Community Highlights: Meet Danielle Delaine of Herban Vegans

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Delaine

Hi Danielle, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I initially started out in the finance field as a FINRA licensed financial advisor and stock trader for three Fortune 500 companies. I was happy with making an impact in others lives and helping them prepare for their future. However, I still felt like something was calling me in a mother direction. I and that was my love for being a creative, no mater the medium. The finance industry was the complete opposite of this. But ever since I could remember, I was making lipglosses from my moms old lipstick tubes, redesigning my gym shoes, cutting mines and others hair just to name da few. So I always had a side business going on to satisfy what i felt like was my calling. As a homeowner at 23 I decided to change one of my bedrooms into a boutique and would allow friend and family to shop. Well before online shopping was popular. I slso started an online boutique that centered around fashion hats. I felt like it was too soon because back then I didn’t know how to market or promote online this was 20 plus years ago. I was a born creative stuck in a space where I wasn’t feeling fulfilled. My name is Danielle Delaine a self proclaimed serial entrepreneur that sees my passions and interests as an opportunity for servitude. A born creative that sees opportunity in all forms so that I could assist others in looking , feeling and live better lives in some capacity. I started multiple businesses over the years but
one tha is more notable was Chapeau Couture Hats & Outerwear a concept that began in 2005 to bridge hat culture, couture fashion and outerwear with a concentration on custom one of a kind designs that dressed many for the Kentucky Derby and other elite themed events, quality every day wear and influencer collaborations with large brands like Lilly Pulitzer and Cache just to name a few for over the years resulting in three locations, an online boutique and multiple seasonal pop up annual seasonal locations like Kenwood Towne Center, Oxmoor (Louisville Ky) and others spanning over many states. This love affair with hat fashion started with my upbringing in church. I witnessed my mother, grandmother and others put on their Sunday best and watched them stride with confidence. They were on a mission to put their best foot forward and it set the stage for all that they did even well after service was over. It rolled over in their daily walk and their commitment to giving their best in all that they did. This served as a lens for what my definition of beauty and confidence was and I wanted it not only for myself but for others who saught it out as well. I was extremely pleased with the growth of Chapesu Couture and recognition that was received very early on. and that remained sought after and relevant for many years.. Although it was during this time that I began to show more focus on my personal health journey as well. Having already implemented what I like to call a step down approach to optimizing health eliminating certain foods , ingredients at a time. I made a lifestyle switch that would change the trajectory of my life once again and many others as a result. I began a lifestyle dedicated to plantbased living. Early on in my mid 20s I was diagnosed with an auto immune disease that left me with symptoms that affected my quality of life. I knew something had to change and required my full attention. I was searching for something that would cause a longterm and permanent reversal. Not just a bandaid. And I knew the lifestyle that included steroids and additional medications that my doctor prescribed wasn’t for me. My transition began with a 13 year commitment to a pescatarian diet that I found very rewarding at the time. Until I felt the desire to take it further and push myself towards what I considered to be optimum health. I did the work, the research and was committed to change. I found what I was looking for in a plantbased environment . It grew naturally and authentically so much so I felt a need to share my great experiences that included subsiding symptoms, increased energy and prompting of healing mind , body and spirit. Excited to share with family and friends I jumped in two feet first and started to meal plan for others after I told them the magnitude of changes that I saw within my own health. I even wrote a book 40 Days & 40 Nights Alkaline Fast, that illustrates the successful steps taken on my journey to transition using tips like fasting and reintroducing foods into ones diet in different ways. Putting everything else on the back burner, from there Herban Vegans was born. A mission that stood on celebratiion of flavor while honoring creative ingredients. A wellness hub that is made up of a vibrant and innovative plant based restaurant, retail artisanal goods and community outreach. Our customer base is an inclusive spand of vegans, non- vegans, foodies that are seeking a unique culinary experience , to those that are committed to a more sustainable existence and food lovers who understand it’s all just food prepared in a flavorful, creative and conscious way. We are committed to being a premier plant based establishment that pushes inclusion and removing stigmas around healthier eating habits by introducing innovative textures, flavors and ingredients that keep us coming back for more. We make it a point to revolutionize plant based dining for it to be seen as a viable option and contender when considering what to eat. And for all the familiar reasons why you would choose any other establishment with so many other benefits attached as well. We hit the ground running with excitement. Experiencing instant success afforded us a “plant” form to launch from and expand into other areas of interest. Therefore making our overarching goal to make room for plant based dining and hospitality and making it accessible and interesting whether you are dining with us at our restaurant, attending themed communal table events, shopping with us online or attending one of our complimentary community outreach gatherings through our program ALIGN (Altogether Living In Good Nature). Our award winning menu has tantalized the taste buds of many with various backgrounds and demographics with features that include pan cultural cuisine with fusion twists. Like our ever popular GUMBOLAYA, Seefood Miracle Mac, Smoked Blackened Salm’n , gourmet sliders , artisanal beverages and more! While using whole foods, proteins, grains, herbs and spices that also consider allergens and food intolerances. In relation to this life altering stance has also spurred us in the direction of combining existing areas of interest and repackaging them in a way that aligns with our current goals and aspirations. For instance we are in the process of combining our love for fashion and repositiong it with a concentration on sustainability. Fab Fux Lux will use materials like mushroom leathers and other quality sustainable innovative materials and fibers to create fashionably unique and customizable must haves. We are in the planning stages and are seeking out additional partnerships and collaborations to assist us in reshaping the future of fashion. Living and upholding my life’s purpose to assist others in looking , feeling and living better lives. This is who Danielle Delaine is purposefully, unapologetically, authentically, me.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road to success but one worth taking. Having an entrepreneurial spirit within me I’ve always understood that success and risks go hand in hand. Even as a business major in college it further confirmed my childhood desire to be a business owner . It was there where I committed to the process no matter what came my way. We have endured dishonorable landlords , development companies not upholding our lease agreements. shortages in productions and materials, surrounding ourselves and having faith in organizations that made claims of accelerating business practices only for exploitation and monetary gain and dare I also mention COVID. However in all of this we assume 100% accountability and made these choices and found ourselves in circumstances so that they can be a spearhead to our companies policies , procedures and use all instances as a stepping stone to a firmer foundation for continued growth and success . .

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Herban Vegans?
Herban Vegans is a destination where the celebration of flavor combines a tribute to ingredients and culture. Positioned as a wellness hub, Herban Vegans encompasses a vibrant multi-concept restaurant, herb-infused artisanal food and beverage manufacturing, culinary entertainment, and active community engagement. Our overarching goal is to deliver a creatively enhanced culinary experience that not only tantalizes taste buds but also sparks curiosity and promotes wellness through a pan-cultural journey told uniquely by the palate. At Herban Vegans, discover globally inspired plant-based dishes, expertly infused with modern twists of herbs and spices. We pride ourselves on providing a distinctive vegan/plant-based culinary adventure that transcends any palate, leaving a delectable and lasting impression. As a nonjudgmental establishment, we prioritize showcasing of exceptional culinary experiences that just happen to be plant-based, offering something for everyone. Herban Vegans crafts culinary narratives that resonate long after the plate is cleared, encouraging intentional eating for the well-being of individuals and our planet. Serving as a nonjudgmental bridge, we connect all who gather at our table, fostering a sense of unity and appreciation for diverse culinary journeys

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is living out one’s purpose. And adding my own spin to what was passed down to me by my great aunt. Do what you love not for the sole purpose to gain popularity, prestige or pay. But for progression and inadvertently gaining all three.

Pricing:

• Varies

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Herbanvegans.com
• Instagram: @herbanvegans,
• Facebook: @herbanvegans