Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan LaVigne.
Hi Megan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story really begins with the ending of another. In 2017, after years of trying to become pregnant and multiple fertility treatments, my journey to motherhood came to a halt when a genetic test came back with the results that my likelihood to become pregnant were slim. The question of “If I’m not going to be a mom, who will I choose to be?” rang through my head continuously.
Prior to starting my business, The Culinary Nest, LLC. I was in retail management for about 9 years (my Bachelor’s Degee being in Textile and Apparel Studies from Western Michigan University). I had “retired” from my position in management when I began fertility treatments to lower my stress levels and realized that wasn’t where my passion resonated anymore.
During my fertility journey, I found myself in the kitchen teaching myself proper knife skills, various cooking techniques and recipes. I was extremely inspired by Anthony Bourdain and his shows, like No Reservations and Parts Unknown, and the way he connected all of humankind, regardless of our culture and upbringing, through the joy of cooking and food. I decided to start an Instagram account solely focused on my cooking adventures and decided in the handle @theculinarynest. After a month or so, and while I was still trying to figure out what my next career might be, I began getting comments like “that looks so good, will you come cook it for me?!” and it just clicked… why don’t I start a business as a private chef?
From there, a wonderful journey began that has continued to evolve and change until this day. I created my own business and LLC named The Culinary Nest specializing in private dining and small events and began getting events booked right away. After a few months of solely doing those jobs, a client of mine asked if I would be interested in cooking for them weekly. This began a new direction for me and I loved the thought of it as it provided more work/life balance cooking during “normal” business hours rather than nights and weekends. From there, I hired my mom as my sous chef and grew my Weekly Cooking Service to 18 families a week.
When Covid hit, things came to a halt along with the rest of the world, and learning true food photography was a goal of mine at that time so I took the opportunity to complete a Food Photography online course. I invested in the camera, equipment and lighting needed and began offering food photography & styling as another branch of my business.
Cooking resumed shortly after and then the most exciting direct message came to me on Instagram, a Food Network competition recruiter asking if I would be interested in interviewing. At first I thought there was no way this was a real person, but low and behold,.. it was. I interviewed to compete for the show Supermarket Stakeout which is hosted by Alex Guarnaschelli (**swoon**!) and after scheduling conflicts due to Covid for the network, I finally competed in Phoenix, AZ in October 2021. The episode aired live in June, 2022 where I hosted a viewing party at a movie theater with my family and friends to finally let the secret out that I WON! It was truly a dream come true and it was in this moment that I finally felt confident to call myself a chef.
From there, I created and filmed a cooking series with Hour Detroit called My Metropolitan Kitchen which featured touring local food purveyors and businesses and creating recipes using their ingredients (can be watched on their website or YouTube). I also was hired as a the Brand Ambassador and chef for a local emerging business named Skinny Butcher.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not! However, when you have such a strong passion and excitement for something, the obstacles tend to feel like a welcomed challenge. As a self taught chef, new business owner, etc. I had to learn so many aspects of what needs to be done to reach success. Not only are you investing in the business as needed, there are also the other responsibilities such as invoicing, accounting, marketing, website development, etc. that were all new to me.
I relied majorly on Instagram for my initial marketing. When I began, I solely shared food posts, recipes, etc. but it was when I started showing myself, my life and triumphs/obstacles that really I really created a connection in my community. I believe that when others know who they are supporting and relate to that person, more opportunities are presented.
I still haven’t learned all I need and would like to know, but I challenge myself constantly to continue to grow in whatever direction feels authentic to me and serves the community. If it doesn’t keep me up at night dreaming of all of the possibilities, it isn’t a path I pursue.
We’ve been impressed with The Culinary Nest, LLC., but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Today, I cook for a few local families weekly as well as offer food photography and partnerships with like-minded brands. I love to provide my clients a variety of dishes and flavors using natural and organic ingredients that provide the needs of their families. I also LOVE to collaborate with other people or businesses. Currently I am focused on a new, women-focused concept that ties together cooking and life “coaching” that I can bring to life both on my social accounts as well as in the community… stay tuned!
I am so proud of the business and career I have built out of a place of loss and feeling lost. I try to use my story as a way to inspire others to go after whatever sets their soul on fire. It is a scary leap of faith, but it is the most fulfilling journey. When I am asked my advice on how to get started or what to do first, I always encourage others to just BEGIN. Start your website, social accounts, whatever it might be and put yourself out in the world, the rest will follow. Believe in yourself and walk through the fear, I promise you it is worth it.
How do you think about happiness?
That question really speaks to me at this time in my life as the past two years or so have been some of the most changing and transformative years for me personally. After the ending of a 10 year marriage, I was thrown into finding myself individually again which felt absolutely terrifying. When the life you thought you might have is stripped away, you are really left with creating the life you want for yourself alone and it turned out to be such a beautiful journey of healing, growth and transformation.
What makes me happy turns out to be something so simple… peace. Peace within my relationships, my heart, my mind, my home, my body and my career. To have boundaries and only say “YES” to what lights my soul on fire whether that be an event, a friendship, a business opportunity, etc.
Sharing with others the hardships and struggles that I have experienced and inspiring them to not only walk through these moments with confidence, acceptance and their head held high brings me happiness. Whether it be reaching and helping others through nourishment of their bodies or their mind, I truly feel that God gave me my own experiences, platform, voice and the universal language of food to do exactly that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chefmeganlavigne.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefmeganlavigne/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chefmeganlavigne/
