Collards with Sasha

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’s 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. 

Soul Miner’s Garden is a vegan food truck committed to compassion and environmental consciousness. Why vegan and sustainable?  “I’m trying to stay true to myself.” 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’s world. Sasha shared that although some turn their nose up at the idea of vegan fare, there is lot to be gained. “If you’re not eating meat, you’re not missing protein and you’re not deprived of flavor.” 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. 

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’s recipe on the truck. “I know my mom would be proud of me and where I’m at, and I just really wish she were here to see it.” We also discussed the link between food and community, and how COVID has really shifted things for Sasha and her family, personally and professionally. 

There is no doubt that Sasha’s mom would be proud of all she has accomplished - from outgrowing Mecklenburg County’s 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’s Garden for the most up-to-date information about where they’ll be around town; you will not want to miss out on those greens!  

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.