Today we’d like to introduce you to Chef Victoria-Lee Lewis.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up in a family where food was how we showed love, so being in the kitchen always felt natural to me. But my real journey into veganism started in 2015 after dealing with severe migraines, constant ER visits, and feeling frustrated with medications that only masked the problem. I started researching healthier lifestyles and discovered veganism, eventually finding a deep connection with alkaline vegan living inspired by Dr. Sebi’s teachings. What began as a personal healing journey turned into a true passion and purpose.
As I learned more, I studied under talented vegan chefs, sharpened my skills, and started creating dishes that could bridge the gap between vegan and non-vegan communities. I wanted people to experience vegan food that felt indulgent, soulful, comforting, and exciting — not restrictive. That passion eventually became my brand, The Vegan Black Pin-Up, where I blend old-school glamour with elevated vegan cuisine.
Today, I’m an award-winning vegan chef, baker, and creative entrepreneur based in Fort Worth. I specialize in soulful Southern-inspired vegan dishes, vegan sushi, luxury private dining experiences, and wellness-focused products. I also serve as an Artist in Residence, hosting community-centered culinary experiences that bring people together through food, culture, and wellness. Every step of this journey has been rooted in healing, creativity, and showing people that vegan living can be both nourishing and luxurious.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all. Like most entrepreneurial journeys, mine has come with a lot of lessons, growing pains, and moments where I had to bet on myself even when things felt uncertain. One of my biggest challenges was overcoming imposter syndrome — especially stepping into spaces where vegan cuisine wasn’t always taken seriously or where I felt like I had to constantly prove myself as both a chef and a business owner.
There were also practical struggles like managing overhead costs, marketing, building consistency, and learning how to balance creativity with the business side of entrepreneurship. Being a chef is one thing, but running a brand means wearing many hats at once — from event planning and content creation to customer service and budgeting.
Another challenge was helping people shift their mindset about vegan food. Early on, I often had to convince people that vegan cuisine could be flavorful, soulful, satisfying, and luxurious. That pushed me to become even more creative and intentional with my recipes and presentations.
At the same time, those struggles shaped me. They taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of building community. Every obstacle helped me refine my vision for The Vegan Black Pin-Up and deepen my mission of making vegan living feel approachable, elegant, and exciting for everyone.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m an award-winning vegan chef, baker, and creative entrepreneur behind The Vegan Black Pin-Up, a brand that blends elevated vegan cuisine with vintage glamour, culture, and community. My work centers around creating memorable culinary experiences that show people vegan food can be indulgent, soulful, comforting, and beautiful all at the same time.
I specialize in Southern-inspired vegan cuisine, luxury private dining experiences, interactive cooking classes, and vegan sushi — which has become one of the things I’m most known for. I love taking familiar comfort foods and recreating them in a way that surprises people, whether it’s vegan fried chicken mushrooms, my award-winning carrot cake, or sushi rolls that make even non-vegans excited to try plant-based food.
Beyond food, a big part of my work is creating experiences that bring people together. As an Artist in Residence in Fort Worth, I host community events that combine food, wellness, creativity, and connection. Everything I do is rooted in the belief that food is more than just nourishment — it’s culture, healing, celebration, and storytelling.
What I’m most proud of is turning my personal healing journey into a business that genuinely impacts people. Hearing someone say they tried vegan food for the first time and loved it, or seeing people connect around one of my dinners or classes, means everything to me.
What sets me apart is the experience I create. I don’t just serve food — I create an atmosphere. My brand combines old-school Hollywood glamour, intentional presentation, soulful flavors, and wellness in a way that feels unique and personal. I focus on making vegan cuisine approachable while still feeling luxurious and exciting, and I think people can feel the love, creativity, and authenticity behind everything I create.
What makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is creating experiences that bring people together. There’s something really special about watching people sit down, share a meal, laugh, connect, and try something new — especially when it changes the way they think about vegan food. Food has always felt like a love language to me, so being able to nourish people through my work is incredibly fulfilling.
I’m also happiest when I’m creating. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, designing an event, teaching a cooking class, hosting a wellness experience, or even performing creatively, I feel most aligned when I’m able to turn ideas into something people can feel and experience.
Another thing that brings me joy is knowing my journey can inspire others. My path into veganism started from a place of healing and survival, so seeing how my story, my food, or my lifestyle encourages someone else to take better care of themselves means a lot to me. It reminds me that purpose can come from pain.
And honestly, community makes me happy. Building spaces where people feel welcomed, celebrated, and connected — especially through food, culture, wellness, and creativity — is at the heart of everything I do.
Pricing:
- Plant-Based & Palette $55 per person
- Interactive Cooking Classes $99 per person
- The Dinner Party $125 per person
- Signature Brunch $575
- Romantic Candlelight Dinner for 2 $750
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theveganblackpinup.my.canva.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theveganblackpinup?igsh=MXB6c3VzZTYyN25oNg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18a1FE2Mpg/?mibextid=wwXIfr
