Sabrina Vixama is a trailblazer in the Boston culinary scene, blending her Haitian roots with a passion for plant-based cuisine.
As one of the few, if not the only, Haitian vegan catering businesses in the area, her company has become a staple in the local food scene since its founding in 2017.
Through her business, Sabrina is not only reshaping traditional Haitian dishes by making them vegan-friendly, but she's also empowering others to explore plant-based Haitian cooking. Each week, she hosts engaging cooking classes at The Foundry in Cambridge, where she shares her expertise and love for creating delicious, sustainable meals. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a curious foodie, Sabrina’s classes offer an exciting opportunity to learn about Haitian cuisine in a whole new light.
Her business— Discover Vegans —started off as a food blog that documented her own transition to a plant-based lifestyle.
“I wanted to showcase the recipes that I was learning in my home kitchen,” she told BostonHaitian.com. Creating vegan recipes you have to be very creative, so I love to display that and wanted to show the world that you can certain food items such as mushrooms into chicken, and have it taste very similar. I also used my platform to promote and showcase other vegan businesses in the Boston area.”
Sabrina is also known for her Vegan Haitian Patties and left the Haitian community in a whirlwind after this discovery, as many were amazed by how she perfectly captured the rich, savory flavors of the traditional dish without compromising on authenticity or taste.
“One day I was craving Haitian patties, and couldn't find any vegan restaurants that had this so I decided to make my own vegan version of it,” she shared. “After posting it on my food blog that year it blew up unexpectedly. This allowed my network to grow and so many more opportunities came my way after this. I've met so many Haitian vegans in the Boston area, and at the time I honestly didn't think there were any at all.”
In 2019, she launched her catering business. Last year, she was invited to be a vendor at a festival at The Foundry in Cambridge. After receiving an overwhelmingly positive response, many attendees encouraged her to start offering cooking classes at the venue.
"Hosting cooking classes was always a long-term goal for me, but I didn’t feel ready at the time,” she said. “However, when they suggested it, it ignited a spark in me. After the festival, I reached out and launched my vegan cooking classes in May 2024. We've since made a variety of Haitian dishes like legume, Haitian patties, griot, and more.”
Her business, in general, was built off the Haitian culture, because she wanted to “continue to enjoy Haitian food without sacrificing my dietary restrictions and with my cooking classes it allows people to see you can still enjoy Haitian food just in a healthier way.”
“As I progressed in my cooking classes, I saw there were no cooking classes that offered Haitian cooking. My first cooking class we made griot out of jackfruit. I was nervous at first but got so many positive responses I've decided to do more!”
One the challenges Sabrina faces is not having a storefront.
"The majority of my business is delivery, and it limits me and hinders me from allowing more people to order from me,” she told BostonHaitian.com “Without a physical location, it's harder to build that direct connection with customers and expand my reach.”
Sabrina says she is inspired by other Haitian women doing amazing things in the food business.
“Gourmet Kreyol is amazing! Natalie is the sweetest. I love to see her passion for Haitian culture and contribution to the Haitian community as well as her growth over these past few years and I am so happy she is opening her first store soon,” said Sabrina.
What’s her advice for other women of color thinking about starting a business in the vegan food industry?
"I would say stay committed to your passion and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. When I started my business, there were people who didn’t believe in me or understand what I was doing, but I didn’t let that stop me from growing something I’m passionate about. I want them to know that it’s okay to ask for help—that’s what community is all about."
Sabrina is also currently looking for an assistant and a social media manager to help grow her brand. If you or anyone you know is interested in joining Discover Vegans, please email her at discovervegans@gmail.com.
Sherri Cajuste is the founder of the Haitians of Boston platform. The Reporter and Haitians of Boston share content through a media partnership. Follow her on Instagram.