Today we’d like to introduce you to Martha Tabora.
Martha, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Graduated in 2007 with a Culinary Arts Degree from North Miami’s Johnson and Wales University. Post Graduation worked for a couple of celebrated chefs that specialized in seasonal fine dining.
2008 Returned to Honduras (home), where I continued my education in Business Management at UNITEC while working in the Hospitality business as a Food and Beverage Manager.
Senior college year, started two separate businesses, one called BAKED where I specialized in Gourmet Cupcakes and desserts.
2014- Post graduation was led to the 2nd business, I co-founded with a friend (since we shared a passion for fitness), Fit & Yummy which we specialized in healthy lunch meals.
Fast forward to late 2017, I have become a wife and mother with the need of a new adventure while transitioning to a plant-based diet.
Vegan Junkie was created to help people like myself at the moment searching for plant-based options that were affordable and also specialized in comfort food with a Latin flare.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, it has not been a smooth road. As a mother, wife, and business-driven has meant working harder, with a lot of sleepless nights, limited spare time if lucky.
Not being a Miami native was another struggle since when I started meal prepping I barely knew people and it was through my husband friend’s who had tasted his food and were interested in joining that Vegan Junkie was Born.
Kitchen space when I first started was another struggle, my stove was tiny, and my space was super limited that I don’t even know how I was able to pull it off before.
Thanks to the social media platform, the demand grew as well as my kitchen space.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Vegan Junkie is an E-commerce weekly meal prep service business that specializes in comfort food with a Latin flare. Its first location will be available mid-December at Hollywood’s famous Yellow Green Farmers Market.
We are known most recently for our appearance at the 1st Vegan Block Party Ms. Ariel hosted at the Regatta Park in coconut grove this past October where we showcased our Vegan Cuban Frita Burger.
The VBP led to our second event, competing at the 4th annual Plant-based Burger Battle at the Seed Food and Wine festival.
Most proud of our meals of course because 95% of it is made from scratch (unless stated otherwise), we search for the best organic ingredients that are Non-GMO while still being affordable and keeping in mind at all time our planet’s sustainability.
Vegan junkie sets itself apart because of what I just mentioned and also because I have taken the time to read and help our clients with their specific needs. This Customer service interaction has led to many friendships with clients as they love how approachable I have made it to them.
Most of our clients have started with us because they want help to transition without having to miss their favorite comfort meals and also informing them of the different options available for them to continue this journey.
What were you like growing up?
I am a little reserved, I was always very applied in my education, growing up in a business environment because of my family I always envisioned myself as a Business owner. I never imagined or planned a wedding like most girls do, I daydreamed and planned my steps to follow my business passion.
I have always enjoyed fitness, weight training was one of my hobbies, grew up with three boys, so I was a little tomboy who enjoyed sports and hanging out with male friends, a little out there for the society in my home-town.
I enjoy listening to music as it makes me happy, I like Reading self-help books, and as much I would love to keep Weight training, business and Family has made me shift from weight training to practice some yoga and enjoy meditation to help cope with a fast-paced life.
Working in the kitchen shaped me to grow a thicker skin and be a more open-minded individual as it exposed me to a Whole different world of what I was accustomed.
Transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle, I have become more caring towards people, animals, and our environment. The need to spread awareness through food is my fuel.
Contact Info:
- Address: YG Farmers Market 1940 N 30th Rd, Hollywood 33021 Booth 124-125 soft-opening late December.
- Website: www.veganjunkie.miami
- Email: veganjunkie305@gmail.com
- Instagram: veganjunkie_miami
- Facebook: Veganjunkie.miami
Image Credit:
@starving.artist
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