Joy Kendrick – Owner, Always Hungry Aprons
Diversity in Entrepreneurship
Joy is a gourmet food enthusiast, model, and eating disorder survivor. After overcoming anorexia and bulimia the kitchen became her safe space. The Food of Joy blog and the brand, Always Hungry LLC, began. Always Hungry was created to encourage body positivity in all body sizes for men and women and is committed to encouraging self-esteem through kitchen apparel.
Where did your love for cooking come from?
“I love eating more than anything. Cooking just became a natural progression since I’ve had a plant based diet for about 10 years. It gave me an opportunity to be creative.”
What made you want to start your blog?
“After fashion shows or photoshoots I was always hungry and would go out with friends for food. Most of the people I would go out with ate meat so I was left to fend for myself. It was always believed that I didn’t eat anything which was partially true due to my eating disorders, but I kept this hidden so I created the blog. I began to display that there are restaurants that provide delicious options for people who choose to eat healthier.”
How did you get the initial idea to create your aprons and why is the messaging so important to you?
“The body positive phrases came almost years before I knew I was going to create this brand. Aprons became a practical idea since I cook, sometimes I would avoid cooking because I had to change clothes which I hated doing especially if I was all done up from a photoshoot!”
“The message is important because it teaches women, men, girls and boys to appreciate their natural bodies, without self love, happiness is hard to achieve.”
How has your platform made an impact in the lives of others?
“I’ve been blessed to be recognized by people in my community and family as an activist, and to give voice to situations that are commonly looked over or not discussed. I am truly humbled by being able to speak for those who hide in the shadows and being able to encourage them to trust their voice.”