Sunday marked our five year anniversary, and I wanted to take a moment to say how grateful I am for all of you! Many food businesses close in the first few years, and I am thankful for your consistent support that has allowed us to thrive and make it to this huge milestone.

5 years ago, we had our first, very chaotic, sold out pick up at the Mickle Center. As a fully vegan business without a storefront, we often fly under the radar. I think of NWK like a hidden gem— once our people find it, they love it, but it can take time. Which is why it’s especially cool on our 5 year anniversary to have just been selected as one of 40 Women to Watch by the Iowa Restaurant Association. 🙌

In so many ways, this past year has been the very hardest. I have repeatedly been pushed to confront challenges, and because of it, can say I’m more certain of my vision for NWK and am happier than I have ever been. I wouldn’t have it all any other way.

I am happy to be here, committed:

💚 to always create— this business is built around my love for recipe development, and the recipes came from my brain. Holding onto my creativity is one of the most important things to me. I’m prioritizing making time for it— which can be difficult with everything else that needs done in a week!

💚 to always laugh & be kind — it may sound silly, but it’s crucial. Running a food business is hard, physically demanding work, but you have to take care of yourself so you can take care of the people around you, to remind yourself its only food and that every problem is fixable, and to find moments to laugh while you do it.

💚 to keep learning, listening, and to never be afraid to admit where I can improve. I love to problem solve and love refining my cooking technique.

💚 to not get caught up on the numbers, and to just focus on the quality of the food. I’m not trying to prove anything— I just want to make really, really, really good vegan food for the people who want it.

I’m grateful for everyone NWK has brought into my life these last five years. Wherever you are now, I mean it! And for my husband Justin who has helped me through every single bump in the road. I couldn’t do it without him. And for our incredibly loyal community who supports us week after week— you’re the reason we’re still here.