing the dishes for themselves and their loved ones.

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

I’ve followed a plant-based diet for almost 14 years. I have a heart for healthy living and commitment to honoring my temple and treating it with the utmost care and reverence in order to live a full, vibrant, Sweet & Savory Life!

I successfully completed a holistic nutrition and culinary training to further my knowledge of and incorporate the healing benefits of conscious cooking.

In 2014 I became a certified yoga instructor to deepen my daily practice and help support others on their mind-body wellness journey.

My husband and I have traveled to over 45 countries to date. In fact, my travels have inspired many of my creations in the kitchen.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The ability to create and put my work out there to share my creations with the masses. Validation is not the goal, but its a beautiful thing to see your work/creation resonate with someone and spark joy or inspire them to create and make positive changes in their lives.
That right there is the best reward.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal or intention (with this particular cookbook creation) is to plant seeds of vitality and health-conscious cooking with each shared story and recipe, and to inspire creativity, longevity, and good eating! But in writing or creating in general, my goal is to put out a body of work that first and foremost I enjoy, am excited about and proud of. And second to that is to create something that in some way moves, impacts, or inspires the person consuming it.

Contact Info:

• Website: yeceniacurrie.com
• Instagram: @sweetandsavorylife
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@RogerYecenia?si=lU14XU74fU5yAjvf

Image Credits
Yecenia Currie, Roger Currie, Trilogy Publishing