Some conversations don’t begin with questions.
They begin with memory.

This episode sits down with Thalia, founder of House of Vegano, for a conversation that moves through childhood, family, creativity, and the role food plays in shaping how we gather and care for one another.

Rather than a formal interview, the exchange unfolds naturally — grounded in reflection, lived experience, and the moments that shaped who she is today.

Where It All Began

Thalia traces her earliest memories back to childhood — moments of curiosity, self-awareness, and connection. Raised in a close-knit family, much of her identity was shaped around the kitchen and the dinner table.

Her grandfather, a self-taught cook with a deep love for presentation and flavor, taught her that you eat with your eyes first. Her grandmother hosted long Sunday dinners where generations gathered — adults at one table, children at another — sharing stories, values, and lessons that carried far beyond food.

Those gatherings became classrooms for life:

• Learning how to show up for one another

• Understanding family history

• Developing a sense of responsibility and care

Food wasn’t just nourishment — it was how stories were passed down.

Creativity in the Kitchen

From childhood cooking competitions to family “Iron Chef” moments, creativity and play were always present. The kitchen became a space for experimentation, collaboration, and expression.

That foundation followed Thalia into adulthood — long before House of Vegano existed as a concept. Cooking was never about rigid rules or credentials. It was about curiosity, flavor, and honoring tradition while leaving room to evolve.

Rethinking Labels

A significant part of the conversation explores how Thalia later began rethinking her relationship with food and lifestyle — not through labels, but through alignment.

She speaks candidly about discovering plant-forward cooking later in life, experimenting boldly, and removing pressure around perfection. Rather than focusing on titles, her approach emphasizes awareness, creativity, and personal choice — allowing people to explore what works for them without judgment.

The takeaway is simple but powerful:
Labels can open doors — or close them.
Curiosity keeps them open.

House of Vegano: A Place to Belong

The idea for House of Vegano emerged from a desire to recreate something deeper than a dining experience.

Inspired by the concept of “houses” as chosen families — spaces where people gather, support one another, and feel safe — Thalia envisioned House of Vegano as a place rooted in welcome and care.

When people walk in, the intention is clear:

• To feel at home

• To feel considered

• To feel part of something shared

A communal table sits at the center of the space, encouraging conversation between strangers, organic connection, and the realization that we are often more alike than different.

Food as a Connector

Throughout the conversation, one theme returns again and again: food has the power to bring people together.

Across differences in background, identity, or belief, shared meals create space for dialogue. They lower guards. They invite listening.

House of Vegano operates from that understanding — using creativity, flavor, and presentation as tools for connection rather than division.

Why This Story Matters

This episode isn’t about trends.
It’s about continuity.

It documents how family traditions evolve, how creativity finds new forms, and how intentional spaces can foster belonging in a disconnected world.

House of Vegano stands as a reminder that when food is approached with care, it becomes more than what’s on the plate — it becomes a shared experience.