From Chef to Founder: How the Pandemic Sparked a Vegan Dream

Before Ardent Vegan LLC existed, Jaime was deep in the world of professional kitchens. With more than a decade of culinary experience, she thrived in fast-paced environments, always chasing bold, new ideas. But when the pandemic hit, the industry came to a sudden halt. For the first time in years, Jaime had the space to cook for herself — not customers — and to create with intention.

During those quiet months, Jaime explored healthier, affordable, and plant-based meals that she could make over and over again. One of her favorites quickly became a savory almond dip packed with bold spices and natural ingredients. It wasn’t long before she was bringing it to friend meetups and small gatherings. The feedback was overwhelming: “You should sell this!” “Can you make more?” “This is amazing!”

That encouragement planted the seed that became Ardent Vegan LLC. Jaime realized that her culinary skills, combined with her personal passion for veganism and wellness, could help others make better food choices — all while staying true to her values. By starting her own company, Jaime wasn’t just launching a product — she was launching a purpose-driven business built on health, compassion, and big, bold flavor.