Diva Zone ™ Magazine Diva Zone January February 2018 Printer File | Page 14

14
FEATURE INTERVIEW
The Rise of the
Vegan Sensation:
Up Close and Personal with
Chef Mayah
Mitchell
By Najiyyah Brooks
What is the big deal about the vegan
“movement”? I have asked and heard that
question many times over the past 10-15
years. As an event host, I have noticed the
growing trend of inquiries from attendees
concerning menu options for vegans. I
have watched friends wean themselves
off meat and gradually become vegan.
Then it hit me close to home; a few of
my own family members turned on
me, I mean started to make the change
to become vegan. Lol. Part of me has
skeptically watched from the sidelines
wondering if it was a passing fad. Today,
I dare say that claim would be ridiculous
as a great percentage of Americans are
switching over to the vegan side daily.
So, you’ve probably gathered by now
that prior to this interview there was
not one bone in my body convinced
that becoming a vegan was something.
I would even remotely entertain. I love
food that have parents. Don’t judge me.
To each his own. However, I must share
that because I have witnessed some
very positive changes in many who have
explored veganism, this feature and this
topic in general is worthy of investigation
and for many, strong consideration.
Healthy choices create healthy lifestyles;
and many of us could stand to take a
gander into this fascinating sensation.
One of the greatest perks of my job is that
I have many opportunities to connect with
so many incredibly talented and amazing
people. I will never take this lightly. Such
is true for our cover artist of this New
Year issue. As I sit to write the intro to
this interview I am moved to tears. You
see, I know this woman very personally.
We are as close as sisters. It’s almost
like we have the same DNA and grew up
in the same household. In fact, we did. I
celebrate Mayah today – not just because
she’s awesome by most standards – but,
because I know she has overcome many
obstacles to become the best version of
herself in this life; rising to the occasion
each time. I have followed her journey in
awe of her spirit of excellence, her grace,
unique style, humility, determination and
sincere compassion for others. In many
ways, she was my big sister as young
adults; and one of the greatest sources
of my inspiration as a creative force. It is
with great pleasure, that I introduce this
powerhouse in the person of this angel,
Mayah Mitchell. Chef Mayah is incredibly
talented, knowledgeable and supportive,
so, if you are considering veganism as
your own personal lifestyle; she’s your
girl! She has started an organization
specially for this purpose, Viva City Vegan
Kitchen. As with any feature interview,
her brand was carefully considered and
inspected as “cover worthy”, and sister
aside, I must admit, I am thoroughly
impressed. So much so, that I have
decided to take a few pages out of her
book and incorporate them into my 2018.