Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashleigh Mann.
Hi Ashleigh, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
First off, I’m born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. I’m from a suburb called Westerville and it’s a huge part of who I am. Growing up, I never even heard the term vegan and even now when I go home my friends and family are always like “what are you gonna eat” lol. I used to struggle but I’m an expert on how to eat vegan while traveling and at nonvegan restaurants (within reason of course). I moved to Los Angeles when I was 25 in 2013. I’ve worked for private chefs and popular locations in LA like The NoMad LA and right before the pandemic, I was a cook at Soho Warehouse DTLA. While working there tirelessly, I created GraceFULL Vegan my food alter ego, haha. Once COVID hit and Soho closed, I knew this was my time and I legit told myself no matter what I can’t go back to working for other people and making their dreams come true. I knew I had to MAKE IT HAPPEN.
My passion for wanting to get in the kitchen comes from a place of love and admiration. My grandmother (Grace Mann) whom I’m named after; Ashleigh Grace, was an EXCELLENT cook. She was a wife and mother of six so she spent a lot of time in the kitchen. My passion comes from her. 4 1/2 years ago, my fiancé and I changed to a plant-based lifestyle and I had to completely relearn how to cook. My number one thing was missing my favorite foods. I didn’t understand why it had to be so complicated. That started a mission for myself, which then set off the lightbulb “ who else doesn’t know that being vegan can taste this good and be simple and most importantly affordable.” GraceFULL Vegan is my outlet to share with people I care about most how awesome saving this planet and most importantly saving our bodies can be. Exactly one year ago, I had no clue where my life was going and I had just started posting my vegan recipes to my 737 followers on Instagram. Today I’m educating and content creating through my platform and making more connections than ever to spread the word and to have fun while doing it. I’ve only JUST begun.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing ever in my life has been smooth, but I was born a fighter. Not only was COVID a challenge for everyone but especially by people in the food/ restaurant industry. Financially having no clue how this could all work and of course, the mental game of being in seclusion. I’m a social butterfly so I thrive off of people. Having social media to express myself through food truly has been and still is therapeutic and being able to connect with like-minded individuals all around the world is just incredible. There will always be struggles but there’s nothing I can’t overcome.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Vegan Chef, I cater, recipe develop, content create, and help to educate those around me about my ongoing journey being Vegan. I love to LOVE people through my food and giving them the tools to do the same for their friends and family. I’m most proud of the fact that I can finally shout from any rooftops that I answer to me and me only. No better feeling in the world. Everything about me sets me apart from the pack. I’m always gonna go harder and be the loudest in the room but with the biggest heart and an open mind. I like to say I roll with the punches but I’ll throw the first one. I’m a natural born leader but I love being a teammate.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Just my fellow Instagram chefs, I love following their journeys and I’m constantly learning from them. I read a lot of different articles daily and try my best to keep up with food trends.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracefull_vegan/
Image Credits
Ethan Chops
