Meet Angelina Torres | Founder and Chef

We had the good fortune of connecting with Angelina Torres and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Angelina, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Ebony Vegan started as a response to the health challenges my husband, son, and I were facing. We were all approaching pre-diabetes, and despite seeking help from my doctor, I wasn’t given the answers I needed. This prompted me to take matters into my own hands and research the root cause. Through my journey, I discovered that meat was causing insulin issues for us, and eliminating it from our diet made a significant difference.

As I dug deeper, I learned how many people in the U.S. are affected by similar conditions. I realized that I wanted to share this knowledge and make plant-based eating a delicious, nourishing, and accessible experience. I started by transforming our favorite meat-based dishes into plant-based ones and tested the concept by offering my meals on a platform called Shef. The incredible feedback I received from customers validated that there was a place for me in this industry.

This inspired me to officially start Ebony Vegan, a boutique catering and educational company with a mission to nurture and educate. My goal is to elevate plant-based eating by blending bold, vibrant flavors with the rich culinary traditions of the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and beyond. I want people to see plant-based eating as not just healthy, but as an indulgent and culturally rich experience that connects people and communities.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
About Ebony Vegan and My Journey

Ebony Vegan is more than just a catering business—it’s a passion project born from love, health, and the desire to educate and connect. We’re a boutique plant-based catering service specializing in private and corporate events, as well as plant-based educational classes for children and adults. What sets us apart is our focus on flavor, culture, and community. We blend the bold, rich culinary traditions of the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and beyond to create plant-based dishes that are not only nourishing but indulgent and vibrant.

I’m incredibly proud of how far Ebony Vegan has come. One of the things I’m most excited about is the opportunity to share these plant-based meals with a wider audience and to educate people about the benefits of this lifestyle while showing them it can still be full of flavor and joy.

Getting to this point hasn’t been easy. I started Ebony Vegan after my family and I faced health challenges, including pre-diabetes, and I realized how much our diet played a role. Transitioning to plant-based eating helped us reclaim our health, and I wanted to share that knowledge with others. I began by offering meals on the Shef platform to test my recipes and gauge interest, and the feedback I received made me believe in the potential of this business.

Running a business comes with its challenges. From balancing family life to learning the ins and outs of entrepreneurship, it’s been a steep learning curve. There were moments of doubt and financial constraints, but I overcame them by staying focused on my mission and utilizing resources like workshops from the Small Business Administration. I also leaned on my family, who have been my biggest supporters, and my clients, whose faith in my brand has kept me going.

Lessons Learned Along the Way
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that education and connection are key. People often think plant-based eating is restrictive or boring, but through my business, I’ve learned how important it is to show, not tell—by creating meals that are flavorful, culturally rich, and accessible, I’ve been able to challenge those misconceptions. I’ve also learned the importance of patience and perseverance; building a business takes time, but staying true to your mission makes the journey worthwhile.

What I Want the World to Know
Ebony Vegan isn’t just about food—it’s about culture, community, and health. My goal is to inspire people to see plant-based eating not just as a dietary choice but as a way to connect with their roots, improve their well-being, and enjoy life to the fullest. Through Ebony Vegan, I hope to normalize plant-based eating and elevate it as an experience that celebrates tradition, diversity, and flavor.

If you’re looking for plant-based catering that feels like home while taking your taste buds on a global journey, Ebony Vegan is here to serve you.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: Nature and Relaxation

• Morning: Start the day with a hike at Portuguese Bend Reserve in Palos Verdes, taking in breathtaking ocean views and the beauty of the trails.
• Lunch: Enjoy a delicious plant-based lunch at Pura Vita, where the vegan Italian dishes are sure to impress.
• Afternoon: Spend a relaxing afternoon soaking up the sun on Redondo Beach, unwinding by the ocean and enjoying the serene vibe.

Day 2: Hollywood and Beverly Hills Adventures

• Morning: Begin with breakfast at Chaumont Bakery and Café in Beverly Hills, savoring their fresh, high-quality offerings.
• Late Morning: Head to the Hollywood Walk of Fame for a classic LA experience, exploring the stars and iconic landmarks.
• Lunch: Stop at The Butcher’s Daughter in Venice for a creative and vibrant plant-based meal in a charming setting.

Day 3: Art and Tacos

• Morning and Afternoon: Spend the day exploring the stunning Getty Museum, immersing yourself in the art, architecture, and incredible views of Los Angeles.
• Evening: Wrap up the trip with dinner at Sugar Taco, where you’ll enjoy flavorful plant-based Mexican dishes that are both satisfying and sustainable.

Day 4: Self-Care and Fine Dining

• Morning to Afternoon: Immerse yourself in a day of self-care at The Spa at The Maybourne in Beverly Hills. Treat yourself and your friend to luxurious treatments, relax in the serene environment, and enjoy some well-deserved downtime.
• Evening: End the day with a refined plant-based dining experience at Crossroads Kitchen on Melrose. Chef Tal Ronnen’s innovative and indulgent dishes always make the trip unforgettable.

Day 5: Ocean Adventures and Island Escape

• Morning: Kick off the day with a 2-hour whale watching tour with Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari in Dana Point. Get up close with incredible marine life and enjoy the thrill of spotting dolphins and majestic whales.
• Midday: Take to the skies with an exhilarating parasailing adventure, soaking in the stunning coastal views from above.
• Afternoon: Hop on a boat to Santa Catalina Island, where you’ll enjoy a delicious vegan picnic lovingly crafted by Ebony Vegan (shameless plug, because why not!). Relax, explore the island, and savor the perfect blend of nature, good food, and great company.

Day 6: Road Trip to Palm Springs

• Morning:
• Hit the road early to maximize your time. Take Highway 111 for scenic desert views and make a quick stop at Cabazon Dinosaurs for a quirky roadside photo op.
• Lunch Stop:
• Visit Chef Tanya’s Kitchen in Palm Desert. Known for its delicious vegan sandwiches and salads, it’s the perfect spot to refuel with fresh, plant-based options.
• Afternoon:
• Continue the drive to Palm Springs, enjoying the iconic wind turbines along the way.
• Check into your accommodations, then head out to explore Downtown Palm Springs for a mix of boutique shops, art galleries, and local charm.
• Dinner:
• Dine at Native Foods Café, a cozy and beloved vegan spot offering hearty plant-based dishes like the Soul Bowl and classic chickenless sandwiches.

Day 7: Relaxation and Hot Springs

• Morning:
• Start your day with a relaxing soak at Two Bunch Palms Resort & Spa in Desert Hot Springs. The natural mineral hot springs here are renowned for their therapeutic properties and tranquil setting.
• Lunch:
• Stop by Palm Greens Café in Palm Springs, a cozy spot offering fresh vegan-friendly dishes like wraps, bowls, and smoothies.
• Afternoon:
• Take a scenic drive through Joshua Tree National Park to soak in the desert’s unique beauty. Explore a short trail or enjoy a peaceful moment among the iconic Joshua trees.
• Dinner:
• Celebrate the end of your trip with another visit to Tía Carmen, indulging in more of their creative, plant-forward menu options.
• Evening:
• Spend your last evening stargazing in the quiet desert night, reflecting on your relaxing and adventure-filled road trip.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate my shout-out to my husband, Andre Torres, and my sons. Without their love, support, and encouragement, I wouldn’t have been able to embark on this mission. It was my love for them and my desire to prioritize our health that drew me to this plant-based lifestyle. I wanted to ensure I could be here with them, watch them grow, and help us all avoid illnesses triggered by a poor diet.

I also want to give a big shout-out to Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation and the Small Business Administration for providing free workshops that helped me organize my business and deepen my knowledge of the hospitality industry. Their resources were instrumental in my journey.

A special thanks goes to the authors Brenda Davis, RD, and Vesanto Melina, whose book Becoming Vegan was the first resource I turned to when educating myself about the vegan lifestyle. It gave me a strong foundation and inspired me to dive deeper into plant-based eating.

Lastly, I want to recognize Shef, the platform where I first tested my recipes and connected with customers. It gave me the confidence to bring Ebony Vegan to life.

To all my clients and the organizations that continue to support me and believe in Ebony Vegan—thank you. Without these blessings, this journey would not have been possible.

Website: https://www.ebonyveganla.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebonyvegan_la/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ebony-vegan-torrance-2