<div><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/66066599_1655797302758604_r.jpeg" alt="66066599_1655797302758604_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />Hi, my name is Denise Vallejo &amp; I’m the chef &amp; founder of Alchemy Organica, a plant-based organic Mexican food pop-up in Los Angeles.
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<div>I’m here to humbly ask for the hardest thing ever, which is help— help from the community that has loved my food and brand from its inception and help from those who have been impacted in some way by whatever wisdom I share or anything I put out into the universe.
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<div>Alchemy Organica came to birth as an expression of my personal journey through healing my body, learning about my ancestry &amp; who I am, and the wisdom I gained through my relationship with plants. I never expected it to grow <a href="http://instagram.com/alchemyorganica" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">as big of a following</a> as it has. Through the years I have been blessed with receiving high praise from various media platforms and publications, like Bon Appetit Magazine &amp; The New York Times (twice!)
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<div>I even won a few major grants from El Pollo Loco &amp; The James Beard Foundation that helped me press on through the pandemic. Despite all of these wonderful things, my business has still not been able to recover &amp; catch the momentum it was gaining pre-pandemic. With the pandemic, plans to open a restaurant with investors fell through; lock downs killed all foot traffic I once thrived on, &amp; with inflation &amp; labor costs surging it’s been a nightmare for me to keep my head above water. I’ve felt a major failure to launch this year and have struggled to make ends meet personally, where I haven’t even been able to pay myself in a whole year. My landlord is not happy about that. 
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<div>I don’t come from money. My end goal has always been to be able to care for my parents so my 72 year old mother can finally retire. I busted my a** holding down three jobs to save and invest in every tool &amp; piece of equipment I have when I first started Alchemy Organica. I’ve bootstrapped this business all on my own, and run every aspect of it. I’ve hired people who were meant to help but eventually would betray me. I’ve taken risks and depleted all my savings with collaborations that didn’t work out for me in the long run. It’s been a crazy ride! Without a business partner to share the load it’s heavy work. I’m just an artist &amp; all I want is the freedom to create. There are nights I feel incredibly defeated &amp; hopeless. I know I have a lot of people rooting for me. People who believe in my vision and work. I can’t give up. I’ve come too far. I have to try once more. I’m not afraid to put in the work. I’ve done this work for 13 years and now I need to ask for help. 
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<div>Now it’s in your hands. My brand has a very simple mission. I only wish to provide you with quality. As a “Qualitarian” I want only the best. Clean, organic food lovingly prepared with an intention to connect you to something meaningful. Whether it’s activating an ancient memory within; unlocking clues about your heritage; teaching you something new about the nature of the universe, or just simply inspiring you to care for yourself &amp; eat beautiful food, I aim for what is sacred.
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<div>Currently our business model limits us on what we prepare and serve to the community. Without a real home or prep kitchen of our own we are unable to be the full expression of our potential.
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<div>I am seeking to raise funds to:
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<div>1. Get our own prep kitchen so we can take on larger catering orders and begin production of our retail food line of salsas, sauces, &amp; marinades. We would love to start shipping out some of our items nationwide. Just imagine if you could find us on the shelf at your local natural foods store! We have to start somewhere!
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<div>2. Purchase a van so we can get mobile and pop up near you! We are dreaming of pop ups in San Diego &amp; all through out So-Cal, even up to Portland!
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<div>3. Keep building so we can eventually find a cute taco stand or brick &amp; mortar to be able to serve you way more than tacos &amp; quesadillas.
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<div>I have so many ideas and dreams! I’m an artist and visionary first &amp; above all else. If you feel called to join me on this journey please support. Donate, or share this fundraiser!
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<div>Thank you. Tlazocamati. I do this for the culture and for my ancestors. Peace &amp; Blessings.
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<div>-Chef Denise ✨
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Keep Alchemy Organica moving!

Keep Alchemy Organica moving!

Still $45,264 to go. Help us build momentum.