Her Story

A Lifelong Journey

At 62, Karen continues to pursue her passion for healthy cooking through Karen Kitchen, a venture she started 15 years ago. Her journey began in her early years, helping her mother in a sewing business before moving into insurance. However, her love for cooking eventually led her to establish Karen Kitchen.

Passion for Healthy Cooking

Karen's passion for cooking is rooted in her desire to create healthy, delicious meals. She loves experimenting with new recipes, modifying them to include organic ingredients, less oil, salt, and no sugar. Karen believes many health issues and allergies are linked to poor diet, so she focuses on providing nutritious options.

Addressing Health Needs

Over the years, Karen has seen clients with various health issues, such as cancer survivors, mothers with autistic children, and individuals with skin conditions. They come to her for meals that meet specific dietary requirements, like gluten-free or sugar-free options. Karen uses spices to add flavor without compromising on health.

Building a Healthy Community

Starting Karen Kitchen wasn't easy. Initially, people found her food bland due to reduced oil and salt. However, with time, customers adjusted their palates and began to appreciate the health benefits. Karen's persistence paid off, and now she provides the community with customized, healthy food that meets their dietary needs.

Simple and Nutritious Cooking

Karen's cooking style is simple yet effective. She uses methods like steaming, braising, boiling, and making soups to preserve nutrients. Her skills and passion for healthy, home-cooked food shine through in every dish she prepares.

Customer Success Stories

The most rewarding part of Karen's work is seeing her customers' health improve. Mothers with autistic children return for more meals, and special requests come in for cancer patients and the elderly. Karen learns a lot from her customers, especially those who follow advice from dieticians, and she tailors her recipes accordingly.

Creating Connections

Karen's kitchen isn't just a place for food; it's a place for building friendships. Over the years, her customers have become friends, visiting her kitchen regularly for their favorite healthy meals. She enjoys introducing new recipes and sharing her love for healthy cooking with others.

Staying Active and Inspired

Karen stays active by exploring new recipes on YouTube and modifying them for health benefits. She loves learning and enjoys her daily routine at the shop, setting up early and preparing ingredients. For Karen, cooking is not a chore but a joy.

Advice for Retirees

Karen encourages retirees to be patient, explore their interests, and develop a passion for something they love. Her semi-retired life revolves around her love for cooking and connecting with her customers through healthy food choices.

Future Aspirations

Karen hopes to reach more people with her healthy meals and encourages them to visit her shop. She also offers catering services and enjoys working with clients to customize food for specific health conditions. Karen's ultimate goal is to see people improve their health through her food.

Support from SITI Network

Karen seeks support from the SITI Network to spread the word about her passion for healthy cooking. She hopes more people will visit her shop and benefit from her nutritious meals.

Sharing Her Story

Karen is excited to share her journey and inspire others to embrace healthy eating. She believes that with the right support and dedication, anyone can make a positive impact on their community's health.