12-year-old award-winning Omari McQueen is making history and inspiring millions with his thriving vegan food brand, Dipalicious.

After his mother became sick, Omari McQueen, at the young age of 7, began cooking for his family. This was the beginning of a passion and love for cooking. One year later, McQueen, at age 8, went vegan after learning how animals were treated for food and clothing. He found that veganism could help his mother and began to cook vegan recipes for her. McQueen’s passion of vegan food soon led to the start of his YouTube channel, Omari Goes Wild, in 2017 where he posted vegan cooking videos. This same year, he founded Dipalicious, a food brand that offers vegan Caribbean fare. His main purpose with the company was to create great tasting food without putting animals in danger. McQueen says, “The thing that inspired my recipes is bringing people together with good food without harming animals”

Omari McQueen’s dedication to his craft did not end there. In the summer of 2017, Boxpark’s CEO Roger Wade invited and financial supported the young entrepreneur to host a weeklong pop-up at Boxparks’ Croyden location. McQueen also went on to write his very own vegan cookbook, Omari McQueen’s Best Bites Cookbook– another “dream come true” for the young chef. “I’ve achieved a goal as I’ve got dyslexia I found it hard spelling stuff out and reading things,” he says. “But I wrote the whole thing and got it done and I’m so proud of myself. I’m bringing people together with good food without harming animals with that book, with easy-to-make recipes in there, and my favorite recipes.”

All of McQueen’s hard work and dedication over the past few years have truly paid off. He has earned himself the title of the youngest award winning vegan chef in the UK. In addition, McQueen has gone on to receive several awards such as the TruLittle Award, the Compassionate Kids Award, and the Proud and Gifted Award.

Omari’s drive is an inspiration for all. He is a true encouragement to the many young entrepreneurs looking to start a business of their own.