Today we’d like to introduce you to Shatia Chesson.
Shatia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Growing up, I was never interested in “cooking” or being a “nutritionist”. I studied Fashion & Retail Management in college with dreams of working for Vogue Magazine as a Creative Director. But my love for food grew as I got into a Plantbased lifestyle.
When I went fully Plantbased in 2016 it challenged me and my taste buds, I got bored with what you would call a “vegan starter kit”. I was making the same foods daily salads and pasta. Soon I started spending my time experimenting and crafting recipes which resulted in my sudden interested for culinary arts.
One night while with a friend, the idea of selling my food came about. I think I laughed immediately at the idea of me selling food. We went back and forth over the idea and I thought to myself why not. That morning I texted everyone I knew that I was starting a meal prep company and created an Instagram page now @themenuprep. November 13th, I got my first sale of a ten meals. From there, THEMENU was created.
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?
I’d say the first two days were smooth, I was on a high after my first sale. The business was new, in a honeymoon phase.
Fast forward to today, I’d say we are out of the honeymoon phase. As I learn more about building and running a business ground up from scratch, I face a new challenge everyday. Sometimes it’s as simple as finding the motivation to keep going when sales are slow due to a pandemic as we are in now. With THEMENU being a small start up it’s a one man show making it mentally, physically and financially demanding.
With any new venture, I think the biggest challenge can be patience. I see what I want my company to become in the future but waiting for that growth can be challenging and intimidating at times.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with THEMENU – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
THEMENU PREP is a plant-based meal prep company, based in Hollywood, CA. Our philosophy is centered around the belief of food as medicine for our mind, body & soul. Our MENU is full of unique plant-based ready to eat meals, rich in nutrient-dense superfoods, antioxidants and overall good eats that will do your body right.
Our MENU has a selection of creamy pasta dishes, sexy salads and thick bowls. I create classic comfort dishes remixed with healthy ingredients. You can still order your Kale, Arugula hemp seed salad on the same menu as your Creamy Cashew Mac & Cheese dish. THEMENU specializes in giving the body foods it craves.
THEMENU wasn’t started as a way to gain profit, it was a way to make health trend. I wanted my generation in particular to start paying attention to the way we eat. THEMENU is more than a meal prep service it defines a lifestyle centered around the true meaning of “health is wealth”. I want to educate and influence people in relation to food and our overall wellbeing with this company.
If we start from the root, our diet. We can change the way we eat, the way we think and the way we live.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
As a meal prep company, THEMENU will continue to focus in on the nutrition of our dishes and finding new ways to make eating clean sexy and exciting. As a brand overall THEMENU has no limits, our first area of expansion will be events. February 7th, we hosted our first Dinner Party Experience which was an amazing success. We plan to continue bringing people together through good food and vibes in our future. This isn’t just another meal prep service, it’s a lifestyle.
Pricing:
- NOW offering single plates for $13
- 3 meals $55
- 5 meals $77
- 7 meals $102
- 10 meals $140
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: themenuprep
- Other: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCvIA0UOodEsKbCh2RSgdn6w
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
