Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Fobbs.
Danielle, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Growing up, I’ve always been the one to spy around in the kitchen. I would sit back and watch my dad and grandparents create different dishes sparking my curiosity. So naturally, cooking & creating in the kitchen became a passion of mine. It was July 1, 2017 when my husband, Sam and I decided to embark on this vegan journey together. We said, “if we can make it through July 4th weekend, then we can do this!” We missed out on plenty of Bar-B-Que and endless sides that weekend, but we survived. Cooking took a lot of experimenting, patience and understanding to try and put a vegan twist on my “classic” meals that I once mastered before. The following month in August, I made this cashew based – white sauce pasta dish for family dinner. Dinner was going well until my daughter, at the age of five, had her very first anaphylactic reaction to the cashews and had to be rushed to the ER. At the time, I had no idea that she was allergic to tree-nuts (excluding almonds), cows’ milk, egg whites and gluten. That moment shifted my entire perspective on healthy eating and allergy-free foods that can accommodate my children.
Since we are a plant-based family, it was difficult to find a vegan restaurant that also offered allergy-friendly options. This is when the idea of Healthy Sunflower started to form. Why can’t we enjoy a vegan dining experience without the fear of an allergic reaction, cross-contamination or giving the wrong item on accident? The lack of versatility allowed me to spend more time in the kitchen creating meals to suit our needs. Through many trials and errors, long days and several taste testers later, I was able to launch Healthy Sunflower. I created Healthy Sunflower to cater to others that are seeking planted-based and allergy-friendly foods without the extra hassle. I create popular breakfast and dinner entrees, sides, desserts all 100% vegan and allergy-free.
Has it been a smooth road?
I’ve learned a few lessons along the way. In October of 2017, I was diagnosed with (RRMS) Multiple Sclerosis when I had my first major relapse. It was by far the worst thing I’ve ever experienced in my life! I went from feeling normal to being completely numb on my entire left side, unable to do my hair or even lift a pen. It took two months of physical and occupational therapy for me to thankfully, gain full mobility back.
During my recovery period, I was unable to cook. I had to relearn my body, navigate this new disease, while still pursuing my passion for cooking. The two months allowed me the opportunity to adapt to the kitchen by learning patience and training my husband on what steps to take to create simple meals. MS was my reality now and I’ve learned that it’s okay to let someone else step in. Once I was able to get back in the kitchen, I knew I had to create simple, plant-based and allergy-friendly foods for the sake of my health, my family and others that seek this need.
Tell us more about the business.
Healthy Sunflower is a catering and delivery service that creates allergy-friendly foods one plant-based meal at a time. Our mission is to provide our clients with organic, allergy-friendly and plant-based options that cater to their needs. As a vegan chef, I wanted to specialize in meals that were fan favorites of our clients’. Due to food allergies, they may not have been able to enjoy these meals in the past. I’ve been able to perfect meals such as apple cinnamon pancakes, Cajun pasta or my double layer chocolate cake to name a few. I am most proud of how far Healthy Sunflower has come, continuing to evolve and create tasty new dishes. Speaking from experience, trying to find a restaurant that can handle multiple food allergies is very challenging. Healthy Sunflower offers a complete menu of vegan and allergy-friendly foods. If you want it, we can create it!
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
We all know the food industry will be around for many years to come. My goal is to have Healthy Sunflower go along for that ride! I want people to know that you are not restricted and can still eat delicious food, even if you have multiple food allergies.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.HealthySunflower.com
- Phone: 281-844-7181
- Email: Info@healthysunflower.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eathealthysunflower/
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