We had the good fortune of connecting with Charlise Rookwood and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charlise, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When my father was diagnosed with stomach cancer my world turned upside down. That was when I started to delve into what we are putting into our bodies as cancer also sadly took many of our family members.

I was primarily a pescatarian at that time but after finding out I was pregnant that was that! I knew I wanted to have a vegan pregnancy and raise my child on a plant-based diet.

This led to me creating my Instagram account, which documents my plant-based journey, favorite recipes and raising awareness for a healthier lifestyle.
I also found a passion in teaching young children and students about veganizing food for the benefit of their health and the environment, and eventually, the concept for the Black Vegan Cooking Show series was born.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What is ‘The Black Vegan Cooking Show’ about?

The Black Vegan Cooking Show aims to make people feel like they’re actually sitting in my kitchen.
In each episode, I whip up fabulous plant-based dishes alongside a long list of celebrity guests — rapper Styles P, comedian Donnell Rawlings, Comedian Dean Edwards and celebrity chef Lauren Von Der Pool are only a few.

In addition to putting together droolworthy brunches, dinners, snacks, and drinks, I chat with each guest and makes viewers like a fly on the wall during an intimate meal.

My favorite dishes from the show include Jamaican Guinness no Punch, and Mauritian Curry No Duck — that said, you’ll have to tune in to get the full recipe.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
NYC has so many Black-owned vegan restaurants and the unique blends of cultures and cuisines to choose from.

Ras Plant Based, Brooklyn-based Ethiopian spot is the modern manifestation of generations of recipes passed down to the Regalli’s, making the food not only delicious but also full of years of love.
The Vegan Sampler Platter is a personal favorite as you get to try a multitude of dishes but their Lentil and Mixed Vegetable Sambusa appetizers are incredible. Reminds me a lot of my mum’s cooking!

You have to experience the authentic NYC stand up comedy at New York Comedy Club! The East Village is a vibe ….

The Legendary Blue Note Jazz Club is a must! What makes Blue Note so special is that on any given night, anything can happen and anyone could jump up!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
ione Digital/Madame Noire for seeing and believing in me. The Black Vegan Cooking Show is the 1st of its kind and they took a leap of faith and tuned into my vision. It’s the perfect platform to showcase what I do, a space for the unapologetic Black Woman.

Website: vegansoulicious.com

Instagram: vegansoulicious

Twitter: vegansoulicious

Facebook: vegansoulicious

Youtube: vegansoulicious

Image Credits
Heath Latter

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