Today we’d like to introduce you to Kedian Dixon, M.ED., LMHC, LPC.
Hi Kedian, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Kedian Dixon and I am a Licensed Psychotherapist as well the Culinary Creator behind Black Bougie & Vegan (BB&V). I have been vegan for a little over five years now and it has been a journey. Who knew food could be so delicious without as well as sustainable for the planet all at the same time. BB&V made a name for itself with Vegan catering and meal preparation serving the Massachusetts and Connecticut area, catering events for universities like WNEU and AIC. Also took part in many Vegan festivals and conducted some private event catering as well. BB&V is now going to be branching out into consulting for restaurants looking to Veganize their menus. We offer a variety of services depending on how much impact you want to have on the vegan community. BB&V began as a Vegan Meal Prep and Catering company, but has grown into something much greater because we knew that the impact had to be greater. There is nothing worse than wanting to try a restaurant because they have great reviews, have a fire aesthetic, or appears to have a well-versed menu only to scan the menu and see zero vegan options. So in 2023, BB&V will hopefully be more hands-on in the community shifting the way Veganism is viewed.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road by any means, but the challenges have only made the journey that much better. Moving across the country, attempting t network and rebuild my brand has been a major challenge, but has also been a lot of fun. Other struggles along the way have been learning the actual business side of things because it is very easy to get in the kitchen and create, but the numbers are a whole new animal. Managing the finances, creating a brand, knowing how to market, and understanding the legality of it all have been been the biggest challenge.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Professionally, I am a Licensed Psychotherapist in both Texas in Massachusetts. I specialize in Trauma and Substance Use, but have working on branching out into other fields of focus. Early on in my professional career, I started in In-home therapy working with children and their families in underserved communities which was quite rewarding. I enjoyed being able to provide the necessary support for the families who needed it the most, but may not have been aware of all their resources. Even though I am still working on building my professional brand as a therapist, I take pride in the experiences that I’ve had this far and all that I have learned what should I carry with me each and every day as I continue to grow. Through being vegan, I have a tendency to take more of a holistic approach and utilize more mindfulness techniques, but also understand that that may not work for everyone.
Business-wise, I am a chef who has grown in the kitchen by creating different recipes. Cooking began as a passion project which turned into a business when I became vegan and now I love the kitchen even more. After becoming vegan, I had to shift the way my brain saw food and its recipes in order to still enjoy food as I always have. Food became more exciting because I had to challenge myself by reading more labels, buying more Whole Foods, and turning veggies into entire meals.
How do you define success?
Success can look very different for a lot of people because some define success as wealth and fame, while others define it as happiness and peace. For me, success can be all the little things, a bra so much more. I define success as achieving the things that you set out to accomplish, whether that is building a business or creating a family. There are many levels to success, especially when I think of my life and the journey ahead.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://black-bougie-vegan.square.site/#qIfxRC
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/black.bougie.vegan
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/black.bougie.vegan/
- Other: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/07/13/lifestyle/patties-pastitsio-pasteln-vegan-foods-vibrant-next-chapter/
Image Credits:
Kedian Dixon
