Meet Karuna Diedericks and Antonio Manega | Owners of Karuna’s Kitchen and Kanto Food, Houston’s plant-based Ayurvedic food enterprise

We had the good fortune of connecting with Karuna Diedericks and Antonio Manega and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karuna and Antonio, what do you attribute your success to?
“If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk together” (Unknown) Having a strong sense of purpose and belonging with each other, we are able to combine the best of our individual talents and skills to create our brand. A positive attitude, along with knowledge and experience, allows me to find quick solutions to the inevitable challenges of running a business. When working with others, I am able to hone into their strengths and magnify them. An expert planner and goal-setter, Antonio balances our duo by encouraging us to constantly set goals, write them down, create timelines, and visualize them happening. With each courageous step, the road rises to meet us, and things fall into place.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
As a company our service attitude, values, and commitment to excellence is reflected in quality products and love for our customers. We strive to do our part for the greater good. As individuals, Antonio and I work consistently to improve our own physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Through self-care we maintain balance, and have more to give in service to others.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Love the question because I am yearning for friends and family from South Africa to come visit when it is safe to travel from there. With so many restaurants to choose from,  it would be hard to decide. Antonio’s favorite is Coltivare, we both love Pondicheri, and I am sure I would want to take them to Oporto as well. For coffee, we would definitely go to Siphon and Catalina.  Of course, we would stock up on produce and great food at the Urban Harvest Farmers Market and Central Market. The Houston Heights Farmers Market is a great place to find unique artisan gifts and souvenirs to take home.  We would also get out into nature at Memorial Hiking Trails, walk on Surfside Beach at sunrise, and enjoy the beauty of the Arboretum.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Giriraj Swami, my spiritual teacher, instilled in me a sense of compassion for others. Because of this, I feel that it is my duty to provide healing food, and demonstrate the connection between food, vitality, and longevity. I have also been blessed to be guided by strong women in my life. The most notable is my mentor, Elizabeth Pudwill. Through her coaching and strong belief in my ability to succeed, I gained self-confidence and courage to push myself beyond my limiting beliefs and habits. With their unconditional love, and the support and encouragement of many others, I continue to strive towards my dreams.

Website: www.karunaskitchen.net

Instagram: karunaskitchen_us

Linkedin: Karuna Diedericks

Facebook: karunaskitchen.net

Image Credits
@lifegrapher