Meet Debbie Meritsky | I’m a chef, artist, health & real foods coach and an RCPC

We had the good fortune of connecting with Debbie Meritsky and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Debbie, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve never been one to fit into a conventional mold. Creativity has always been at the core of who I am—whether in the kitchen crafting whole-food recipes, in the studio repurposing materials into art, or in the classroom teaching others how to reclaim their health. I thrive on freedom, innovation, and the ability to forge my own path rather than follow someone else’s rules.

Being self-employed allows me to integrate my passions seamlessly—food, art, sustainability, and education—without compromise. I get to build businesses that reflect my values, help people reconnect with real nourishment (both physically and creatively), and challenge the broken systems that dictate how we eat, live, and consume.

It’s not always easy, but the fulfillment of seeing someone regain their health, create something beautiful, or realize they have more control over their choices than they thought—that’s what keeps me going. For me, entrepreneurship isn’t just a career choice; it’s a way of life that aligns with everything I believe in.

I’m proud to be the Black Sheep! Eat my Granola was an outcropping of my Inn keeping days

We are proud of the 8 regular blends we offer everyday, we also offer seasonal and custom blends for this looking for that specific taste and blend of ingredients that won’t make them unwell. Always Gluten Free, always organically sourced always keeping you healthy because we never use processed seed oils, processed sugars or any additives!

Our blends consist of:
Oat based blends are; Orange Cardamom Cashew, Raison Walnut, Pecan pie and Nut and Seed Free
Grain Free Blends; Pumpkin Peanut Butter Keto, Jamocha Mama, Krak, Almond Chai.
Seasonal blends; Totally RAD (January to April), Lemon Lavender Blueberry (April-July), and Cranberry Relish (Oct. to Dec)

Custom orders are shipped within 24 hours of order being received! What can we craft for you?

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is a unique blend of health coaching, food education, creative repurposing, and hands-on experiences that empower people to take control of their well-being in every sense—nutritionally, creatively, and sustainably. Through my work with the Root Cause Protocol (RCP), Weston A. Price Foundation principles, and ancestral nutrition, I guide people in reclaiming their health by moving away from processed, industrialized food and embracing real nourishment. At the same time, I incorporate my love for art, sustainability, and hands-on learning through workshops in resin art, mosaics, steampunk design, and repurposed jewelry—helping people tap into their creativity while honoring a zero-waste mindset.

What Sets Me Apart
I don’t just teach theories—I live what I coach. Whether it’s sourcing truly nutrient-dense food, creating sustainable art, or educating others on breaking free from the modern food and health industry’s toxic cycles, everything I do is rooted in hands-on experience. I challenge the status quo, exposing how the current food system is failing us and providing actionable steps to regain control. My approach isn’t about temporary fixes—it’s about real, lasting transformation at the cellular level.

My Journey & Challenges
Getting here wasn’t easy. The health industry is filled with misinformation, and the art world often undervalues the power of repurposing and sustainability. I had to carve out my own niche—one that fuses ancestral wisdom, modern knowledge, creativity, and self-sufficiency. The biggest challenge? Educating people on why these things matter. But persistence, education, and community-building have been key. I overcame these hurdles by staying true to my values, consistently sharing knowledge, and surrounding myself with people who believe in creating change instead of just complaining about the problem.

Lessons Learned
Authenticity wins every time – People connect with real stories, real struggles, and real solutions.
Health isn’t just about food – It’s about mindset, creativity, movement, and surrounding yourself with the right energy.
You don’t need permission to create your own path – If something doesn’t exist, build it. If a system is broken, find a way around it.
What I Want the World to Know
My brand isn’t just about food, health, or art—it’s about freedom. The freedom to take back control over your health, your creativity, and your choices. I want people to realize they have more power than they think—whether that’s in choosing what they eat, creating with their hands, or breaking free from conventional thinking.

At the end of the day, I’m here to educate, inspire, and help people reconnect with what’s real—real food, real materials, real health, and real creative expression. That’s what drives me every day.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
depending on who is arriving for a visit… it might look something like this

Day 1: Exploring Downtown & Old City
Breakfast: Wild Love Bakehouse – Grab a top-notch pastry and locally roasted coffee.
Morning: Stroll Market Square, check out local shops, and walk through Krutch Park.
Lunch: Patchke Deli, best locally house made pastrami anywhere in the south.
Afternoon: Walk along the Tennessee River at Volunteer Landing or check out the Museum of East Tennessee History.
Dinner at Home: Since I’m a chef, we’ll be preparing a local, organic, and seasonal meal together, talking about what’s going on around us, enjoying great music, and dining on the enclosed porch.
Day 2: Nature, Arts & Local Flavors… hands on art class at the Master Repurposers studio, making something from recycled and repurposed materials.
Breakfast: Fresh omelettes made at home.
Morning: take a lovely stroll thru the Bird sanctuary, just soak in the beauty.
Lunch: Picnic lunch
Afternoon: Visit The Emporium Center for local art or explore South Knoxville’s Maker’s District.
Dinner at Home: Another chance to cook a farm-fresh, seasonal meal, have good conversation, and unwind in a cozy setting.
Day 3: Day Trip & Local Markets
Breakfast: Plaid Apron, local, short menu which means they’re actually preparing everything on site!
Morning: Day trip to the Smokies (Cades Cove or Elkmont) OR visit Seven Islands Birding Park for a peaceful nature escape.
Lunch: I’ve packed a light lunch to enjoy wherever we fell like stopping
Afternoon: Stop by a local farmers’ market to pick up fresh ingredients for the evening’s home-cooked meal.
Dinner at Home: We’ll wrap up the trip by making one final nourishing meal together, playing music, and reflecting on the amazing time we’ve had.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I want to give a huge shoutout to Marc. His unwavering support, involvement, and belief in me have been instrumental in my journey. Whether it’s brainstorming ideas, offering encouragement when challenges arise, or simply being there as a steady presence, Marc has played a key role in helping me build and sustain my creative, self-employed path. His support means the world to me, and I wouldn’t be where I am without it. He was there in the early days of my 1st business endeavor and he’ll be there for the rest! Eat my Granola has Marc all over it too, he’s integral in names for specific blends I create

Beyond Marc, I have to recognize the Root Cause Protocol (RCP) community and the Weston A. Price Foundation for shaping my understanding of true health and nutrition. Their work has been the backbone of my approach to food, healing, and education, and I’m deeply grateful for the knowledge they’ve shared.

I also want to acknowledge the makers, artists, and repurposers who have inspired my creative side. The ability to transform raw materials—or even discarded ones—into something meaningful is a philosophy that applies not only to art but also to health, business, and life itself.

On a personal level, I’ve been fortunate to have mentors, friends, and like-minded individuals who have encouraged me to embrace my unconventional approach. Their reminders that success, financial stability, and creative freedom can coexist have kept me moving forward, even when the road felt uncertain.

And, of course, a special shoutout to every person who has trusted me as a coach, artist, or educator. Your willingness to challenge the status quo, learn new things, and take control of your health and creativity fuels my passion every day. Thank you for being part of this journey!

Website: https://www.eatmygranolanow.net

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatmygranolanow

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eatmygranolanow