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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 !