Today we’d like to introduce you to Theresa Parker.
Hi Theresa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started making changes in my diet in the Spring of 2020 because I realized that I was quickly approaching a new decade in a few years and didn’t want to become a “seasoned” pill junkie. We all have that “seasoned” relative that has medication in a grocery store bag, in the medicine cabinet, on the dresser, and on the kitchen table, majority are expired and have terrible side effects. I want to avoid taking medication and remain in good health while aging gracefully. I was chatting with a friend of mine that was selling vegan ice cream and showed him pictures of some dishes that I had made, and he replied that he could not taste the pictures. We began bartering, and he encouraged me to start my business. I avoided getting started because I felt I didn’t have everything I need. On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, I pulled up to a market that he was vending at, and I saw a young Hispanic girl vending raw tacos with a card table and Tupperware containers, and I took that as my sign to stop making excuses and get started. I booked my 2 events that day with showing pictures of some of my creations. My first pop-up was December 23, 2021.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I can best describe my journey as being trapped in an amusement park, and the different rides represent the journey. Some days you are going up and down in a circle emotionally like the merry-go-round, but eventually, you gather yourself and get off that ride. The rollercoaster is when you take a risk in your business, and you feel the rush, or you turned upside down in the loops, but you are surprised that you arrive safe at the end of the ride. Other days you are stuck at the top of the Ferris Wheel waiting to be rescued, and you appreciated that someone came to help rescue you.
Financially funding some of the events that I wanted to participate in for exposure have been challenging.
Resources to began hiring staff.
Finding employees.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am known for making fruits and veggies dance on your palate. I am known for my vegan ceviche, watermelon (ahi tuna), jackfruit nachos, and charcuterie boards.
I plan experience events that feature vegan food options made from fruits and vegetables that most people have never tried. I collaborate with KG Smooth and his Quiet Storm Island Vibe Vegan Wine and Clutch Distilling for these events. I have also teamed up with ICRYO West University for a wellness event.
I am most proud of the spotlight exposure that I have received this early in my business journey, such as being the 1st Vegan Vendor to be Spotlighted at Wild West Brewfest in Katy, TX, catering events at The Ion, HAUL, and Greentown Labs.
The thing that sets me apart from other vegan vendors, I don’t use any of the processed meat substitutes. All of my dishes are created using fruits and veggies.
Vegan Curious Flexitarians are my largest customer base.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
I learned that it was ok to take risks and follow your dreams. Follow the signs that the universe shows you. Be bold in the way you show up.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/veganpalate22
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theveganpalate22/
- Other: veganpalate22.com/cart
Image Credits
Randal McHenry
