Welcome to our “Get to Know” series! Each Tuesday (for the next year), we’re going to introduce you to a creator in the wellness space that we think you NEED to know. The creators we feature are of various backgrounds. Whether they’re an online content creator, coach, or owner of a product-based brand, they each have their own niche in the wellness world and contribute to the space, as a whole, in an incredibly meaningful way. We’re setting this up Q&A-style so that you can learn more about each creator’s why, the content that they’re most proud of, and exactly how you can be a part of and contribute to their journey. We hope you enjoy our conversations with these wonderful people and brands. We know they’re going to enrich your lives!
This week, we’re interviewing Valerie Azinge of My Digital Kitchen. Valerie says her lifetime goal is “to give back to others, inspire people in every way I can, be a source of support and kindness for many who need it, and continue building a loving relationship with life.” Follow along as we learn more about Valerie:
Why did you start your business?
Valerie: I used to work a corporate 9-5 job, but I never felt like I was living my truth and serving my true purpose. Through dedication and hard work, the concept of “healthy eating made fun” was brought to life with the creation of my business, My Digital Kitchen. What originally started out as a healthy food blog for the conscious consumer quickly evolved into so much more. With continued encouragement and support from my social network and community, My Digital Kitchen’s portfolio was expanded to include dessert catering. With new ventures arising regularly, the business continues to evolve, and I am the happiest I have ever been to have a career doing what I love.
What’s your mission/purpose statement?
Valerie: My mission is to continue to inspire others who have gone through physical or any type of trauma to eat well, have fun and have a positive outlook on life, no matter how challenging things may seem. I can say this with certainty because during the course of my business journey, an unimaginable event happened to me that completely altered my life forever. In 2018, I was a passenger on a friend’s motorcycle, when we were hit by a drunk driver. Sadly, my friend passed away and I was airlifted to the hospital, where I spent 3 months recovering. My injuries were extensive and I required a lot of surgeries that greatly impacted my mobility. I almost lost my life. You can only imagine how an experience like this caused so much fear and uncertainty for my future, but I push through everyday with a positive outlook. There’s always hope!
What 2 (or 3!) pieces of content are you the proudest of?
Valerie: During my rehabilitation, I was offered my first cookbook deal, on my birthday! I believe it was my love of food and a relentless determination to return to the kitchen, despite the many new challenges I now faced, that were vital to my physical recovery and mental healing. After many long days, putting in work, my cookbook, 30-Minute Low Carb Dinners, was set for publication. Since its release, my cookbook is available online and in bookstores in Canada and the US. I’ve also been featured on TV and in several publications, including The Food Network, CTV, Buzzfeed, The Huffington Post, CBC, and several Canadian and international publications. It’s really been a dream come true and I’m so grateful for the love and support I have received and continue to receive.
Where are you going next? What’s your goal for the next year?
Valerie: My short term goal is to eventually get my products into stores and cafes, and also write another book. My long term goal is to have my own cooking show, and anything else in between. My lifetime goal is to give back to others, inspire people in every way I can, be a source of support and kindness for many who need it, and continue building a loving relationship with life.
How can we (and the Fed and Fit community) best support you?
Valerie: Supporting me as a black owned and female led small business by following and engaging with my social media, and also supporting my cookbook to encourage exposure and sales!
