josie clemens

My story is about more than food—it’s about finding balance, reclaiming freedom, and living with intention.

READ ABOUT MY STORY

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My story is about more than food—it’s about prioritizing peace, structuring freedom into my life above all else, and living intentionally.

My Roots and their Branches

I didn’t grow up in a fancy kitchen surrounded by culinary excellence. I grew up in a town where food was delicious and down to Earth– it was a way to show care and connection, and most importantly, a means to survive.

My childhood wasn’t without challenges. I faced struggle and emotional complexity that forced me to grow up faster than most. Those experiences taught me resilience, the importance of independence, and the power that lies behind a sincere intent to create a life that feels true to who you are, no matter what (or who) stands in your way.

When I was just a teenager, I made the bold decision to leave home. I didn’t have a clear plan, but I had a vision that I could feel—I knew I wanted to build something meaningful. Most would say my first job in a professional kitchen wasn’t glamorous, but to me, it was everything. It sparked something in me that lit my soul on fire. Working 80-120 hour weeks, I learned quickly which foods boosted my energy and which ones zapped me.

Structure, organization, and swift movements trickled into the way I brushed my teeth, combed my hair, and dressed myself; time management and nutrient dense foods performed miracles on my life, mind, and body.

By the time I was 20, I made another life-changing decision: I chose to go vegan. At the time, it was about more than food—it was a decision to align with a new value I had cultivated after getting fired for making my boss cry: Compassion for the will of all vertebrate beings. It was a decision I made to embrace a way of living that felt right for me spiritually, and all the side of me I often suppressed while in pursuit of my biggest, most exciting dreams: Softness. Vulnerability. Emotional expression. Grace. Calm.

This choice wasn’t always easy, especially in the culinary world! I often asked myself if this was a sustainable choice, if I would ever be worthy of calling myself a chef again. The task at hand was for me to integrate the most sensitive side of myself while working in an otherwise gritty, grueling, and unforgiving industry–yuck. But I trudged on.

The spectrum of my human experience widened like the heart of a rose mid-summer; I was able to accomplish more, and feel more. It was daunting, but magical and raw. It shaped my philosophy: food is not just about what you put in your mouth! Food is what thoughts you tend in your mind’s garden, what beliefs you feed your soul, what aspects of yourself you acknowledge and nourish…it’s about cultivating a reverence and gratitude for being ALIVE!

When I became the first vegan chef to compete on Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen, it wasn’t just a professional milestone—it was a deeply personal moment. I was standing in a space that traditionally didn’t embrace plant-based cooking, and I was showing the world that compassion and kindness can go hand in hand with excellence.

The Turning Point

My career has taken me places I never imagined. I’ve consulted on plant-based menus in Southern California, created fine dining experiences in Saudi Arabia, created farm to table organic supply chains in Mexico, and hosted a retreat in Netherlands.

Through these experiences, I’ve learned that food was intended to be universal. It is meant to heal our hearts, bodies, and minds by building bridges between cultures and dissolving differences, bringing people back to their most loving selves.

But my journey wasn’t just about perfecting recipes or leading teams. Along the way, I realized my true calling wasn’t just to feed people—it was to empower them. I wanted to show others how to reclaim their time, energy, independent thoughts, and unique purpose…starting with something as simple and profound as what’s on their plate.

My Journey Around the World

"This journey isn’t just about food; it’s about what you feed your soul, what aspects of yourself you acknowledge and nourish…having reverence and gratitude for LIFE."

I believe that food is just the beginning. It’s a doorway to something much bigger: balance, freedom, a deep sense of community, and alignment.

Through my programs, I’ve had the honor of helping high-achieving women take back control of their lives. I’ve seen women move from exhaustion to energy, from overwhelm to peace, and from burnout to living with intention.

It’s not about perfection—it’s about creating systems that work for you, so you can finally have the time and space to thrive in every area of your life.

WHY I DO WHAT I DO

These are the principles that guide my work and the foundation of everything I create.

What I Stand For

Freedom: Living on your own terms, unburdened by overwhelm and burnout.

Sincerity: Empowering yourself to make choices that honor your body, mind, and spirit.

Compassion: Taking care of yourself and the world around you in ways that are intentional, impactful, and felt by others.

Courage: Having the bravery to step outside of what’s expected and create a life that aligns with your deepest truth.

The lessons I’ve learned through my journey have shaped my core values:

LET ME HELP YOU THRIVE

The Journey Ahead

My journey has taught me that it doesn’t matter where you start—it matters where you’re willing to go.

Whether you’re here to simplify mealtime, find balance, or start doing something with your life that feels fulfilling and gives you life force BACK, I want you to know this: change is possible. It starts with small, intentional steps, and it leads to a life you truly love and are proud of.

This is why I do what I do. This is why I’ve created programs like Dinner Dominatrix, Burnout Breakthrough, and SINCERE Strength. They’re here to meet you where you are and help you take the next step toward a life of sovereignty and alignment.

Thank you for being here. Let’s take the next step together.

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