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that makes people resistant. Believe me, if grass was all vegans ate I would not have switched. If you incorporate dishes gradually, they will be more willing to explore other options.
“ I don’ t take any medication at all.
Food is medicine.”
DZ: So, it’ s safe to say, becoming vegan for you has been an overall good experience and enhanced your quality of life?
MM: Oh, without question. It has indeed.
DZ: Do you take prescribed medications for ailments or pain? Or are you all natural?
MM: I don’ t take any medication at all. Food is medicine. There are so many natural cures for common plagues like diabetes, but you do have to use wisdom. If you are under doctor’ s care and they prescribe something, please investigate. Educate yourself. There are many natural supplements to compliment the doctor’ s orders, but, if we don’ t explore, we will not know. Food is a huge part of the healing process for so many health issues.
DZ: How has being vegan added to your faith as a Christian? Or has it at all?
MM: My focus in my prayer time is without question the biggest benefit. I also feel like honoring my temple and not working against a healthy long life is an act of obedience.
DZ: Do you have plans to open a restaurant?
MM: Yes and no. I don’ t see my future establishment as a place where people come to dine and leave. I envision it as a platform from whence I can teach and support new vegans and expand the recipe base for all vegans. I truly see my establishment as a hub for vegans. Support, education, and creativity is needed to maintain this as a true lifestyle. It’ s a journey.
DZ: Do you currently sell product?
MM: I am a chef on cooker. delivery which is a site where people can order healthy, gourmet meals that are prepared fresh instead of defaulting to fast food when time to prepare is lean. Many chefs are featured on this site and offer made to order meals that can ship. The meals are professionally, pre-packaged and depending on the items ordered, have reasonable shelf lives. For people here in Atlanta, my orders are typically fresh meals made to consume immediately.
DZ: Are you based solely in Atlanta? Can you help people in other states?
MM: I am licensed by the Department of Agriculture. I use a professional kitchen and qualified packers, so I can help people everywhere with prepared meals to ship. I also offer meal plans for people who need them. On my website www. vivacityvegankitchen. com I have a service for new vegans called“ Purple Mits.” It helps with the transition from a meat diet to a plant diet with creative, easy to prepare dishes. It was a struggle for me at first, and for those I help currently; however, the possibilities are endless.
DZ: So, how do you manage or balance running a business, working as a full-time professional, and being a mother and a wife?
MM: All of my strength comes from the Lord. I know that alone, I would never be able to do all of what I do. Not well, anyway. And praise God that I have an awesome, supportive husband who has my back every step of the way. He inspires me daily. I am truly blessed.
DZ: How did you come up with the name Viva City Vegan Kitchen? What does it mean?
MM: I am asked that daily. Viva City is the word Vivacity; which means life, energy, pizazz,“ umph” if you will. I loved the play on the word and it describes the brand perfectly.
DZ: I agree that it does and it’ s marketing at it’ s finest. Good job, Sis. Lol. Are you interested at all in providing personal chef services?
MM: I would consider it, but, that requires a lot of time; so the cost for the service would reflect that. But it would be worth every penny; that I can guarantee. I already cater for organizations a few times a year. I enjoy being part of events.
DZ: In five words or less, describe your life’ s mission in terms of priority.
MM: That’ s an easy one for me: 1. My relationship with God; 2. My family; 3. My creativity. I need them all and this order or priority helps to keep me grounded.
DZ: Are you going to produce a cookbook?
MM: Yes. In fact, I am compiling the recipes now. I hope to have it out by the end of 2018.
DZ: Can readers connect with you on social media?
MM: Yes, absolutely. They can find me on Instagram and FaceBook @ vivacityvegankitchen and my website is www. vivacityvegankitchen. com.
DZ: Mayah, I am proud of you and you’ ve absolutely encouraged me to come over a bit more to the plant side. This brand is amazing and your life reflects nothing but God’ s light and beautiful energy. Thanks for sharing your heart with The DIVA Zone today.
MM: It’ s my absolute pleasure to continue to contribute to this awesome work. I too am proud of you! I am looking forward to the upcoming retreats too. I love you and I am truly grateful. Cheers to an awesome 2018, Big Sis!