62: Wen-Jay Ying (@wenjayying), Owner and Founder of Local Roots NYC (@LocalRootsNYC)
On this episode I talk to Wen-Jay Ying ( @wenjayying), owner and founder of Local Roots NYC (@LocalRootsNYC) . She tells us why she founded Local Roots, her goals for the business, and how its products are sourced. We discuss ingraining happiness into our careers and how that has changed our paths over time. We compare our own struggles when food shopping, and confusion and misinformation behind food labels, and Wen-Jen gives advice to people trying to be intentional with the ingredients they’re purchasing.
Follow Up Q&:A
First thing you do in the morning? Check my Wechat to see if my family has messaged me (it’s a chat platform used a lot in China). Then I write in my gratitude journal.
What advice would you give your younger self? Value your health, take care of yourself, and enjoy this beautiful moment of not having real responsibilities. And also...don’t worry. You’re gonna find your path when you’re an adult and you’ll experience incredible things.
Wellness trend you love and wellness trend you wish would end? I sorta hate all trends. I’m glad that more research is coming out about gut health and how food is medicine, though I don’t think that’s a trend since it’s knowledge we have always known and should always value.
First Job? I taught the violin in high school
Proudest moment? One time, a customer told me that he was diagnosed with a disorder that forced him to completely change his diet but then he joined Local Roots and he said it’s made him forget about the things he can’t eat anymore because the fresh veggies and fruit taste so good and he feels healthier. That to me is so, so incredible and makes me tear up every time.
3 most used emojis? 💎🥰🌴
Favorite ice cream flavor? Chocolate vegan ice cream
Cocktail of choice? Old fashioned
Go-to recipe? I can’t follow recipes - I just make up something based on whatever is in season at Local Roots. I love stews or stir fry.
Favorite NYC spot? There’s a tiny park along the water in Red Hook I love. It’s right by a key lime pie spot so I like to enjoy a slice of pie, look at the Statue of Liberty then hit up Pioneer Works museum
Show Notes:
This episode was recorded in Samsung’s 837 building in the Meatpacking District @samsungmobileusa #samsungexperience
Follow Wen-Jay Ying
Instagram: @wenjayying and @LocalRootsNYC
Website: localrootsnyc.com
Follow me:
Instagram: @freckledfoodie
Website: freckledfoodie.com
Youtube: Cameron Rogers / Freckled Foodie
Pinterest: Freckled Foodie
This episode was edited by Tim Flanzbaum