I started Brand New Vegan in November of 2013.
I had been experimenting for some time with adding more plant-based foods into my diet and wanted a place to share everything I was learning, along with my recipes.
I never dreamed that one day I'd be a writer, or a chef, or especially a professional blogger...
But I remember when my wife's parents would come to visit, I would cook up something special for them, and every time... my dear Father-in-law would say,
"You missed your calling, you shoulda been a cook"
Haha.... funny guy. Like I could ever be a cook.
But little did I know, by starting that little blog I would eventually become a cook (and a pretty good one too from what I hear). Not just a cook, but also a writer, photographer, and even an entrepreneur.
Who knew?
What If.....
I remember in the early days of my blog, I would wonder if anyone was ever going to visit.
I mean I would get a few people a day, 4 or 5... 10 if I was lucky, but nothing huge or earth-shattering like some of the BIG blogs would get. Not that getting a lot of visitors was ever my primary goal, but I wanted to share what I was learning with somebody.
Surely someone out there could benefit with what I had to say.
And so I would play the "What If" game.
What If:
- I could get a few more visitors a day.
- People actually started commenting on my posts.
- I could get one of my recipes on those fancy Food Sites
- I could maybe one day do this for a living and never have to work nights again.
And then....in December of 2014 ... everything changed.
I can still remember laying on the couch, and looking at my website app on my phone, and thinking the silly thing must be broken... because there were a LOT of people on my website ... all at the same time! Hundreds of them!
I had my very first recipe go viral. My Oven Baked French Fries.
And from there, those silly french fries went on to become one of many popular recipes... and my little blog was finally on its way.
It's been a crazy, roller coaster ride ever since, and before I realized it - I began to believe that my dream of becoming a blogger might actually come true.
Turn The Page
So why am I going all reminiscent on you?
Why the trip back through memory lane?
Well first, let me fast forward my little story to June of 2017.
As my blog grew over the years, it was becoming more and more apparent that one day I would be able to retire from my corporate job ... for good. After over 25+ years in my work industry, mostly working night shifts, if my blog numbers actually stayed on track, I was finally going to be able to retire and become a full-time blogger.
SO I waited.
Waited for that right time,
Waited for that next paycheck,
Waited for that next bonus,
Waited for some mystical sign from the Universe...
And then I got suspended.
There was an unfortunate incident at work one night, where my work buddy made a huge mistake that cost him his job. Because the two of us were a team that night, I too was questioned, even though I did nothing wrong. We were separated when the incident took place.
And then out of the blue, I too was suspended, possibly without pay.
"Wait, I didn't do anything wrong but you're still suspending me?!"
Policy, they said.
Three days later I was given the good news that I still had my job, but....I would be on probation for the next 12 months, which automatically meant a crappy review, no raise, no bonus, oh and forever being labeled as "that guy".
"Did you get the part where I didn't do anything wrong?"
Policy.
OK, CHUCK - THIS IS IT
It was almost like I could actually SEE the clouds parting in the sky, with a big, blinking neon sign descending with giant, bold letters that said......
"Ok Chuck, it's now or never"
If there ever was a sign from the Universe.....this had to be it! So.....the day I have been waiting for all these years was finally here.
I turned in my letter of resignation. In other words, "I quit".
Which means..........{drumroll please}
I AM NOW A FULL-TIME FOOD BLOGGER
And I just wanted to say, as I turn the page ending that last chapter of my life, and prepare for the next ...
Thank you.
Thanks for believing in me.
Thanks for sticking with me, in my bad moments as well as my good.
Thanks for your kind words and trust, and most importantly...
Thank you for your love and support.
Thank you for everything...... because, without you, all this would not be possible.
So here's to the next chapter, and you know what?
I can't wait to get started!
Here I am, on the road again
There I am, up on the stage
Here I go, playing star again
There I go, turn the page....- Bob Seger
Patty
Congratulations! Best of luck to you. Can't wait to see what's next!
Mark Yvanovich
You're going to do great! Best of luck!
David Humbert
There was something profound that I wanted to tell you over the weekend but thought it inappropriate before you found out (you made your decision) about your job situation. Dang if I could only remember what it was.
In the mean time may I suggest documenting every step of new recipes because if you get forgetful like me that record may save you days of trying to recreate the results (good or bad).
Beth E
Congrats! Your recipes are fantastic. I'm a 'brand new vegan' and glean all I can from the experts. Maybe sometime we can meet in Portland at vegan Homegrown Smoker on Mississippi Ave and chat vegan food. Hubby just bought a Traeger smoker this weekend. Smoking tofu, tempeh, soy curls, veggies, garlic, etc.
I'm obsessed.
Anywho, congrats on the new journey! God bless!
Beth, Vancouver WA
Chuck Underwood
Nice! That sounds like fun! I've been to Mississippi Pizza a few times, that's a cool part of Portland! IM me on FB and I'll forward you a link to my buddy's Vegan BBQ/Smoking Group.
Vibeke Kale Vale
Well, you know, those fries are just THAT good. 🙂 I will admit that it's only one of a few of your recipes that I have tried. The baked beans are AMAZING, too. 🙂 Perhaps I'll try a few more now that you're depending on me to show up. 🙂
Heather Dugas Preuett
Congrats!
Cheryl L Gall
Congratulations! I have a tear in my eye reading this, so excited for you, you deserve every happiness and success for your future blogging life. Behind you 100%
Karen @ The Food Charlatan
Congratulations! You need to tell your buddy to start his own food blog...that sucks that he lost his job. Best of luck to you!
lakshmi
Congratulations Chuck and I wish you success on your blog. As followers of your blog we are lucky that now we will get our hands on of your experiments and recipes. I tried your Amazing cheese sauce, Buttermilk biscuits and Crispy oven fries. I also used your "Butter Milk" Recipe to make Dahi Vada an Indian dish. Baked (fried)Black gram Lentil Fritters soaked in spiced buttermilk. I must say it did not disappoint us. You and Klunker's Kitchen have inspired me to start my blog http://masalaplants.blogspot.com/. I will blog WFPB Dahi Vada there and link to your "butter milk". Looking forward to your posts Will try each and every recipe from your blog.
Carol Ann
Chuck, congratulations! You will look back at this crossroads and be so thankful for this "opportunity!" I Love seeing folks use their gifts and then to use them to improve the lives of others will give you such a feeling of satisfaction! God bless you, Chuck!
Lisa Drollinger Folks
I'm so excited for you Chuck!! I've been following you on your page, as well as through several FB groups we are both part of, since the day I gave up sour cream and cheese on October 31, 2015! I love every recipe I've tried and can't wait to get even more from you!! Congrats!!
Claudia Janssen
Congratulations. Love your recipes and I'm glad that everything is working out for you.
Jessica Sorenson
A giant leap! Good luck!
Mary Beth Cowans
Congratulations! You are one of my favorite plant based food bloggers! Love your recipes! I wish you the best on this new stage of your journey!
Hil
Best of luck Chuck! You have everything you need in you, like the song 'ain't no mountain high enough..."
Cheryl Gillean
So excited for you Chuck!!!! Have been praying that this day would come for you as I know you have been desiring it for quite some time. YAY!!!!!!
Polly
Best wishes Chuck!
jmerrikin
Chuck, you are a gift to humanity and a loving and compassionate soul. I am so happy for you and proud of you for making the leap. I wish you massive success and will continue to follow you and will purchase books or DVDs you produce. Thank you Chuck from the bottom of my heart.
Kathy
Awesome! I mean, sorry on the job loss, but yay for us! My sister and I started WFPB lifestyle about six months ago...we are loving it and in part to you! We LOVE your recipes, they are some of the best recipes....weird ingredients but AMAZING turnouts! I haven't made one thing that was not fantastic! You keep on doing what you do best....cook for us and then tell us how to make what you just made! I have you marked as a go-to resource.....glad you're going to be doing it full time now!
Sheri
Congrats Chuck! Your dream has finally come true and you deserve it!!!!! Woot! Woot!!!??????????????????????????????
nonyabizzz
well played, sir.
Noelle Pion
I only just found your website (yes, through the infamous french fries post) and wow, you have some amazing recipes. I will be back, and I couldn't be happier for you, Chuck.
Kelly Jo Jensen Ratcliff
This is the best story!! Way to see the sign and take it!! Your taco recipe has been a mainstay in our house, as we're new vegans as well.
CruznV
You are my Inspiration... Not a day goes by I don't catch up with you & the info you share either here or Facebook.... You are the Vegan God of the Internet... Thanks for being here for all us Brand new Vegans & Veteran Vegans.... 🙂 I feel great & lost 20+ lbs...
Foodlove Girl
congratulations! It's stories like thess that really keep me motivated to keep going!
Samantha
Hey.. so i have been dreaming of firing up my blog for months now.. this was very inspirational and congrats on your success.. my childhood nickname is CHUCK . Im taking this as a sign.. hahah here i go.. also i shall be making those fries in the very near future! Yum
Melanie
You are amazing, your recipes are awesome and I'm super glad that you got suspended from that job!!
Sandra
I love your recipes. They are easy and taste good.