Meet Julia Fedorenko

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

Hi Julia, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Two years ago, I was at the Farmers Market, daydreaming about having my own booth. I’ve always had a passion for health and wellness, especially when it comes to eating healthy, and I thought, “How fun would it be to start my own business?” At the time, I was feeling unsatisfied in my job as an emergency room nurse, so I decided to take a chance and start Conscious Cravings.

To minimize the risk, I kept my full-time job as an ER nurse while doing three markets a week. It was a lot of work, but I made it work. By the end of the season, I saw that my business had huge potential because people loved my offerings. That’s when I decided to buy a food truck!

Having healthier options at markets and events is truly a game-changer. I focus on offering food made with simple, whole ingredients—no seed oils, refined sugars, artificial dyes, flavors, or preservatives. There’s a very small percentage of people in Nashville who can proudly say they are free from these harmful additives, and I want to change that. Eating healthier foods has the biggest impact on our overall health—it’s not just about looking good, but feeling good, having more energy, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

I have a genuine passion for helping people. While I couldn’t fully find that in the ER, I’m finding it through my business. I’m not hating on the emergency room— it definitely has its place for people who truly need urgent care. But the reality is, 99% of the time, people come in because they haven’t been managing their chronic health conditions. The future needs to be about preventive care—and I can offer that by helping Nashville eat healthier and showing them just how delicious it can be!

What should our readers know about your business?
What sets my business apart is the focus on using the purest, simplest ingredients. Everything I make is gluten-free and free from harmful additives like seed oils, refined sugars, preservatives, dyes, and artificial flavors. I’m excited to help Nashville eat healthier and raise awareness about how food directly impacts our health.

My main offerings include fresh-cut Mexican-style fruit bowls, pastries, chia seed puddings, and a few other fun options.

I overcome challenges by refusing to let minor bumps in the road affect my mood. I stay grateful for the opportunities I have and maintain a positive mindset. When doubt or fear of failure creeps in, I remind myself of why I started and how amazing it’s all going to be.

I want the world to get excited about clean eating and discover just how enjoyable it can be!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d take a friend on a walk through Belmont and Music Row and stop by the Well Coffee house on 16th Ave. I LOVE my local farmers markets – so from there we would stroll through a nearby market to find fresh, local products straight from the source. Would end the day by going to the Local – to hear my many talented friends play a round or by driving to a friend’s property outside of Nashville to see the sunset and have a bonfire.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A big shout-out to my amazing boyfriend, Rob, who is an entrepreneur himself and always keeps me on track whenever doubt creeps in. He’s experienced the ups and downs of running a business firsthand, and his support has been invaluable. He’s not only my biggest cheerleader but also my best friend. I honestly couldn’t have made it through my first year without his unwavering encouragement and guidance.

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/VEWtSjcFXpCp4WCu/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits
Cooper Dennett!