Priyanka Naik, an Indian American chef, has an inspiring story of resilience and reinvention. After over a decade working for major firms like X (formerly Twitter), Bloomberg, and Conde Nast, Naik faced a significant challenge when she was laid off from Twitter in 2022. Instead of being defeated, she transformed this setback into an opportunity to pursue her true passion: cooking.
Her love for food, deeply rooted in her vegetarian upbringing, had always been part of her life. In 2017, she earned recognition by winning Cooks vs. Cons on the Food Network, a hint of what lay ahead. Even before her tech career ended, she shared sustainable, plant-based recipes through her blog Chef Priyanka and social media platforms, gaining attention from personalities like Chrissy Teigen.
Naik’s dedication to sustainability and eco-friendly cooking helped her establish a unique identity as a vegan chef. She believes in creating meaningful content, once telling HT, “The algorithm may reward trendy recipes, but I want to be part of a movement.”
Her hard work has paid off. Today, Naik runs a successful brand that includes a cookbook, social media collaborations, and EcoKitchen, her sustainability-focused column in The Washington Post. This combination of ventures has brought her financial stability and a six-figure income.
Her journey is a testament to her Indian American heritage and the strength of cultural identity. Her achievements were celebrated in October 2024 when she was invited to the largest-ever White House Diwali celebration, alongside over 600 prominent Indian Americans. Reflecting on this honor, she shared on Instagram how her unconventional path, marked by layoffs and rejections, still led to a moment of recognition.
Priyanka Naik’s story illustrates how passion, resilience, and cultural pride can turn challenges into a rewarding career and lasting success.
