We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle Keyes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
Parenting is the most challenging, rewarding, and beautiful journeys I have ever embarked upon. The most important thing I have done as a parent is empower my children by giving them responsibility at an early age. I believed that if they were able to do a task, they should be encouraged to do so. For example, as toddlers, I had my children make their own beds. It was not done the exact way I would have done it; however, they took pride in the task. The challenging part was not to “fix” the bed to be perfect; the rewarding part was seeing them smile about what they had done. The beautiful thing is that day after day, they got better and strived for excellence because they were built up.

The most practical task I have taught my children is to know their way around the kitchen. Using the same balance of constructive criticism and praise… a “done is better than perfect” approach. I started with toddlers puncturing fresh tomatoes with a fork for our tomato sauce, then graduated to cutting celery with a butter knife. As they advanced, they learned how to shop, plan, and prepare weekly meals. It was great family time and important to our family to fuel ourselves properly physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In June of 2022 I was fortunate to open a teaching kitchen in The Woodlands, Tx at the sponsorship of Woodlands Family Chiropractic. The Keyes Ingredients’ mission is to educate cancer patients, families and the community on eating better to prevent disease. Our programs are free of charge to cancer patients and survivors.

Our story began in 2007 when our 3-year-old son was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. This ignited a passion in our family to do a deep dive into nutrition and how the foods we eat directly affect our immune system. We chose to eat foods that built us up and chose to avoid foods that tore us down. This was not an easy task while raising young children. We chose not to shame our kids when they chose food items that we would not. We took the opportunity to educate them about the way they felt following eating something that was not good for them. We asked heart probing questions and chose specific times and venues to discuss foods and their benefits or harmful effects.

We have become laser focused on educating our youth. This is where is starts. This summer we are offering fully sponsored kids cooking camps for pediatric cancer patients, their siblings and for children whose parent has cancer.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love The Woodlands! It is a great small city with a woodsy feel. You can’t miss out on the extensive conservation areas and trails around The Woodlands. I love to start my day walking my dogs in the trails at Burroughs park.

If you’re looking for a great coffee, you need to check out Pura Vida coffee Shop inside the HEB at Creekside. The have an amazing Costa Rican barista with the best coffee beans around. I enjoy supporting local businesses, especially restaurants. When I am not cooking I am enjoying the fellowship of the restaurant owners, chefs and staff. Two of my favorite places are The Refuge at Creekside and Tris, in the heart of the Woodlands.

In addition to the lakes and trails, you don’t want to miss out on the shopping areas of our quaint town.

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?
I am forever grateful for all of the friends and family that supported my family during the time my son endured intensive cancer treatment as a 3 year old. I am incredibly thankful for the path God has led me down, as tough as it may have been at times.

My journey to educate & help families adopt healthful strategies for health & disease prevention has been in inspired & led by God. Every time I have felt like giving up, God has placed the most wonderful people in my path. I want to give a special shout out to my team of fabulous volunteers & board members who make our mission and vision possible.

Lastly, I want to extend my heart felt appreciation to Woodlands Family Chiropractic for providing my Non-Profit with a teaching kitchen to make everything we do possible.

Website: thekeyesingredients.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thekeyesingredients/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thekeyesingredients

Image Credits
Stephanie Jane Photography

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