Meet ique | Plant-based Chef & Digital Marketer

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

Hi ique, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
It must of been 27 years ago, when I became ill with the Shingles and I thought it was the worst thing that could happen to anyone. Although, that illness made me realise that I needed to change my diet to vegan. After 4 months, I began to noticed significant changes in my weight and how vibrant I felt. At that point, I was convinced that this was what I wanted for my wellness. When I was 25 years old, I created my own vegan dishes and realized I wanted to spread this to everyone I knew.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My creativity consist of plant-based food made from all vegetables. What sets us apart are the genuine love that goes into each dish and transforming vegetables into healthy tasty dishes. I am most proud of staying true to my purpose of exposing as many people as I can to eating healthy and coming back to my purpose after a 7 year hiatus. I am still walking this journey and still have some ways to go. My journey certainly was/is not easy. The 7 year hiatus made me really look at myself as far as my mindset and what I really thought of myself. I realized I was self-sabotaging my success and finances. I am still getting over this hurdle, however, now I know its there so that I can equip myself with the proper tools to get over this hurdle.

I am overcoming my challenges by having faith that everything will work out in divine order. I learned how to ‘Let Go and Let God’. I have learned that going after your dreams requires staying consistent and to keep moving forward. As soon as you feel like giving up that means the miracle is closer than you think. Also, I learned that I now can accomplish anything I desire as long as God is right by my side or in front of me pathing the way.

I want the world to know that I am about speaking my truth and being my authentic self. So, my brand represents authenticity and delicious healthy food.

My story started when I was 23 years old when I became ill with the shingles. It was the worst illness I ever had so that’s when I decided to change my diet to all vegetarian back in February 1996. At that time, vegetarianism was not that popular as it is today. After 6 months of being a vegetarian, my body transformed by way of weight loss, healthy skin and feeling amazing, After getting these great results. I wanted everyone to know about this. So, thats when I began selling vegan lunches to several small businesses all around Atlanta, then I started getting big catering jobs, such as, weddings and business luncheons.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would first take them to one of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta, Poor Calvins. Then I would go get massages at Refresh Massage in Doraville following a nice stroll on the Silver Comet or The Belt Line depending on the type of mood.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to Shout Out to my mom for her sacrificial, unconditional love and support. A shout out goes to my 2 dear best friends, Tambra and Tanisha. They truly believe in what I do and they back it up with so much love and support. My clients have been a great support for me, such as, Stefanimya and Rose. Also, I want to Shout out to my sister Mylyn for her support and contribution. Last but not least, Shout Out for the support from my community.

Website: http://canavacafe.com

Instagram: @canavameals

Facebook: moniquesharp

Image Credits
Tambra Harris Stefaniyema Ingram Hazell Gerald McPhail Studios NA NA