People, communities, the
environment, the local economy —
These elements are inextricably linked in a cycle, and Edenesque supports every part of this cycle
At Edenesque, we believe that love is actionable and we are here to prove that when compassion meets purpose, transformation is possible. That earth-friendly nutrition, crafted with intention, can be outrageously delicious and regenerative not just for individuals, but also the community and our world.
These elements are inextricably linked in a cycle, and Edenesque supports every part of this cycle
It starts before the milk is even made, by hiring people with disabilities and justice-impacted team members and sourcing ingredients from local, sustainable farmers in New York State who are building soil health and supporting biodiversity in their landscapes.
To further our impact, we created the Edenesque Food Insecurity InitiativeTM to help reduce food insecurity, and we are committed to expanding across New York State with a replicable and scalable program in partnership with Greater Hudson Promise, Columbia County Recovery Kitchen, Long Table Harvest, Big Dream Farm, and Sweet Water Farm.
Our plant milks are then carefully crafted to deliver maximum flavor, nutrition, and performance with minimal waste. We use whole ingredients without any fillers, gums, preservatives, or additives – and the highest concentration of oats and nuts on the market today. Our protein and vitamin blends ensure each carton delivers excellent nutrition.
What began as a one-woman offering across New York farmers markets more than ten years ago, has grown into a mission-driven company with the love and support of the communities that welcomed our founder as their own.
As a Black woman, chef, and business owner, Leslie’s lived experience is deeply affected by the intersecting challenges of climate change, health, food insecurity, and justice, and she integrates her values into every aspect of the business. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu and certified as a sous chef at the Culinary Institute of America, Leslie also holds a degree in Holistic Nutrition and is a certified Dietary Manager & Fitness Nutrition Specialist. She has cooked at Roy’s Restaurant with Chef Roy Yamaguchi and Restaurant Daniel with Chef Daniel Boulud; worked throughout the U.S. as a private chef; and served as a culinary instructor at Star Academy in NYC and Executive Chef for the President of Columbia University.
After her personal journey through childhood trauma and health challenges, the transformational love of her beloved grandmother and their shared belief in the healing power of food delivered Leslie to her calling as a chef and holistic nutritionist. Her time studying sociology and in the honors program at Columbia University augmented her experience to give her additional insight into the ways in which food, culture, and lived experiences affect health outcomes in communities of color. Her upbringing, her career as a Black female chef; and her experience as a student of holistic nutrition – all inspired Leslie to create Edenesque as a celebration of clean, nutritious food.
It is her profound hope and mission to deliver delicious, indulgent products that foster whole health, with great ingredients that support environmental sustainability, and have a positive impact on the community. Edenesque is the culmination of this mission.
