Exclusive: Shayna Taylor Says Starting Her Own Business and Moving to Italy Helped Her Get Out of Her 'Comfort Zone': 'Trust in the Journey'

Since Shayna Taylor had experience as a private chef, she knew there was something more she wanted to do in the food world, leading her to create Shayna's Kitchen, "a passion project, born out of a deep-seated desire to share nourishing, flavorful recipes that align with a gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free lifestyle."

"Through this platform, I cultivated a trusted community seeking holistic health advice and product recommendations. In 2019, I took a leap of faith by introducing my first product, Matcha. Initially starting with a modest goal of selling just 50 units, it has since blossomed into a thriving venture, with orders pouring in by the thousands. Moreover, I'm proud to announce the recent launch of our newest product, Certified Organic Ancient Extra Virgin Olive Oil, sourced directly from my own land in Umbria, Italy," the entrepreneur exclusively tells Morning Honey.

"The journey with Shayna’s Kitchen has been nothing short of remarkable. I've dedicated myself to curating ethically sourced, sustainable products that resonate with my community's values. My overarching goal with SK is to provide items crafted from whole ingredients, free from additives, empowering consumers to infuse their daily rituals with genuine goodness. Ultimately, my vision for SK is to become your trusted one-stop shop for the most sustainable, pure and healthy sourced products for your kitchen and home, enabling you to not only feel your best but also contribute to a healthier planet," she continues.

Prior to starting Shayna's Kitchen, the holistic chef was consuming junk food but realized that wasn't what her body needed. "I was oblivious to the signs my body was sending me, such as chronic constipation and persistent acne. As I matured, I became more curious about understanding and caring for my body," she notes. "This transformation was propelled by a combination of education and self-awareness. However, my journey faced a detour when I entered the modeling industry, where the pressure to maintain a certain body image led me to adopt extreme eating habits, including restrictive diets and juice cleanses. It wasn't until I recognized the toll these practices were taking on my body that I made."

Over time, Taylor prioritized nourishment and well-being over strict aesthetics. "By immersing myself in learning about nutrient-rich, whole foods and listening attentively to my body's cues, the transition to a healthier diet became intuitive. I discovered that my body not only craved but also thrived on real, wholesome foods, leading to a profound improvement in my overall health and well-being," she shares.

Attending culinary school was a "pivotal" moment in Taylor's journey toward clean eating. "It was there that I gained a profound appreciation for the value of food, not just as sustenance but as a powerful tool for nourishment and healing. Concurrently, grappling with certain health issues compelled me to delve deeper into the potential of nutrition as a means of addressing and alleviating these concerns," she says.

Ultimately, Taylor realized "the only guarantee in life is my body," leading her to be kind to herself. "This perspective shift not only transformed my relationship with food but also deepened my commitment to prioritizing clean eating as a form of self-care and self-love. It reinforced my belief that our bodies deserve the utmost care and attention, both in the words we speak to ourselves and the nourishment we provide," she says.

Amid this time period, Taylor "always understood the paramount important of high-quality olive oil" when it comes to elevating dishes. But while studying her holistic nutrition studies, she learned olive oil is a "true natural medicine."

"My dream of producing my own olive oil originated years ago during my time as a chef. It was always a cherished aspiration, one that I held close to my heart. When I finally had the opportunity to purchase the property in Umbria adorned with olive trees, it felt like a dream come true. The anticipation of tasting the olive oil harvested from these ancient trees was palpable," she says. "When the moment arrived, and I tasted the freshly pressed olive oil, I was truly blown away by its exceptional taste and quality. It surpassed all expectations, delivering a flavor profile that was rich, nuanced, and distinctly superior. However, what truly amazed me was when I had the oil tested for its polyphenol levels and discovered that it reached medicinal levels."

She adds, "In that moment, I knew I had stumbled upon something extraordinary — a product of unparalleled quality and potential. It was no longer just about fulfilling a personal dream; it was about sharing this remarkable discovery with my community. I was compelled to introduce them to this liquid gold, not only for its exquisite taste but also for its medicinal properties, knowing that it could positively impact their health and well-being."

As a result, Taylor decided to uproot her life to Italy to embark on producing olive oil — but it wasn't all rainbows and butterflies (or, in this case, wine and bread.) "The initial year was fraught with discomfort, challenges, and moments of doubt that often brought me to tears. However, in retrospect, it has been the most profoundly rewarding decision I've ever made," she admits. "Despite the difficulties, this journey has been transformative in ways I could never have imagined. It has pushed me out of my comfort zone, forcing me to adapt and grow in ways I never thought possible. The experiences I've gained, the lessons I've learned, and the connections I've made have enriched my life beyond measure."

"Looking back, I wouldn't trade this journey for anything. Moving abroad has fundamentally changed me for the better, shaping me into a more resilient, adaptable, and fulfilled individual. It has opened doors to new opportunities, expanded my horizons, and enriched my understanding of the world. In essence, it has been a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, one that I am immensely grateful for," she says. "This bold leap was fueled by a deep-seated determination to follow my passion and carve out a fulfilling path for myself. While there were undoubtedly moments of apprehension along the way, they were overshadowed by an unwavering belief in the possibilities that lay ahead."

Now, others can enjoy her creation on just about anything.

"My olive oil is incredibly versatile, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen. Its uses span from enhancing dressings to elevating the flavor of your favorite dishes. Whether you're sautéing vegetables, marinating meats, or simply drizzling it over freshly baked bread, its rich flavor profile adds depth and complexity to every dish," she says.

For Taylor, "embracing the unknown and stepping outside of her comfort zone" has been integral to her growth.

"In hindsight, taking that leap of faith has proven to be one of the most empowering and liberating decisions of my life, setting the stage for a journey filled with growth, discovery and boundless opportunity," she says. "Trust in the journey, for it's where the most profound growth and transformation occur. Remember, it's not just about reaching the destination, but about embracing the adventure along the way. Embrace the unknown, and you may just find that the magic you've been seeking has been waiting for you all along."

As for what's next, Taylor has a lot left to complete. "I have grand aspirations for the future of my businesses, Shayna's Kitchen and Bottle & Stone. As an entrepreneur, I find that my dreams and goals are constantly evolving along with my journey. Looking ahead, I envision significant growth and expansion, driven by a commitment to offering products and services that enrich and transform people's lives," she says. "In the coming years, I see us broadening our product lines for both Shayna's Kitchen and Bottle & Stone, introducing offerings that deliver tremendous value and resonate deeply with our community. This year marks an exciting milestone as I launch online courses aimed at guiding individuals on their holistic wellness journey. Additionally, I'm thrilled to be unveiling wellness retreats on a global scale, providing transformative experiences for participants seeking to reconnect with themselves and nature."

She concludes, "Ultimately, my long-term vision includes establishing my own fully biodynamic farm and wellness center right here in the picturesque region of Umbria. This endeavor represents the culmination of my passion for sustainable living, holistic wellness, and nurturing the land. It's an ambitious goal, but one that I am wholeheartedly committed to realizing, as it aligns perfectly with my mission of empowering individuals to live healthier, more fulfilling lives."

The olive oil is available for pre-order now at ShaynasKitchen.com and costs $55.00.