Introduction: Finding the Lightbulb Moment 💡

Hey there, food lovers and entrepreneurs! I’m Shelton Wilder, and today on the Wilder Possibilities Podcast, we’re diving deep into the incredible story of Carol Royen, the powerhouse behind Parakeet Café—a name that resonates with clean eating, soulful connections, and transformative journeys.

Ever wonder where those life-altering moments come from? I call them “the click”—that moment when the pieces align and suddenly, everything makes sense. For Carol, her “click” moment wasn’t just about creating another café. It stemmed from something far more personal and profound: the health of her youngest daughter, Michelle.

A Mother’s Heartfelt Mission ❤️

Carol’s story is a powerful testament to a mother’s determination. When her daughter Michelle was born, she was diagnosed with a rare illness. Carol and her family, who were living in Mexico City at the time, uprooted their lives to seek treatment in the U.S., leading them to Houston for chemotherapy treatments when Michelle was just five months old. The struggle was immense, not just physically but emotionally. Carol felt disconnected from her baby—unsure of what was bothering her or how to comfort her.

It was in these moments of uncertainty and despair that Carol’s resolve began to form. She found solace and power in learning about nutrition. Carol started researching how food could help Michelle’s tiny body better withstand the side effects of chemotherapy. Slowly but surely, she began preparing organic, nutrient-rich meals tailored specifically for her daughter’s health needs. The results? Astonishing. Doctors were amazed at Michelle’s progress, often marveling at how her iron levels had improved.

From Trauma to Purpose 🌱

This was Carol’s lightbulb moment. She realized that food wasn’t just fuel—it was medicine, a way to heal and strengthen. This journey sparked a passion within her to spread the knowledge she’d gained. She wasn’t just going to be a lawyer anymore; she was going to dedicate her life to health, wellness, and showing the world how powerful clean eating can be.

Her family’s move to California, away from the pollution and high altitudes of Mexico City, marked a fresh start—both in life and in purpose. As Carol delved deeper into the world of organic foods, she wanted to create a space where others could benefit from her knowledge, a place where healthy food wasn’t just good for you but also delicious and accessible.

The Birth of Parakeet Café 🌸

And thus, Parakeet Café was born. Starting with a single location in La Jolla in 2017, Carol’s vision for a vibrant, joyful, and healthy café quickly caught on. What started as a modest offering of clean, vegan dishes soon blossomed into a full-fledged restaurant empire. Parakeet Café grew from one location to eight—and Carol isn’t stopping anytime soon!

What makes Parakeet Café so special isn’t just the food—it’s the energy behind it. Carol was never out to create a chain of restaurants; she was out to make a difference. Every dish is a reflection of her family’s journey and her belief that healthy eating can be both indulgent and transformative.

Carol’s Unwavering Commitment to Quality 🥗

One thing Carol is particularly proud of? The fact that everything at Parakeet Café is made from scratch, using the best organic ingredients and avoiding harmful additives like processed oils and excess sugar. Carol has an unwavering commitment to providing food that not only tastes good but makes you feel good.

From their gluten-free pastries to the crowd-favorite Green Goddess salad with salmon (Shelton’s personal pick!), every bite is crafted with care and intention. “Healthy food doesn’t have to be boring or bland,” Carol says, and Parakeet Café proves that point every day.

Looking to the Future 🌟

What’s next for Parakeet Café? While Carol and her team are always thinking of ways to improve and innovate, the immediate focus is on perfecting what they’ve already built. Carol’s vision goes beyond just opening more cafés—she wants to change the way people think about food and health, one delicious dish at a time.

She may have started out trying to heal her daughter, but Carol’s journey has since touched the lives of countless others, proving that food truly has the power to heal both the body and the soul.