Vivian Howard is an award-winning chef, author, and television personality from Deep Run, North Carolina. She is best known for her PBS series A Chef's Life, which earned her a Peabody Award, making her the first woman since Julia Child to win this honor for a cooking program. Vivian co-owned the restaurant Chef & the Farmer in Kinston, North Carolina, which she reopened in a reimagined format as a storytelling tasting menu. She has authored two cookbooks: Deep Run Roots and This Will Make It Taste Good, both of which showcase her passion for Southern cuisine and storytelling. Vivian also runs restaurants like Handy & Hot and Lenoir in Charleston, South Carolina.

Before Vivian Howard achieved fame and success, she explored various paths that eventually led her to the culinary world. After graduating from North Carolina State University with a degree in English, she moved to New York City and began working in advertising at Grey Worldwide. However, she soon realized that this career wasn't fulfilling her creative passions. Vivian transitioned to the restaurant industry, starting as a waitress at Voyage, where she met her future husband and business partner, Ben Knight. She later attended the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City, where she honed her culinary skills. During this time, she worked at prestigious restaurants like wd~50 and Jean-Georges' Spice Market, gaining valuable experience in the kitchen. These early experiences, combined with her Southern roots and storytelling ability, laid the foundation for her eventual success as a chef, restaurateur, and television personality. Let me know if you'd like to explore more about her journey!

Vivian Howard built her fortune through her culinary expertise, storytelling, and entrepreneurial ventures. Here's how she achieved her success: Restaurants: Vivian co-owned the acclaimed restaurant Chef & the Farmer in Kinston, North Carolina, which she reopened in a reimagined format as a storytelling tasting menu. She also runs Handy & Hot and Lenoir in Charleston, South Carolina. Television: Her PBS series A Chef's Life earned her a Peabody Award, making her the first woman since Julia Child to win this honor for a cooking program. She also created and starred in Somewhere South, further showcasing her culinary storytelling. Cookbooks: Vivian authored two best-selling cookbooks, Deep Run Roots and This Will Make It Taste Good, which highlight Southern cuisine and her personal journey. These books have been widely praised and contributed to her financial success. Public Speaking and Events: Vivian is an in-demand speaker and host, often leading discussions on Southern food culture and the restaurant industry. Her ability to combine culinary artistry with storytelling and business acumen has been key to her financial success.