From Techie to Trailblazing Vegan Chef: Priyanka Naik’s Inspiring Journey to Success
Priyanka Naik’s journey is a true example of how following your passion can lead to incredible success, even when life takes unexpected turns. Originally from Staten Island and of Indian heritage, Priyanka made a daring leap from the tech world to the culinary arts. After working for over a decade at top companies like X (formerly Twitter), Bloomberg, and Conde Nast, she decided to follow her heart, which had always been in the kitchen. She started sharing her food creations through her blog, Chef Priyanka, where her creativity and love for cooking began to shine. Combining her tech skills with her passion for food, she carved out a special place for herself in the culinary world.
Priyanka’s life took a major turn in 2022 when she was laid off from X. Instead of being discouraged, she saw it as a chance to dive fully into her love for cooking. Coming from a vegetarian background, she focused on creating exciting and sustainable vegan recipes. Her bold use of flavors and commitment to eco-friendly cooking helped her stand out. What began as a hobby turned into a full-time career in 2017, when she won Cooks vs. Cons on Food Network, gaining recognition for her talent and creativity.
Even in the face of challenges, Priyanka stayed true to herself. She used social media to share her journey and showcase her innovative dishes, refusing to follow trends just for the sake of popularity. Her authenticity attracted a loyal following and even caught the attention of celebrities like Chrissy Teigen, who loved her fusilli pasta recipe. As a vegan chef in a mostly non-vegan industry, Priyanka has built her brand on her own terms, creating unique recipes that reflect her values and creativity.
Today, the Boston University graduate enjoys a thriving career with multiple income streams, including cookbook sales, brand partnerships, social media sponsorships, and her EcoKitchen column in The Washington Post. This diversity has helped her achieve financial stability while staying true to her vision.
In October 2024, Priyanka reached a significant milestone when she was invited to the largest Diwali celebration ever held at the White House. She joined over 600 notable Indian Americans at the event and proudly shared her story on Instagram. Reflecting on her journey, she wrote:
“I didn’t graduate at the top of my class at BU. I didn’t go to grad school. I’ve been laid off, faced rejections, and I’m a self-taught chef, writer, and TV host. But I was invited to the White House Diwali Celebration. It’s such an honor to represent my culture at one of the most influential places in the world.”
Priyanka’s inspiring story shows how resilience and staying true to your passion can lead to extraordinary achievements.
