About this project

My name is Kara Bauer and I’ve been living in Buenos Aires, Argentina for the last 4 years. While working as a Health & Wellness Coach, I noticed that those who preferred a more vegetarian-based diet didn’t have a lot of options in a country historically known for their beef.

Out of my desire to make a difference in the health and lives of others and provide a service in a country whose interest in organic, vegetarian and natural food has just recently taken off, I created a completely new concept for Argentina called Cocina Verde.

A New Business Idea:
Cocina Verde is a vegetarian meal home delivery service that gives people the opportunity to enjoy delicious vegetarian food at home or at work through an online ordering system and a menu that changes weekly.

The menu includes a combination of vegetarian-vegan, organic, gluten-free and raw-live food options, as well as a selection of nut milks and nut butters. Each week, customers can choose from 10 meals, 50% of which are raw-live food. This super nutritious way of eating maintains all of the rich vitamins, minerals, enzymes and nutrients in the food that cooking can deplete, while offering a wide selection of creative vegan versions of well known dishes such as pizza, wraps, hamburgers, falafels, soups, crackers, pates, pastas, and much more.

Early Success:
Just two months ago, in my home-based kitchen, I gave the concept a go and have been delighted and inspired by the 30+ customers who have tried the service, many returning week after week, expressing their excitement and enthusiasm to have an easy way to maintain a healthy vegetarian diet. Even more so, the response to the raw-live food has been tremendous, a type of food preparation that most have never been exposed to.

Current Needs:
Realizing that my kitchen and resources won't keep up with the demand, I’m looking to raise $5,500 to allow Cocina Verde to move to the next level and serve more customers. Your contribution would provide the needed appliances, equipment, shelving and refrigeration to handle a greater volume, support the development of additional marketing tools and website enhancements, and allow the business to hire additional labor assistance to aid with the cooking, shopping, and deliveries.

The Big Picture:
Once Cocina Verde reaches 30 orders per week, the plan is to expand Cocina Verde into a commercial kitchen that is part of a larger wellness center featuring vegetarian food, cooking classes, yoga, alternative healing, coaching/counseling and an educational center. Your contribution is the first step to realizing this dream.

A Bit More about Kara:
Originally from Seattle, Washington, I spent 7 years of my adult life in New York City where I studied nutrition and wellness coaching while working full time in marketing/advertising. Discovering that I wanted to live in Argentina, learn Spanish, travel and ultimately fulfill on my desire to assist others in realizing their own dreams, I set off on a journey to live a life in line with my heart, passion and unique purpose to serve and inspire others. Although the road has certainly not all been easy, it has been enriching and enlightening, preparing me for where I am today. Cocina Verde is an expression of all that is possible when you have an unstoppable vision.

Thank you for taking the time to hear my story and support Cocina Verde. By doing so, you are making a difference for those of us in the Southern Hemisphere.

For more information on Cocina Verde:
www.cocinaverde.com

For more information on Health & Wellness Coaching:
www.karabauer.net