SPRING RAW FOOD PREP CLASS

Hola Beautifuls!

Live in the metro-Atlanta area and interested in raw foods?...Or are you familiar with raw foods but want to learn how to prepare them.

Well, the lovely Carolyn Akens (Master Raw Foods chef) is having a "Spring Raw Foods Prep" on Saturday, April 23rd from 10am - 4pm,where "you will learn, watch or participate in how to prepare a variety of delicious and easy recipes". The class also includes meals, recipes and manual.

For more information and to register click on the following link:  http://www.carolynsrawfoods.com/raw-classes

Happy & healthy eating!

Post Title → SPRING RAW FOOD PREP CLASS

CAROLYN'S CORNER ON "FRUITS GALORE!"

Tropical fruits:  Very high in proteolythic enzymes- which means they are great for breaking down protein, and starch. Fresh is best, but you can purchase dehydrated (w/o chemicals and preservatives) pineapple, mango and papaya from health food stores, online, and other health oriented stores. I highly suggest eating some through-out the day or after meals.

Citrus Fruits:  Nutritional powerhouses. They are one of the fastest ways to hydrate the body. Add some fresh lemon to your water for many health returns. Lemons help increase enzyme activity, and increase bile for fat digestion. Lemon juice and Extra Virgin Olive Oil with some spices and herbs makes the best salad dressing!

Bringing Families Back to Health, One Bite at a Time! ™


------------------------

Carolyn Akens

Health Coach


Email: carolyn@carolynakens.com

Phone: (678) 807-9187

Website: http://www.carolynakens.com/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/carolynakens

Facebook: http://bit.ly/9GE4ZT

Visit CarolynAkens.com for information on Health Coaching, Raw Food Classes & Workshops, Raw Chef & Instructor Certifications, and my Speaking Engagements.

Send correspondence to: PO Box 11
Alpharetta, GA 30009-0011

Post Title → CAROLYN'S CORNER ON "FRUITS GALORE!"

CAROLYN'S CORNER on NUTS AND SEEDS HIGH IN VITAMIN E

Nuts and seeds pic from http://www.breakfastatstephanies.com/

Sunflower seeds


Walnuts

Almonds

Hazelnuts

Cashews


Brazil nuts

Pecans

Pine nuts

Pumpkin seeds

Carolyn Akens


Health Coach

Email: carolyn@carolynakens.com

Phone: (678) 807-9187

Website: http://www.carolynakens.com/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/carolynakens

Facebook: http://bit.ly/9GE4ZT


Visit CarolynAkens.com for information on Health Coaching, Raw Food Classes & Workshops, Raw Chef & Instructor Certifications, and my Speaking Engagements.

Send correspondence to: PO Box 11
Alpharetta, GA 30009-0011

 
Thanks to Carolyn for this information. I have yet to try some of these nuts, so I'll definitely put them on the list.

Post Title → CAROLYN'S CORNER on NUTS AND SEEDS HIGH IN VITAMIN E

CAROLYN'S CORNER on ENERGY PRODUCING FOODS

Let's see what energy producing foods our monthly contributor, Carolyn Akens,  has to share with us....

Energy Producing Foods




Hot Foods: Cayenne, garlic, ginger, radishes, other hot peppers, etc. are great for digestion, circulation, inflammation, blood movers, etc. Fresh is best!


All raw nuts & seeds: High in essential fatty acids. 3-4 Brazil nuts per day, they prevent muscle loss, and help build muscle. Sunflower seeds are very high in B vitamins; they easily convert glycogen (stored energy) into glucose when needed.


Flax Seeds/Oil: Incredible Essential fat. Crucial for everyone, especially athletes.


Avocado: Extremely nutritious fat, aids in building muscle. Eat at least 3 per week.


Sea Salt: Not all sea salts are the same. A high quality one provides loads of trace and electrolyte minerals. Especially the minerals lost in sweat. A high quality sea salt starts digesting anything it touches and brings fluid balance inside the body. My favorites are Celtic Sea Salt and Pink Himalayan Pins Sea Salt.

Carolyn Akens is a gracious and lovely contributor of Carolyn's Corner here on ChocolateOrchid blogspot. Carolyn is also a certified master raw foods chef and instructor. She offers raw foods classes, raw foods chef and instructor certifications and a weight-loss program.

Carolyn is also the creator of the deliciously healthy Agape Nutrition Bars.

Agape Nutrition Bars™ is a "breakfast-on-the-go or a healthy snack anytime!"
http://agapenutritionbars.foodoro.com/store


Carolyn Akens contact info:

Website: Carolyns Raw Foods

Email: carolyn@carolynakens.com

Twitter:  www.twitter.com/carolynakens

Facebook: http://bit.ly/9GE4ZT

Phone: (678) 807-9187

Visit CarolynAkens.com for information on Health Coaching, Raw Food Classes & Workshops, Raw Chef & Instructor Certifications, and my Speaking Engagements.


Send correspondence to: PO Box 11
Alpharetta, GA 30009-0011

Post Title → CAROLYN'S CORNER on ENERGY PRODUCING FOODS

CAROLYN'S CORNER ON HEALING HERBS

pic from http://www.homestead.org/

Ginger:



•Grated ginger root mixed with diluted lime juice can help to soothe the digestive tract and reduce flatulence.


•Ginger supports a healthy cardiovascular system by making platelets less sticky which in turn reduces circulatory problems.


•Ginger is aromatic, pungent, spicy, and is good for nausea, digestive problems, circulation and arthritis.






Cinnamon:


•Studies have shown that just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day can lower LDL cholesterol.


•When cinnamon is added to food, it inhibits bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative.


•One study found that smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and memory.






Alfalfa:


•Has protein and vitamins A, B1, B6, C, E, and K. Nutrient analysis demonstrates the presence of calcium, potassium, iron, and zinc.






Cranberry:


•Useful as a preventative for urinary tract infections.






Dandelion:


•Used to treat liver, gallbladder, kidney and joint problems. Dandelion has also been used to treat poor digestion, water retention, and diseases of the liver, including hepatitis.






Garlic:


•A natural antibiotic! It's antibacterial action is equivalent to 1% penicillin. Garlic fight inflammation, stop infections, kill parasites and restore vitality. Garlic can help heal injuries like bites, cuts and burns, while quite possibly sooth headaches, lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, acne, boils, arthritis, candida, respiratory ailments, the common cold and earaches. It can protect the digestive tract by inhibiting dysentery-causing amoebas and other infections. Studies have shown that garlic may reduce the risk of coronary artery disease, help to lower total and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, inhibit platelet aggregation and reduce blood pressure.




Live & Thrive in Abundant Good Health!


Carolyn Akens


Raw Food Educator, Chef, Health Coach, Speaker


Health Coaching, Speaking Engagements


Classes & Workshops, Raw Food Chef & Instructor Certifications


www.carolynakens.com


info@carolynakens.com


Twitter: www.twitter.com/carolynakens


FaceBook: www.facebook.com/carolynakens


Phone: 770-559-1773


PO Box 11


Alpharetta, GA 30009-0011

 
** Wow!! Carolyn, thanks again for a wonderfully, informative post!
Peace and blessings,

Post Title → CAROLYN'S CORNER ON HEALING HERBS

CAROLYN'S CORNER on LECITHIN-AN AMAZING YOUTH ELEMENT

Let's hear what Carolyn, our author & contributor of Carolyn's Corner, has to say about Lecithin:

Lecithin is the most abundant of the phospholipids. It is a fatty food substance, which serves as a structural material for every cell in the body. It is an essential constituent of the human brain and nervous system. It forms 30 % of the dry weight of the brain and 17 per cent of the nervous system. Lecithin is also an important component of the endocrine glands and the muscles of the heart and kidneys. It makes up 73 per cent of the total liver fat. Nervous, mental or glandular over activity can consume lecithin faster than its replacement. This may render a person irritable and exhausted. It is, therefore, of utmost importance to add lecithin to the diet, if the body’s own supply decreases as in old age or working under stress.

Carolyn is a certified master raw foods chef and instructor. She offers raw foods classes, raw foods chef and instructor certifications and a weight-loss program.
You can get more insightful information at CarolynAkens.com.


Carolyn, thanks again for the needful information that you graciously share here on Chocolate Orchid.
God Bless,

Post Title → CAROLYN'S CORNER on LECITHIN-AN AMAZING YOUTH ELEMENT

CAROLYN'S CORNER.... on SWEETENERS

Good Morning Loveslies!!

Our resident raw foods chef/instructor, Carolyn Akens is back with some great information on natural sweeteners. Let's check out what she has to say about these wonderful and healthy sweeteners that you can use.

Sweeteners…Your Choice!

There are various discussions about sweeteners and what you, the consumer, should use. Some say agave is bad for you, but you must make your choice about the sweeteners you will use for you and your family; do your own due diligence. What you shouldn’t use are refined and processed sugars whether white or brown they are still PROCESSED. The following are the sweeteners I use personally and in Carolyn’s Raw Foods Institute.

Agave Nectar: Raw agave nectar has a mild, neutral taste. It is produced at temperatures below 118 degrees F to protect the natural enzymes, and is low on the glycemic index.

Coconut Sugar: Coconut Sugar is naturally low on the glycemic index, which has benefits for weight control and improving glucose and lipid levels in people with diabetes (type 1 and type 2).

Date Paste: made from Barhi dates (can use Medjool) and filtered water (can use distilled); 1 cup Barhi dates and 1/2 cup filtered or distilled water. In a food processor, combine the dates and water and process until completely smooth.

Date Sugar: Unrefined sugar made by finely grinding dried dates and dehydrating them.

Maple Syrup (not raw): is a liquefied sugar made from the concentrated sap of the sugar maple tree. Maple syrup is available in several different grades, ranging from Grade AA, which is thin and mild in flavor to Grade C, which is thick and strongly flavored.

Stevia: is a South American herb that has been used as a sweetener by the Guarani Indians of Paraguay for hundreds of years. The leaves of this small, green Stevia rebaudiana plant have a delicious and refreshing taste that can be 30 times sweeter than sugar. Unadulterated Stevia products may be safely used by both diabetics and hypoglycemics.

Organic Sucanat: the juice extraction processes are mechanical, and unlike typical sugar cane processing, no chemicals are added. Sucanat is non-refined cane sugar made by simply crushing freshly cut sugar cane, extracting the juice and heating it in a large vat. Once the juice is reduced to a rich, dark syrup, it is hand-paddled. Hand paddling cools and dries the syrup, creating the dry porous granules we call Sucanat. Nothing is added and nothing is taken out!

Yacon Syrup: Yacon syrup is a sugar substitute native to the Andean region of South America. It is glucose-free, and does not increase blood sugar levels. Because of this, yacon syrup is often recommended as a sweetener to those suffering from diabetes or at risk for becoming diabetic and is low on the glycemic index. Yacon syrup has a dark brown color and sweet flavor, like a cross between caramel and molasses.

The component that gives the roots a sweet taste is Fructooligosaccharide, or FOS. FOS also acts as a probiotic, serving as food for the “friendly” bacteria in the colon, including lactobacillus and bifidobacteria species.
It provides health benefits including:
• Aids digestion
• Enhances absorption of calcium and magnesium
• Improves elimination of toxins
• May reduce the risk of colon cancer


DATES: (the following dates are used exclusively by Carolyn’s Raw Foods Institute in the order shown.)
• Barhi - these are the sweetest and softest of all the dates. They taste much like caramel. They are a better date for diabetics because of inverted sugar.
• Medjool - a large meaty date with a full flavor.
• Honey - have a soft, creamy-texture and sweet-tasting species. They are a delicious eating date that seems to "melt in your mouth," and are excellent for sweetening recipes.
• Deglet Noor - this date has semisoft to firm flesh and is the most popular of dates.
• Khadrawi - This medium, sweet date has a dark mahogany color with texture that is very soft and described like "pudding." Khadrawi dates are unique because their sugar is inverted. They are the best choice for diabetics.
• Halawi - soft date, thick flesh, caramelly & sweet, somewhat wrinkled in appearance, golden brown in color.
• Thoory - a dry date with a hard flesh, and a chewy, nutty flavor.
• Zahidi - firm texture - Less sweet

Carolyn Akens
Master Raw Food Chef/Instructor - Raw Food Isn't Baby Food!
Raw Food Classes, Raw Food Chef & Raw Food Instructor Certifications, Mastering the Art of Pastry Unbaked Training

Twitter: CarolynAkens
Facebook: Carolyns Raw Foods
Web: CarolynsRawFoods.com
Email: carolyn@carolynsrawfoods.com

Post Title → CAROLYN'S CORNER.... on SWEETENERS

MARCH HEROINE ENTREPRENEUR - CAROLYN AKENS

Heroine - 1. A woman noted for courage and daring action.
2. A woman noted for special achievement in a particular field.

Meet this month's Heroine Entrepreneur.......

Carolyn Akens.

1. Tell us about your business, products, services and what makes it special or unique.
I am a certified, master raw foods chef as well as an instructor. And I’m also a weight-loss coach. I promote well-being thru raw foods. I train people to become raw foods chefs and instructors. I also have a weight-loss side to my business.

2. How was it birthed? What sparked the development of it?
I feel that the only way you can be successful in losing weight is to lose it the natural way. That is by incorporating raw food and vegan food. That’s the way I did it. I found myself weighing 185 lbs at 5’4. So that put me into the obese category based on my bmi (body mass index). The thing that really brought it to the fore-front for me was my 45 year old younger brother died from complications from being morbidly obese. That was a wake-up call for me in the worse way. His death really made me look at myself. I decided that I had to change and began looking at raw foods.

I utilized raw foods to lose weight and in the process created a weight-loss system! What I found was that you will lose the weight you need to lose. And then your weight-loss will level off. I weigh 125 lbs and I haven’t weighed that since I was in my 20’s. I will be 60 years young this year and I feel great! I don’t look like something is wrong with me, i.e. anorexic or gaunt. I have so much energy whereas before I suffered from high cholesterol, migraine headaches and arthritis in my lower back. I don’t have any of those ailments anymore.


3. Have you always been in this particular field? Do you have a history in this area?
I began my culinary career in 2001. Before then, I was in corporate working for a Fortune 500 company. I was employed with them for years. Cooking was something that I always loved and enjoyed. Especially baking. For years I had my own personal chef service where I prepared and delivered meals to my clients. Once I discovered raw foods, it made sense for me to convert to it (raw foods) and go to school to become a master raw foods chef and instructor.


4. How much support did you receive when you first started out?
I got a lot of support. My children, grandchildren, and friends were very supportive. My 17 year old grandson will eat anything I prepare. He has really embraced raw foods so he is my tester. I test everything on him. My 16 year old granddaughter has made green smoothies a daily part of her life, and her mom, my daughter, has now embraced raw foods. Yes, my family has been extremely supportive.


5. Is there anything that you wish you would have done or handled differently?
Yes. I just really wish that I hadn’t been like an ostrich with my head in the sand. You know when you’re gaining weight. Your waist expands, clothes fit tight, and you buy clothing with an elastic waistband or clothing that is loose and free-flowing. Had I not been in denial I would have been in a better position to help my brother; however as adults we make our own choices and don’t always want to listen and sometime that decision is deadly. My goal is to make sure that people truly understand the consequences of their decision making process when it comes to food. Eating healthy is not about dieting it is a lifestyle because diets don’t work.


6. What was your biggest hurdle in developing your business?
I haven’t had a lot of hurdles. I expected them but I didn’t get many. I think the hurdles come from being in the South. Meaning this is a meat-n-potatoes land. Pasta. Fried foods. Mac-n-cheese. So when you talk about raw foods, people look at you as if you have a third eye because they don’t want to embrace it. But when I take the time to really sit down and explain it to them and then, do one better and bring them something to taste, that changes. When people know better they do better and change is inevitable.


7. How did you stay motivated or what kept you motivated to continue doing what you do?
Health. I want people to live long and be happy without all the various diseases that infiltrate our bodies. Whether I live to see it happen or not, I want obesity stamped out once and for all. I also want the food industry to take responsibility for this addictive food behavior because of all the GMOs and addictive ingredient that is put in food that keeps you coming back for more … it’s very addictive. We acknowledge that there are drug addictions, sex addictions and alcohol addictions, but food addiction is worse because it starts with our children and sets them on an addictive path that leads to adulthood, hence obesity, diabetes, low self-esteem and even suicide. These things keep me motivated.


8. There are quite a few women who are seeking to do what you’ve done. What advice would you give them?
I would say, “Contact me and I will train you on how to become a raw foods chef, as well as an instructor.” I feel there are not enough of us out there. You don’t have to become a “master” raw foods chef but you should learn everything you need to learn to make sure your craft is always on the breaking edge of all the various new things that are happening in the culinary world. Continual learning is very important because we should become life students.
From the instructor side of it, it is really important that once you complete your training as a chef that students knows how to set up their business the correct way. How to set up classes; how to use assistants; pricing classes; determining overhead cost; pricing and costing menu items; back of the room sales; pricing and costing your catering services; recipe development, etc. Setting up your business structure the correct way is crucial. I have created a blueprint just for the culinarian, Mise en Place Marketing Blueprint™ for Success! How to Keep “everything in place” for Your Business. I encourage my students to think outside-the-box to augment their businesses, and I make sure my students get all the tools they need to make them successful.

9. Is there anything new & exciting that we can expect from your business in the future?
I will be traveling this year training chefs and instructors in various states and talking about raw foods. Carolyn’s Raw Foods Institute will also be teaching via Teleseminars, Webinars, YouTube, and DVDs.
I’m also rolling out a licensing program where I will train people on how to become a weight-loss coach using my tried and true weight loss system.

**A note for Carolyn**
It was a pleasure interviewing you. I thank you for taking time out to do this and share your experience and wisdom with everyone else. My deepest thoughts and well wishes for your success in touching and changing the lives of others.
{{Hugs}},


Contact & Information
Carolyn's Raw Foods
twitter: CarolynAkens
email: carolyn@carolynsrawfoods.com

The top picture is of anime' heroine, Izumi Curtis (aka Teacher), from the anime' series Full Metal Alchemist.

Post Title → MARCH HEROINE ENTREPRENEUR - CAROLYN AKENS

CAROLYN AKENS ON FIBER

FIBER

Everyone is talking about fiber. You see advertisement on television, in magazines and newspapers. This is not a phenomenon! We’ve always needed it, but now more emphasis is placed on the importance of fiber and that’s a good thing. If you’re not getting enough fiber please begin a regimen to get more fiber into your body. You need a minimum of 35 grams of fiber daily.

Dietary fiber refers to the cell wall components in plants: namely, pectin, beta-glucans, hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin, fructans, and gums. All vegetables and fruits contain these dietary fiber components. The fiber content and composition, however, varies depending on the fruit or vegetable maturity, type, growing environment, etc.

A diet that includes foods that are rich in fiber can help lower blood cholesterol and prevent diabetes and heart disease. Foods with fiber make us feel full. Also, fiber itself has no calories, and adequate amounts of fiber help move food through the digestive system, promoting healthy bowel function and protecting against constipation.

Fruits---- Rich In
Apples---- Fiber
Apricots---- Fiber, Vitamins A & C, Potassium
Banana---- Fiber, Vitamin C, Potassium
Blackberries---- Fiber, Vitamin C, Potassium
Blueberries---- Fiber, Potassium
Cantaloupe---- Vitamins A & C, Potassium
Cherries---- Fiber, Vitamin C, Potassium
Grapes---- Fiber, Vitamins C & K, Potassium
Guava---- Fiber, Vitamins A, C & Folic Acid, Potassium
Honeydew---- Vitamin C, Potassium
Kiwifruit---- Fiber, Vitamins C, K & Folic Acid, Potassium
Mango---- Fiber, Vitamins A & C, Potassium
Nectarine---- Fiber, Vitamin C, Potassium
Orange---- Fiber, Vitamins C & Folic Acid, Potassium
Papayas---- Fiber, Vitamins A, C & Folic Acid, Potassium
Peach---- Fiber, Vitamins A & C, Potassium
Pear---- Fiber, Vitamin C, Potassium
Pineapple---- Fiber, Vitamin C, Potassium
Plum---- Fiber, Vitamins A, C, K & Folic Acid, Potassium
Raspberries---- Fiber, Vitamins C & K, Potassium
Strawberries---- Fiber, Vitamin C, Potassium
Tangerine---- Fiber, Vitamins A & C, Potassium
Watermelon---- Vitamins A & C, Potassium

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Carolyn Akens Contact Information
Master Raw Food Chef/Instructor - Raw Food Isn't Baby Food!
Raw Food Classes, Raw Food Chef & Raw Food Instructor Certifications, Mastering the Art of Pastry Unbaked Training

Phone: 770-559-1773
Twitter: www.twitter.com/myrawchef
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/carolynsrawfoods
Web: www.carolynsrawfoods.com
Email: carolyn@carolynsrawfoods.com


Agape Nutrition Bars™ is a "breakfast-on-the-go or a healthy snack anytime!"
www.agapenutritionbars.com & www.foodoro.com


**Carolyn, thanks for sharing another great and informative article!
My Best, CO**

Post Title → CAROLYN AKENS ON FIBER

CAROLYN AKENS with WHAT'S IN YOUR PANTRY?....

Introducing Certified Raw Foods Nutrition Consultant, Raw Food Chef/Instructor and Raw Lifestyle Coach, Carolyn Akens. She has graciously agreed to give us monthly insight into the foods that we eat. Here's what she has to say about....

What’s In Your PANTRY?

We take the time to read an annual report, newspaper, or the current bestseller, but we don’t take the time to read the ingredients label on the food you buy especially if it processed. You have tried to change the way you eat, but find it continuously difficult to achieve that goal, and the reason is simple, the additives that are put in processed food keeps you addicted to it. That’s right ADDICTED! Various additives are in process foods to make it taste good and keep you coming back for more. The reason we consistently have these particular urges is MSG-monosodium glutamate! You will now see many labels that say msg-free or no msg, but are you aware of the many names of MSG? If not, look at this list and then check your pantry:

The many names of MSG: autolyzed yeast, calcium caseinate, gelatin glutamate, glutamic acid, hydrolyzed corn gluten, hydrolyzed protein, hydrolyzed soy protein, monopotassium glutamate, pea protein, plant protein extract, sodium caseinate, textured protein, yeast extract, yeast food, yeast nutrient.

So tell me, what’s in your pantry?

Blessings,
Carolyn

Master Raw Food Chef/Instructor - Raw Food Isn't Baby Food!
Raw Food Classes, Raw Food Chef & Raw Food Instructor Certifications, Mastering the Art of Pastry Unbaked Training

Twitter: MyRawChef
Facebook: Carolyn's Raw Foods
Web: Carolyn's Raw Foods
Email: carolyn@carolynsrawfoods.com

Post Title → CAROLYN AKENS with WHAT'S IN YOUR PANTRY?....

JANUARY HEROINE ENTREPRENUER - MIRANDA MARTINEZ

According to Merriam-Webster online dictionary:
Heroine -1 a: a mythological or legendary woman having the qualities of a hero b: a woman admired and emulated for her achievements and qualities
According to YourDictionary.com:
a girl or woman of outstanding courage, nobility, etc., or of heroic achievements

Meet this month's Heroine Entreprenuer, Miranda Martinez

Miranda has her own online store, is a raw vegan chef, superfood retailer, actress, producer, speaker, and author. Whew! You do it, girl! =)

1) What sparked the development of your business? How did you begin?
I am a raw vegan chef which is how it started. Well…okay. Have you read my story about me losing weight and everything? So fast forward two years cause it’s been two years since I lost the weight. At my heaviest, I was 205 lbs. My total lost has been 80+ lbs. I was up and down for awhile. Since I became raw vegan, I’ve lost over 60 lbs. So fast forward two years, our first raw vegan restaurant in town (Dallas) called Bliss Raw Café opened. And at the same time, I already had an e-book that I had published online myself. I had recipes in there. And I published my tips and things that helped me when I was losing the weight.

So I applied for a server position. And I eventually ended up making desserts that people loved. I ended up being the dessert chef for Bliss Raw Café. So after that, the owner was revamping the menu. So she asked me to contribute to the menu as well. So a lot of the new menu items are my creation.

It was more like the owner said, “You know. I would love to have an Italian tasting pizza or a Greek tasting pizza.” So then, I would research what the flavor and the spices were for that particular cooked version of the pizza. I eliminated everything that was cooked along with the animal product. And we came up with a version of a pizza for that particular flavor that she wanted on the menu. So the new menu has a Greek pizza, Margherita pizza, a California pizza… You can actually look at and download the menu from the website Blissrawcafe.com. A lot of the new menu items are my creation.

Now I’m making desserts. Uh, custom made desserts for whoever orders them from me. There’s a line of chocolates that my friend Amy had me take over. So I’m also selling her chocolates and those are raw vegan as well. They’re very delicious treats that you can’t tell there’s no dairy or sugar in. They taste like regular chocolate but are better for you. And all the ingredients we use are the same ingredients we sell. We don’t cut corners at all.

That’s kind of how I started being a chef. Now, I teach people how to become raw vegan. There are a lot of services that I provide. Some call me to teach them how to make desserts. Some may want or need a menu designed for them for me to prepare. Maybe once a month, I prepare a different dish for the same client. Also, I tweak the recipes for those who have allergies that require me to. I also provide lifestyle coaching. Some of my clients may ask how to incorporate more raw foods for their children. I gather recipes and revise them. Whatever my clients require, I tweak my consultation to them according to what they need.

2) How long have you had your online store?
I’ve had a smaller version of my store for about a year. And now I have a partner. With her partnership, we are servicing more people.

3) How did you start your online store? Cause I’m clueless about any of this? Did you already have the products? Did you already have a physical store?
No, I didn’t have a (physical) store. I buy the products. I started with David Favor’s product, the Chocolate Bliss. What I do is order the product wholesale. And then I have it in the store. So I’ve been promoting it locally and the people usually meet me and I give them the product in person. I had already been doing that for about a year and a half. So people know me. They go online and look at the product. Also, I do have a Paypal account so that I can serve those with a credit card. They can do Paypal and then come and meet me. Or I can ship it to them.

So I started with David Favor’s products with the smaller version of the store. So I was able to get a few products through wholesale to have handy. If for some reason I ran out of them, I knew people around town that also sold them, so I was able to get products from them as well. With David Favor, one of the things he encouraged us to do is to work together instead of being in competition. Because all of us don’t know the same people. So he’s very good about encouraging us to work together. We usually help each other to sell and promote on another.

So that’s kind of how it started. I have a Paypal account. With Paypal, you can have shopping carts and things like that. I already knew how to make my own website. The site that I had before I designed from scratch. So it took me a lot longer to do. Like a week. With my new website, I use this service called Weebly. They have a free website that’s pretty much click and drag. It’s pretty easy. They also have shopping carts. It’s a very great service, especially for us beginners.

4) What sparked the development of your business? How did this all come about?
I’ve always been an entrepreneur at heart. I have always wanted to have my own business. And right now, I’m an actress. And actors usually have to figure out different ways to generate money when the times are slow. So then, I have to figure out a different way to go about doing a business. I’ve always loved the idea of having my own. So when I became a raw vegan, I loved the possibility of having my own raw vegan service or business, whatever it was. For a long time, I didn’t know how it was gonna be developed. I didn’t know what I really wanted to do. Last year, I was trying to figure out what I was going to do. What I was gonna offer. Am I going to offer products? Am I going to offer services? And then everything kind of fell into place because everybody was asking me questions like, “What kind of chocolate do you use and why do you use it?”. Or “what kind of agave do you love and why do you love it?” So I figured if I’m recommending products, why not have a store. And then tell them they can just get it at my store because then they were asking where to get it. I had to explain how to get it. So I was like, “Just go to my store. You’ll find out all the information about it and you can get it from me.” Or you can research online to get it from somewhere else. But for some things like David Favor’s products, they’re only sold by some folk like me. It’s not like you can go to a store and get it.

5) How much support did you receive when you first started out as a business?I have to tell you that my community is amazing! Because I was a raw vegan enthusiast before I became an official chef. I have been pretty involved in the community. My community was always very supportive with everything I did. Initially, I had a lot of support and they would promote me. And again, there’s no competition. So we were able to kind of piggy-back on each other’s businesses. Also, at the same time, I was promoting myself online. I was very fortunate that people were also supportive online. Inquiring a lot about my business and the things I was offering.

6) Did you always envision getting to this point?
You know, I have always wanted to be a business owner but I never knew it would revolve around food. Years ago, when I became raw, I never thought that I would have a self-help type service. Because when I was overweight before I became a raw vegan, I never really liked being in the kitchen. I never liked making things. Not at all. I always thought that it was so much work. Now that I’m raw vegan, I love being in the kitchen. I love making dishes. Especially desserts.

I used to be addicted to them (sweets) and now I hardly eat them. People love them and I used to be addicted to them. And now I’m making them for other people. It’s just weird. I don’t even crave them anymore. It’s like now after I’ve become raw vegan; it isn’t a craving of mine. It used to be huge for me. So now I love making them for other people who love them. So “No”, I didn’t envision having something like this. This is very new to me.


7) Is there anything that you wish you had done or handled differently in the process of starting your business?
Yes! When I started in raw foods, I started doing a lot of research very quickly. And I was encouraged to help other people do it. I took a long time doing that because I didn’t have the confidence in myself that I could help someone. I felt that I didn’t know enough. So the thing that I would do differently, knowing things as they are, is that I’m already ahead of most people. With the information that I have, I have a passion for raw foods. So I would probably start a lot sooner having my store. I would start sharing information a lot sooner. A lot of times, we as entrepreneurs feel that we do not want to launch it until we’re ready. It is a really good way of looking at things. And you do need to make sure that you don’t say that you’re ready when you’re not. However, you should also think about how a lot of people out there are a lot less knowledgeable than you are. So whatever information you have, you can already start providing a service. Do it in a scaled down version. Like me. I started with a very little store. A very small store. And I offered ten products. I put it out there. I still had a store. It was just very small.

At the beginning, I put out there that I was a coach but I didn’t put out there what services I had because I really didn’t know what I was going to offer. So what started happening is that people started hiring me. And then I was like, “I don’t know what I could offer.” But now that I have experience and I’ve actually coached people, I’ve been able to help them. I know this is what I can offer. Just go do it and learn from your experience. Maybe do a scaled down approach first. For example, charge an amount that you think is right. At the beginning, it’s gonna be kind of a learning experience. Do it and then tweak your fees and also your store. Sell a couple of products. And then say, “Hey. My new store is coming soon but as of now I have a couple of products. “The more you sell your products, the more capital you’re gonna have. Invest it back into your account. Into your business. And then that way your business will grow. For example, I had already written an e-book last year. I already had the e-book but I didn’t feel confident that I could offer help. I never sold it. I even had the pictures. The ones that you’ve seen on my website, Viva Raw . The ones that were studio pictures of my food. I had already taken them last year (2008) in June. I just didn’t feel confident that I knew enough. I was like, “How can I call myself a coach when I feel like I just became raw?” I felt like I didn’t know what I was talking about but still, the research that I had done which included losing the weight the way that I did and how I was able to keep it off. But I knew more than what most people out there knew about raw foods and weight loss. I was thinking that most knew the information that I knew, but they didn’t. They don’t. They don’t even know what “vegan” is. Most people that is. A lot of people think that its “vegetarian” still and that you still eat animal products, milk and what vegetarians usually eat.

"There's something you know how to do that you can teach to somebody else who doesn’t know how to do it-someone who knows less than you about that particular subject. If everyone knew that they have value….If everybody knew that every single person in this world knows something that others may not know and they can serve the world by teaching those skills. … So all of that is valuable for people. So anyway… I would say that I probably would’ve slapped myself in the face and say, “You do know!! You know more than most people about weight loss with raw vegan foods-You've done it. So put it out there!”

Organize it in a certain way. Encourage yourself to do it. And be positive. And be joyful. And be happy. Know that people love to be taught by people who love what they do. I would’ve said, “Miranda, come on! You know more than most people out there about raw foods! You’ve lost the weight. You’ve kept it off. So go share it!”


You can just teach a very, very basic class. And then the more you learn, you teach the next one where you learned something new. Okay. So today I learned about milk and why it’s not good for you. Well then. There’s a class about milk right there. “Why milk isn’t good for you”. And then learn something new like “cacao”. That’s a whole class right there about how good cacao is for you. The benefits that it gives your body, etc.

I’m just saying an example. Design something that you can teach. The biggest thing is I only do what I love to do. What I’ve learned from my past experiences is if I don’t love it then I’m not gonna do it. Because I would be doing it without my heart being in it. So I want my heart to be in everything that I do.

Sometimes people ask me to do things and I’m like, “You know what? I don’t know that I would enjoy doing that.” And if you’re already thinking that then you’re not going to do it with love. I put my love into everything that I do. So you have to love what you do.

8) If you’ve ever had moments where you questioned what you were doing, how did you stay motivated? What kept you motivated whenever and if ever that happened?
Well, I have had moments when I’ve questioned my knowledge of things. And then I’d go back to the whole thing where I know more than most people coming to me. And I can teach them something. No.2- If for example, some thing has not felt good and then you question what you do. Then you focus on the things that you do love about it. For example, if something happened with the store where I don’t have as many products. And I’m questioning if people are even gonna come to my store, I come back to the fact that I do love to talk about raw foods. I do love to talk about what I’ve accomplished. And people usually tell me that I’m an inspiration to them. But I usually go back to the fact that I love what I do.

Everything in this life, people have accomplished because they persevered. If you persevere on something that doesn’t feel good, that’s not a good formula. Persevere on something that you really love. And then you really love it and you don’t feel like, “Oh, my God. It’s work.” It has to be something that you really love. Otherwise, why do it. Go back to the fact that, you love what you do. I love when people love my desserts. I love when people come to the restaurant and are like, “Oh, my God! You’re brilliant!” Or they come back and say, “You know, Miranda. After I heard you’re story, you’ve been an inspiration. And now I’m looking into learning more about raw food.” I go back to that. I go back to why I’m doing what I do. It’s because I love it and I’m passionate about helping people improve their life. So you go back to that and it’ll help motivate you to keep going.

9) What advice would you give to women seeking to do what you do?
There’s plenty for everybody. There’s plenty of love. There are plenty of business opportunities. There’s plenty of market out there. If you really think about how much we as a society are bombarded with unhealthy choices, I would rather see a hundred million of other businesses like mine. Just educate people so the children, growing up, will already know what vegan is so they can make a choice whether they want to eat it or not and why. If people are more exposed to healthy choices and more renewable opportunities, business opportunities... I would love to see a lot more of that out there.

Secondly, looking at their own value and their own talent. And then tweaking that business to be them as a whole. Them as a marketing tool. For instance, Viva Raw is me. It’s me and my personality and the fact that I’m outgoing. I’m an actress. I’m not shy. I just get out there. So then whatever it means to them… Whatever it is that makes those products unique… Offering their services in a way where they can provide value and in their own style. Use your style. It set you apart from everyone else.

10) Is there anything new and exciting that we can expect from your business in the future?
Yes! I am working on an online show. And I’ve been working on it for while. And I think that’s ready. I’m learning how to edit myself. I’m an actress and a producer. I’m gonna produce my own show. I’ll have different topics and guests on my show. It’ll be a very simple show where I educate people. I’m going to do and post a lot more video. I may even do some in Spanish.


**A note for Miranda**
Miranda, thanks for allowing me to interview you. It really means alot to me that you've taken the time to share your journey with everyone. I wish you great success in present and future things!
Much Luv,
ChocolateOrchid

You can find Miranda Martinez at:
Miranda Martinez
Viva Raw
Facebook
Twitter
Youtube
MySpace

Post Title → JANUARY HEROINE ENTREPRENUER - MIRANDA MARTINEZ