From Personal Transformation to Community Impact: A Q&A With Food for Life Instructor Shauné Hayes

After losing more than 100 pounds and reversing chronic conditions through lifestyle changes, she turned her journey into a mission: to empower others with the same tools of food, education, and community. This vision recently came to life with the grand opening of Shauné’s Kitchen, a plant-based nutrition and culinary center in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, dedicated to hands-on cooking classes, Food for Life programs, and holistic support for healthier living.

In this Q&A with the Physicians Committee, Shauné shares what inspired her to take this leap, how Food for Life shapes her mission, and what she hopes her new center will mean for her community.

Congratulations on the grand opening of your plant-based nutrition and culinary center! Can you tell us a little about what inspired you to take this big step and what your vision is for the space?

Thank you! My own health journey is what inspired me to take this leap. After struggling with weight, chronic health issues, and the emotional toll that came with them, I experienced firsthand how plant-based eating, lifestyle changes, and spiritual growth can transform a life. I lost over 100 pounds, reversed multiple conditions, and gained a new sense of purpose. Out of that transformation grew a passion to help others experience the same freedom and vitality.

My vision is to create a welcoming, hands-on space where people can learn, taste, and see how plant-based nutrition can nourish their bodies and souls. It’s not just a kitchen. It’s a community hub for empowerment, education, and healing. I want everyone who walks through those doors to feel supported, inspired, and equipped to live well.

What kinds of services, classes, or resources will your wellness center offer the community?

We’re starting with hands-on plant-based cooking and nutrition classes—everything from heart-healthy meals to family-friendly weeknight dishes. We’ll also offer evidence-based programs through the Food for Life program, wellness workshops, and small group coaching around lifestyle, exercise, and mindset.

In addition, I plan to partner and collaborate with other leaders in the health and wellness space to bring unique events and fresh perspectives to the center. Beyond classes, the center will serve as a resource hub where people can access recipes, meal planning support, and community events that make healthy living practical and enjoyable.

My goal is for anyone who walks in to leave not just with information, but with confidence, skills, and a supportive community around them.

As a Food for Life instructor, how do you see your work with the program connecting to the mission of your new wellness center?

The Food for Life program really is the heart of what I will do at the center. It embodies everything I believe in: evidence-based, hands-on education that empowers people to use food for healing and prevention. As a Food for Life instructor, I’ve seen how these classes can change lives, and now I finally have a home base to offer them consistently, alongside other complementary programs. It’s the perfect foundation for the center’s mission to help people eat well, live well, and thrive.

What impact do you hope this center will have for people in your community, both now and in the future?

My hope is that it becomes a true catalyst for change in our community. Right now, I want it to be a welcoming space where people feel inspired, educated, and supported to make healthier choices for themselves and their families. Over time, I see it becoming a hub for long-term transformation, where people not only learn skills but also build relationships, break generational cycles of poor health, and pass on a legacy of wellness to the next generation.

Ultimately, I want every person who walks through our doors to leave feeling empowered, hopeful, and equipped to thrive.

Do you have any upcoming classes at the wellness center?

Yes! I’m so excited that our very first series is The Cancer Project—a free, evidence-based Food for Life program that empowers people to use food for healing and prevention. It will be a four-class series filled with education, cooking demonstrations, and delicious tastings. Our in-person spots filled quickly, but there’s still plenty of room to join virtually. This program is such a perfect way to launch the center because it reflects exactly what we’re about: making healthy living practical, empowering, and accessible to everyone.

What will people experience when they join a class or event at Shauné’s Kitchen?

When people come to a class or event at Shauné’s Kitchen, I want them to feel welcomed the moment they walk in. They’ll experience a hands-on, engaging environment—not just sitting and listening, but tasting, cooking, learning, and asking questions. Every class is designed to be practical and encouraging, so participants leave with skills they can use right away, recipes they’re excited to try, and a new sense of confidence about healthy living.

More than anything, I want them to feel a sense of community and hope, like they’ve found a space where their health goals are supported and celebrated.

Where can people learn more about your upcoming events and classes here at the Kitchen?

The best place to learn about upcoming events and classes at Shauné’s Kitchen is on our website TheShauneLife.com. I encourage everyone to sign up for the newsletter for the latest updates, class schedules, and special announcements. You can also follow us on social media, where I post tips, recipes, and behind-the-scenes looks at everything happening at the center. Between the website, newsletter, and social media, it’s easy to stay connected and never miss an opportunity to join us!

Looking back on your journey, what has been the most rewarding part of becoming a Food for Life instructor?

The most rewarding part has been seeing how food can transform lives, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually too. As a Food for Life instructor, I get to guide people to discover that power for themselves, helping them feel healthier, more confident, and more in control of their well-being. Being able to share what I’ve learned from my own health journey and watch others apply it and thrive is incredibly fulfilling.