From Southern to Northern California: The Story Behind the Move
For many years, Chef AJ was synonymous with Los Angeles, where she hosted her television show Healthy Living with Chef AJ and served as the Executive Pastry Chef at Santé Restaurant. Her work and community were largely based in Southern California, but a change was on the horizon. In a post from early 2023, she confirmed her move from the southern part of the state, signaling a new chapter in her life. The transition to the greater Sacramento area, including a stop in Lincoln, California, was a deliberate choice to align with a larger vegan and plant-based community.
The Allure of Northern California's Vegan Community
Chef AJ has openly shared her reasons for relocating, citing the thriving vegan community in Northern California as a major draw. This was a lifestyle decision based on finding a stronger, more supportive network of people who shared her passions for animal welfare, planetary health, and whole-food, plant-based nutrition. Her move was not just a change of address, but an intentional effort to embed herself within a community that mirrors her values.
- A Stronger Support System: She found a large, active vegan community in the Sacramento area, which includes thousands of like-minded individuals.
- Connecting with Experts: The region is home to many plant-based doctors and nurses with whom she has connected and collaborated.
- Opportunity for Events: AJ has expressed interest in hosting local events, such as potlucks and conferences, something she was known for in Southern California.
- Newfound Happiness: Posts on her social media have conveyed her contentment with the move, expressing how honored she feels to be part of the vibrant local scene.
Continuing Her Mission from Her New Home
Despite the change in location, Chef AJ's professional life has continued with full force. She still broadcasts her daily show, Chef AJ LIVE!, from her home studio, connecting with her global audience online. This remote accessibility means that while her physical address has changed, her influence and presence in the plant-based community have not diminished. She remains a prominent and trusted voice, educating and inspiring her followers from her Northern California base.
A Comparison of Her Southern vs. Northern California Life
| Feature | Southern California (Former) | Northern California (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Base | Los Angeles (Sherman Oaks) | Near Sacramento (including Lincoln) |
| Community Size | Also had a vegan community, but the move was for an even larger, more local one. | Moved specifically to be part of a very large, active vegan group. |
| Events | Previously hosted in-person classes and events in Los Angeles. | Planning new in-person events like potlucks and conferences in the area. |
| Professional Platform | Hosted a television show and taught classes. | Primarily broadcasts Chef AJ LIVE! on YouTube and conducts online programs. |
| Motivation for Location | Primarily professional and historical ties. | Driven by lifestyle preference for a larger, like-minded community. |
Conclusion: A New Chapter in a Community-Focused Location
In summary, Chef AJ currently lives near Sacramento, California, a place she chose for its strong and supportive plant-based community. Her relocation from Southern California marked a deliberate shift towards a more community-centric lifestyle. From her new residence, she continues to be a prominent figure in the vegan world, hosting her popular online show, writing books, and engaging with her audience. Her story serves as a testament to the fact that for her, and for many others, finding a home is as much about finding a supportive community as it is about finding a physical space. For further information on her work and community initiatives, you can visit her official website ChefAJ.com.
Details of Chef AJ's New Life
After her transition, she quickly integrated into the local scene. Her social media has shown her connecting with local health professionals and celebrating the supportive network she has found. This focus on community is a consistent theme throughout her work, and her new location allows her to embrace it fully. The change has not affected her online presence, which remains as active as ever, providing her global followers with daily content and inspiration. Her move is a powerful example of aligning one's personal and professional life with deeply held values and a desire for a strong, local community.
