About Shani

Where it all began…

My upbringing was not uncommon. With hard working middle classed parents, a strong work ethic was embedded in me from a young age. Being raised to follow in my mother’s footsteps no longer made sense when she died an untimely death, I was 18 years old.

This is where my journey began—her pearls of wisdom echoed in my psyche throughout my young adulthood— ‘Always do your best.’ and ‘Treat others as you wish to be treated.’ Armed with these Mantras and a deep desire to expand my horizons, I dove into the Healing Arts by way of Massage Therapy.

Finding my way from the mat to the kitchen

Through a lifetime of competitive sports, injuries were inevitable. This led me to the yoga mat where I discovered the power of breath and slowly began to unwind long held patterns in my emotional and physical body.

I found myself surrounded by gifted facilitators and with my love of cooking, started Milagro Retreats in 2002. For the next 16 years, I hosted international Yoga and eco-adventure Retreats. Spending my time in retreat kitchens and incredible massage spaces.

Inspiring personal growth and unity with nature was my mantra and I still live by these words through the food that I create.

Type 1 Diabetes

At the age of 33, I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. This encouraged a deeper understanding of the alchemy of food and how it affects our bodies.

As an avid surfer, yogi and outdoor enthusiast, I was on the search for healthy on-the-go snacks and could not find anything that met my dietary needs. So I birthed hOMe Grown Living Foods.

“When the world hands you lemons, make the best homemade probiotic lemonade without refined sugar and share it with the world!”
~ Shani

My Culinary Journey

At a very young age in an attempt to assert myself, I chose not to eat meat. Quickly my Momma schooled me to start cooking for myself.

~ Cooking disasters @ 8 yrs
~ Dinner parties @ 20 yrs
~ Retreat catering @ 28 yrs
~ Birthing hOMe Grown Living Foods @ 35 yrs

THANKS Mom for inspiring my creative kitchen dances so young!

I believe that food is medicine and live by the following words…

I believe health is our greatest wealth

I believe in living in the moment

I believe in a resilient local food system

I believe in a healthy life/work balance

I believe time in the forest & ocean is deep medicine

I believe that we reap what we sow

I believe love will prevail

I believe in the healing power of mother nature

I believe time is our most precious commodity

I believe food is medicine

I believe in living with the cycles of the moon

I believe in dancing like nobody's watching

I believe clarity is a powerful tool

I believe wisdom comes with time and experience

I believe in YOU