About Vanessa Young, Founder of Thirsty Radish

With a deep commitment to mindful living, I help nourish body and spirit through cooking classes and wellness sessions designed to bring more joy and meaning into your life.

From butchers to bakers, my family is a long line of self-taught and professional chefs. I meld their influences in an artful approach to dishes with a focus on seasonal meals. With a warm and supportive style, I guide home chefs to become more versatile in their approach to food, often reigniting their passion for cooking. Beyond the kitchen, I share my expertise in mindfulness, meditation, and the science and art of happiness through classes designed to help you reconnect with your inner spark and flourish.

Applying my graduate studies and experience, I have helped many individuals and groups find greater joy and purpose in the present. My wellness work is rooted in research-based practices, philosophy, and our connection to the natural world. As a writer, recipe developer, and educator known for my culinary wisdom and mindfulness expertise, I also am a frequent guest speaker.

Whether I teach you how to cook beautiful seasonal dishes, make the most festive holiday menu, or find greater purpose in work and life, I take a holistic approach designed to help you live vibrantly.

My poetry and photography have been featured in a variety of publications including The Inquisitive Eater, Chronogram, Juked, Prick of the Spindle, The Monarch Review, Ginosko Literary Review, Black Heart Magazine, At Home New Jersey, Southern Cast Iron Magazine, Natural Awakenings Magazine and many additional publications.

I am available for cooking classes, meditation and mindful living classes, guest speaking, food photography and styling, recipe development, writing, and collaborations. Say hello through my contact page.