Meet Whitney Watts | Vegan Chef & Nutritionist

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

Hi Whitney, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I was an Accountant in the real estate industry, and after having my child, I was instantly inspired to do more for myself. I went to culinary school in 2008, but I started having dinner parties at my home in 2015 while maintaining a full time job. I’d gather people that were friends to me, but strangers to each other. Watching them bond over my food and drinks was one of the happiest moments in my life next to having my child. I started getting inquiries for meal plans shortly after this just by posting what I was eating for dinner, and my dinner party experiences. Once that accounting job started to feel like an inconvenience because I’d “rather be cooking,” I knew it was time to transition. From there I became vegan in 2016 and my business has evolved with me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a vegan chef and nutritionist that encourages people to not be vegan, but to eat more vegetables at the very least. I’ve been described as the auntie everyone loves and can be comfortable around, but I’m also a Milf lol!. I’m looking forward to expanding my business to Arizona and opening vegan a restaurant. My classes brought the attention of Mercy for Animals, athletes, artists and many other amazing brands, and I’m looking to also expand on that.

Jeremy of Black People Eats reviewed my food when I established my business in 2018, and from there I began to go viral. It’s never been easy, though. I’ve always had to work, and show up in all aspects of a business, because you can only put on a show for so long before people want to eat what you’re making, and learn how to do it themselves. Then there’s the business side that no one really talks about in order to maintain a business that can be a lot. But I just do it. I enjoy cooking, but the business side is far from easy.

I’ve learned that if you choose entrepreneurship, you have to move in a way that makes you happy, and not fall victim to the expectations of social media. My brand is forever evolving, and only getting better, because I am.

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?
I’d take her to Starved Rock to go hiking and see the waterfall. We’d drive there and listen to the music and enjoy natures view. We’d go canoeing and have lunch on the water. I’d then take them to Althea on Michigan Ave., Veggie House, Plant Based Kitchen in Wicker Park for dinner, my home for a cooking, vibe session, a comedy set at Zanies, a bike ride on Lake Shore Drive. We’d find some sort of musical or play. We’d paint the entire city of Chicago red.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mother! She has kept my child so I could work, paid my rent when things got really bad for me financially, and has really had my back 24/7. My dad has kept me emotionally grounded and reminded me that I am not only worthy of success, but I’m entitled to it. My daughter reminds me why I’m doing it. My partner supports me in whatever capacity I need him to, My best friend, Megan Brown is a top chef and my mentor whom I look up to very much.

Website: Www.theflorafare.com

Instagram: Www.Instagram.com/theflorafare

Linkedin: Www.LinkedIn.com/theflorafare

Facebook: Www.Facebook.com/theflorafare

Yelp: Www.Yelp.com/theflorafare

Image Credits
Leilani Sims- Guillory