We had the good fortune of connecting with Julia Simon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Julia, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I wanted to build the kind of kitchen I wanted to work in – queer friendly, no misogyny, killer vibes and a great mission.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’ve had the pleasure of vegan cheffery and community organizing in and around CLT NC for the last 12+ years. When I opened my first business, Nourish, I really didn’t know that we’d have the explosive growth we experienced – it honestly felt like activism, running a vegan kitchen in the barbecue belt. But Charlotte has been super kind to me and I’ve gotten to open, run and sell not one but two vegan businesses and am now consulting, teaching and making more art. I think a few things that set my practice apart was consistency and stubbornness – and sticking to my principles even when things got tough.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We have such lovely parks! I think I’d start us off with a cute walk (after snagging some coffee from Nightswim) at Steven’s Creek preserve, then hit Ben Thanh for lunch. Maybe a mid-day movie at IPH, then to Camp North End for some walkin’ and shoppin’ (Grow + Good Postage, I love you!) then dinner at Soul Miner’s Garden, a drink at Free Range Bar + catch an event or opening at Goodyear Arts!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
the Piedmont Culinary Guild has always been so helpful – a group of chefs, farmers and artisans who openly share expertise and support one another here in Charlotte and beyond.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plant_joy_clt, https://www.instagram.com/julia_likes_red

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutNorthCarolina is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.