Artist in Residence 2024 | Shelby at Northside | Fort Worth, TX
Victoria-Lee Lewis
Victoria-Lee brings community building, health and wellness focused DELICIOUS events to the program and we are so happy to have her. A little more about her background:
Her company, The Vegan Black Pinup, provides "A unique fusion of vegan sushi and soul food with a 1950’s aesthetic that pays homage to the iconic pin-up style, such as, Dorothy Dandridge, Eartha Kitt, and Marilyn Monroe.”
Victoria-Lee was born in Pittsburgh and raised in Dallas, Texas. Her grandmother, who owned a Soul Food restaurant, nurtured her cooking talents at a young age!
"My parents separated when I was young and some may look at that in a negative way, but I don’t. I spent the school year with my Mom in Texas and my summers with my Father in Pennsylvania. This gave me a multicultural culinary background before I even knew it. The combination of different spices and the mixing of different cultural cuisines to create an entirely new masterpiece captured my heart. And my taste buds! In 2015 I decided to go vegan, because I suffered from migraines and didn’t enjoy the side effects of the medication prescribed. I was in and out of the ER every week, unable to function or even complete daily tasks; my migraines were so frequent. So, with the basic knowledge I had of what it meant to be vegan, I started on my journey to a healthier lifestyle.
After nurturing my love of food along with learning and studying different c’ cuisine at Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in 2022; I knew that preparing healthy, healing meals for others was my calling.
I have been practice yoga for 7 years. My hobbies include anything creative, such as, country line dancing lessons, anything DIY, painting, and making up recipes with whatever I have in the refrigerator before grocery shopping.”
"While on the journey of discovering exactly what it really means to serve others healthy and healing meals, I have found that detoxing, personal development, and spiritual alignment are also a part of serving health and healing to others. Is has been a blessing to watch as I was able to heal skin problems, gastrointestinal issues, and weight concerns while providing delicious vegan meals to my friends and family. I believe in the power of delicious, soulful food to nourish both body and community. From hearty mains to mouth-watering sides and desserts; I offer a diverse range of dishes that cater to all tastes and dietary needs.”
"I’m the oldest of 6 and the oldest grandchild on my mother's side so teaching is in my dna, lol. Just a little background. My Mother is a nurse and my Father works with psychiatric disabilities both teaching me the importance of giving back to others. My community involvement began in 2005 with my Father volunteering at the homes he worked in. Providing healthy meals, cleaning, transportation to and from work, as well as fun activities. Such as, outings to the movies, amusement parks, and picnics at parks to enjoy the beauty of nature; until I decided to turn it into a career in 2006. This was my career and passion until God called me to my new found purpose of living a healthier lifestyle. In 2021 I found myself partnering with the McQueen Foundation to Fight Hunger were we fed over 200 unsheltered women, children, and men in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Since then I have partnered with various community leaders such as Feed the Homeless by Sweet Tooth Memory Lane in support of The Bridge Homeless Shelter, Open Farm Day with The Zen Sanctuary for animals to bring awareness and raise funds to secure a safe space, Community Fun Back to School fest with Hype Girl were we providing free haircuts, braids, and school supplies to families in Oak Cliff area.”
