Our Story

It all begins with the matriarch of the family, Yeshareg ‘Yeshi’ Demisse, and her curiosity in the health benefits of ingredients found not only in Ethiopian cuisine, but in other cultures and dietary lifestyles. After emigrating in 1982 to Queens, NY with a job in the UNDP, Yeshi explored the abundance of food diversity the city had to offer. Delving into tiny health food stores, sprouting microgreens at home, and experimenting juicing with her prized possession, a classic yellow Champion Juicer, (which is still in her kitchen nearly 40 years later!), she instilled the importance of incorporating a healthy lifestyle to her six children, friends and coworkers.

Expanding her skills professionally, Yeshi trained in Living Foods at the Ann Wigmore Foundation in the 80s and the Kushi Institute for Macrobiotic diet & lifestyle in the 90s. Never one to slow down, she became a Certified Wholistic Health Coach while operating the family restaurant in Richmond, Virginia.