Today we’d like to introduce you to Karyn Calabrese.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Karyn. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
People often look at me and because of my age (71) assume I have good genetics. When it is quite the opposite. All of the women in my family tragically died young and over weight. My mother at 48, my grand-mother at 50, and my great-grandmother at 60. They were plagued with common challenges of today like diabetes and cancer. So, I started a journey to revamp my life and so began the evolution of me which led to my business.
Starting with meet-up groups in my home in Evanston over forty years ago. I was discussing, teaching, and educating people on the health benefits of a vegan and raw-vegan lifestyle. I must say, most people thought I was crazy back then. This led me to eventually owning and operating the longest-standing raw food restaurant in the country and two very popular cooked vegan restaurants in the downtown Chicago area. Which back then was a major accomplishment in the meat and potato capitol of the world
I have currently reopened my Day Spa and School in the Bucktown area with the restaurant to open soon – all housed in the same building at 1717 N. Ashland, Chicago, Illinois 60622. I have published two books, “Soak Your Nuts: Cleansing with Karyn, and “Soak Your Nuts: Recipes for Everyday Life” that are available on Amazon, Barnes, and Noble, and of course on my website – karynraw.com. I have streamed classes online all over the world and I am available for lectures, and private consultations. Helping people on their journey towards health and regeneration is my passion.
I have been very fortunate to serve a long list of celebrity clientele: Sterling Brown, Malik Yoba, Orlando Jones, Mya, John Salley, Will Bynum, Angela Bassett, Jermaine Dupree, Tasha Smith, Taraji Henson, Lady Gaga, Beyonce’, Boy George, Dr. Michael Beckwith, Steve Harvey, Majorie Harvey, Cicely Tyson, Wilson Chandler, Homer Bryant, Ann Williams, Nia Long, Kimberly Elise, Stevie Wonder, Kelsey Grammer, Pauletta Washington, Indie Arie, Cedric the Entertainer, and Laurna Kyles.
My mantra is “If you don’t take care of your body, the most magnificent machine you will ever been given – where will you live”.
Has it been a smooth road?
Starting a raw vegan restaurant when not many had ever heard of eating vegan let alone raw was a huge challenge in itself. Add to this the frustrations and challenges of running a restaurant with no experience in the field. I had – landlord challenges, robberies, city of Chicago issues – you name it – I have experienced it all.
One of the many things I am very proud of and have been credited with is bringing a strong vegan movement to Chicago. Also, the thousands upon thousands of people I have helped, from the testimonials I have received, from my lectures and Detox Classes.
The vegan movement has become very strong worldwide and I have been doing it longer than most – over 50 years. Karyn’s the brand is known worldwide.
In addition, I have my own line of supplements and herbs.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Karyn’s Inner Beauty Center – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Our Day Spa provides a unique alternative, therapeutic services to aide in the healing and detoxification of the body. Our Day Spa provides the following services: Colonics, Ozone Bathing, Infrared Sauna, Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber, lymphatic Drainage, Ear Coning, Oxygen bar, Massages, and Facials.
Our School provides cooking classes, detoxification classes, lectures from leading health experts from all over the world.
Growing up, I was always different. I am an only child – so I had a vivid imagination and lived in a magical world.
It definitely takes an imagination and a belief in magic to pursue the course that I did and succeed.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
One of the many things I am very proud of and have been credited with is bringing a strong vegan movement to Chicago. Also, the thousands upon thousands of people I have helped, from the testimonials I have received, from my lectures and Detox Classes.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1717 N. Ashland
- Website: karynraw.com
- Phone: 312.255.1590
- Email: karyncalabrese@mac.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karyncalabrese/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Karyns.Chicago/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarynCalabrese
Image Credit:
Vito Palmisano
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
