From tech to table: How Indian-American Priyanka Naik turned a setback into culinary success

Posted by author December 17, 2024 Tech

The world is filled with many inspiring stories. One such story is that of Indian-origin Priyanka Naik who is now an award-winning chef with a six-figure incomes. Naik, who has over a decade of experience working at top firms like X (formerly Twitter), Bloomberg, and Conde Nast, turned her passion for cooking into a full-time career following her layoff from Twitter in 2022.

A Journey Rooted in Tech, Fueled by Passion

Naik’s story began in the unlikeliest of places—technology. Despite building an impressive career in the tech industry, her heart always belonged in the kitchen. Coming from a vegetarian background, she gained recognition in 2017 after winning Cooks vs. Cons on the Food Network, a milestone that hinted at her future in food.

A Setback That Became a Turning Point

The year 2022 brought an unexpected twist when Naik was laid off. Instead of letting this challenge hold her back, she embraced it as the catalyst to pursue her culinary dreams full-time. Long before her official career shift, Naik showcased her creativity through her blog, Chef Priyanka, and used social media to share sustainable, plant-based recipes. Her unique approach caught the attention of high-profile personalities, including Chrissy Teigen.

Naik, a firm believer in sustainability and eco-friendly practices, has built a niche for herself as a vegan chef. Speaking about her approach to food and content creation, she told HT, “The algorithm may reward trendy recipes, but I’m not interested in just being a moment. I want to be part of a movement.”

Building a Brand and Financial Independence

Today, Naik has built a thriving brand that spans cookbook sales, social media partnerships, and a sustainability-focused column, EcoKitchen, in The Washington Post. Her efforts have not only secured her a loyal audience but also financial stability, with Naik now earning a six-figure income.

Cultural Roots and Celebrated Achievements

Naik’s success is deeply tied to her cultural heritage. As a first-generation Indian American, her journey resonates with many who balance cultural identity with professional aspirations.Her accomplishments were recently recognized on a grand stage: Naik was among over 600 prominent Indian Americans invited to the White House’s largest-ever Diwali celebration in October 2024. Reflecting on the honor, she shared on Instagram: “I didn’t graduate at the top of my class at BU, I didn’t go to grad school, I’ve been laid off, I’ve been repeatedly rejected while working towards my personal and professional goals, I’m a self-taught chef/writer/TV host—but I got invited to attend the official White House Diwali Celebration?”