Meet Jenn Kraus | Vegan Chef

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

Hi Jenn, why did you pursue a creative career?
When I was younger I was very interested in pursuing a career in art. Whether a curator, sculpture artist or teacher I wanted art to be central in my life. My father always told me I was welcome to pursue it as a hobby but I needed to select a college major that would sustain my lifestyle. I have pursued several degrees and in 2003 returned to college once again leading to my current full time position as a speech therapist. I continued to use my artistic skills in varied projects and when I opened Uprooted I was able to further my artistic endeavors using food as my medium. People eat with their eyes first so creating enticing dishes draws even the most vegan skeptic diner in.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Art is subjective. The beauty is in the eye of the beholder yet here I am, making what I deem art using food as my medium. As long as I can remember I’ve always explored different mediums, creating sculptures and murals but when I came time to select a college major my father put his foot down at an art major. He said I could always pursue art as a hobby but it was not life sustaining income. I have trekked through a multitude of degrees and xareers at this point. First criminal justice, psychology, hotel management and culinary then into speech pathology. My day career is currently pediatric speech therapy while I pursue my creative culinary side with Uprooted Vegan Cuisine.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I grew up in Fairport and East Rochester NY, moving to Aiken SC in late 2017. During my first several months in our new home I explored a multitude of parks, trails, shops and surrounding towns. I love the quaint downtown shops of Aiken; the community parks in North Augusta and Broad St eateries in Augusta GA. I often take guests to all of these spots.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents, for always encouraging me to pursue my interests and having my back. My husband Terry for washing all my dishes and lifting heavy things.
My daughter for being on the vegan journey with me.
Polliwog, my donated kidney, for coming into my life just when I needed it most and giving me the energy and platform to pursue a vegan food business.

Website: www.eatuprootedvegan.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uprooted.vegan.cuisine/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uprooted.vegan.cuisine/