Meet Tara Caden | Entrepreneur, artist, educator, athlete, clean vegan baker, lifestyle coach

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

Hi Tara, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
As an artist, my passion for creating and bringing new ideas to life is what fuels me and gives me a sense of fulfillment. I thrive on the constant need for innovation and change, as it keeps me engaged and prevents me from becoming stagnant. Whether I am working as a teacher, expressing my creativity through drawing, or helping others through personal training or lifestyle coaching, or creating delicious, healthy treats, my ultimate goal is to make a positive impact on people’s lives. Being able to contribute to the betterment of others brings me immense joy and a deep sense of purpose. It is through these acts of making a difference in people’s lives that I feel truly blessed. Regardless of the specific career path I pursue, my focus remains on using my talents and skills to positively influence those around me.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I have been a personal trainer/nutrition coach for 26 years, teaching people how to live a healthy lifestyle. I competed in bodybuilding shows and had to learn how to eat clean and cheat clean to maintain the level of fitness that I achieved and desired. I created Tara’s Luscious Cheats because our world needs healthy options for sweet treats! I became vegan over six years ago, and tweaked my clean cheats into plant-based treats, so I could enjoy a guilt-free pleasure. So much of life is based around food and there are so many illnesses that are preventable with proper nutrition and exercise. My treats are made with healthy, mostly organic, naturally gluten-free ingredients and lots of TLC. My products will feed your mind, nourish your body and satisfy your sweet tooth. They are perfect for every BODY at any age. Whether you are health conscious, vegan, paleo, keto, or gluten-free, Tara’s Luscious Cheats has something for you. I can take any recipe and create a healthier alternative.

I absolutely love feeding people and watching them enjoy my healthy treats. I have been a single mom most of my adult life, so I wasn’t able to launch this business until I found Mr. Right, who allowed me the support to take the risk. I love making people happy…giving is such a blessing to me, and if I can make a difference in the world, then my mission is complete. My ultimate goal is to open a cafe where I get to offer all healthy options, organic coffees and teas, a handful of vegan meals, and of course, Tara’s Luscious Cheats. I envision TLC and my logo like Starbucks all over the world. I want to be able to ship everywhere because people need delicious, nutritious treats, snacks, and desserts.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Wow! Well, my idea of fun is pretty clean, so I would take them into nature for a hike, I would take them to the lagoon or the harbor for paddleboarding, I’d definitely take them to dinner at The Plot in South O, to lunch at Blue Ocean in Carlsbad for some vegan sushi (or non-vegan), I’d take them to the ocean for sunset. I’d take them to a farmers market, Encinitas, Revolution Roasters, La Jolla, and down to the Gas Lamp to walk around, eat, drink (even though I don’t drink), and people watch.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
God created me with these creative gifts, talents, and passions, so all gratitude goes to Him, first and foremost. Secondly, my husband is a huge support of my business and helps me in so many ways, from setting up my events to squeezing zucchini in the kitchen, as well as providing the stability that enabled me to take the leap of faith in leaving my teaching job and pursuing my passion for creating healthy dessert options through Tara’s Luscious Cheats. I dedicate my successes to my father in heaven, who was a professional sculptor, my ultimate inspiration, and my #1 fan. Lastly, I am driven by my deep love for my four children, who are my motivation and the real reason I strive for success, so I can leave a legacy for them, and to make a positive impact in the world.

Website: taraslusciouscheats.com

Instagram: @taraslusciouscheats

Linkedin: tlcfitnut

Facebook: taraslusciouscheats

Yelp: taraslusciouscheats

Image Credits
Skip O’Donnell