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Sasha worked in restaurants most of her life, usually as a server or bartender, but she always longed to cook. When her mother died unexpectedly in 2019, Sasha\\u2019s grief caused her to question everything, including the direction her life was taking. As a way of honoring her mom, Sasha decided it was time to pursue her long-time dream of opening her own vegan food truck. She launched in early 2020, right as COVID was wreaking havoc on the food and beverage industry.\\xa0

Soul Miner\\u2019s Garden is a vegan food truck committed to compassion and environmental consciousness. Why vegan and sustainable?\\xa0 \\u201cI\\u2019m trying to stay true to myself.\\u201d This means selling no animal products whatsoever, and exclusively using boxed water, biodegradable packaging, and bamboo cutlery. Which is an incredible commitment, given the state of today\\u2019s world. Sasha shared that although some turn their nose up at the idea of vegan fare, there is lot to be gained. \\u201cIf you\\u2019re not eating meat, you\\u2019re not missing protein and you\\u2019re not deprived of flavor.\\u201d Promoting a healthy lifestyle is important to Sasha, as her mother died from heart disease, and a plant-based diet is effective in reducing diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.\\xa0

We talked about the southern tradition of beans and greens, and Sasha maintains that nobody makes greens like her mom did. In fact, she makes a vegan version of her mom\\u2019s recipe on the truck. \\u201cI know my mom would be proud of me and where I\\u2019m at, and I just really wish she were here to see it.\\u201d We also discussed the link between food and community, and how COVID has really shifted things for Sasha and her family, personally and professionally.\\xa0

There is no doubt that Sasha\\u2019s mom would be proud of all she has accomplished - from outgrowing Mecklenburg County\\u2019s predictions for her life to running her own thriving business. It is truly a privilege to know this woman, and I cannot wait to see what else is in store for her! Please make sure you are following Soul Miner\\u2019s Garden for the most up-to-date information about where they\\u2019ll be around town; you will not want to miss out on those greens! \\xa0

CORRECTION: In the intro of this episode, Emily incorrectly stated that Sasha has been vegan for 10 years. Sasha has recently reached her 5 year anniversary of eating vegan, however she has dreamed of owning a food truck for about 10 years.\\xa0