We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Fiala-Dagnan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily, what role has risk played in your life or career?
The decision to leave the corporate world in an effort to run my own brand was one of the most difficult decisions I’ve made both personally and professionally. I started my business in a part-time role with the safety of a full-time position to fall back on financially. Taking clients on weekends, or negotiating days off with my superiors during the week. As a single parent failure was not an option, as I had a child to support who was solely my responsibility. Not an easy decision when you are creating a business from scratch with hopes of turning it into a full-time career. The day-to-day corporate workload was underwhelming. The only dream that I’ve ever had professionally involved being a chef. I knew after my divorce, it was now the time to follow my journey.     

What should our readers know about your business?
I own a Private Wellness Chef business in Fort Worth, TX. I cook for clients privately in the comfort of their homes or help them remotely by creating menus, recipes, and shopping lists to make them successful on their eating journey. It has not been an easy journey, specializing in clean eating and wellness. When I began this journey, I had just finished my education in nutrition at the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts. My love of food has changed since my childhood dreams of being a chef. As a little girl, I wanted to be a pastry chef, sculpting chocolate towers and flambe’ing tableside. That all changed in high school where I found a passion for fitness. Becoming more aware of how foods affected our bodies. When I finally attended culinary school in 2000, I couldn’t find my “cooking voice”, stepping away from the kitchen until my mid 30’s. When I formed my Personal Chef Service, I knew that cooking “healthy” was the direction I wanted, the definition of that came with each client. Every ailment, every story, every recipe written contributed to the services I provide today.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Original Mexican Restaurant -on the Bricks ( Camp Bowie). This is nothing but pure nostalgia. With every bite, I hear my daddy laughing, he has been taking me here since I had memories. This was his favorite find in the city. Now, 13 years after his death, he would hardly recognize the place with a remodel, now moving to a new location. Juice Junkies-Foch Street. My favorite hipster stop for smoothies, shakes, and vegan & clean-eating goodies.
Spiral Diner-My all time vegan comfort food favorite. The cashew nachos are heaven on earth.
Concert in the Garden (fwso)- the perfect summer night staple in the city. My little boy loves to dance in his chair! Its the perfect way to start the summer before the real Texas heat kicks in.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Yes, there have many people who have helped me find my “voice” behind the stove. My clients, both past and present are very dear to my heart. They have allowed me the privilege of following their food journey. Trusting me with their health, happiness, and well-being. Inviting me not only into their homes but their lives and families. It is truly a joy to help them see food as a healing tool while cooking foods that bring them the comfort we all desire.

Website: emilyfiala.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnesscheffiala/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wellnesscheffiala/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wellnesscheffiala

Other: tiktok:https://www.tiktok.com/@wellnesscheffiala

Image Credits
All photos taken by Emily Fiala-Dagnan

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