Chef C.C. Pean, personal chef to Will Smith
A first-generation American of indigenous Liberian and Guyanese descent, C.C.’s main focus is teaching others how to shop, cook and fight disease with traditional foods from the African Diaspora. Cynthia is an internationally known, published author, media contributor and authoritative voice on plant-based foods of the African Diaspora. She is a professionally trained plant-based chef and nutritional consultant who specializes in: Ayurveda, Macrobiotics, Raw & Living Foods, High-Alkaline (Dr. Sebi), and Vegan modalities, Allergy-sensitive, Gluten-free, Anti-candida, disease sensitive meals.
A key component of her practice is assisting professional athletes in achieving optimal health and minimizing the effects of wear and tear on their bodies via diet.
C.C. has lectured on how to fight Sickle Cell disease through diet, as well as a host of inflammatory diseases. C.C. was trained and certified at the Natural Epicurean Academy of Culinary Arts in Austin, TX, a plant-based cooking school that focuses on cooking for health and disease via the modalities of Ayurveda, Macrobiotics and Raw Cuisine. She furthered her training under Chef Michael Falso at The Springs LA, named one of the Best 15 vegan restaurants in the world by Travel & Leisure Magazine. C.C. has served as a private chef for numerous celebrities. At present C.C. teaches and counsels on adapting a plant-based lifestyle, and focuses on nutrient dense, disease fighting cuisine. An avid world traveler, she takes every opportunity to build on her knowledge and exposure to traditional foods.
C.C.’s desire is to expand her reach by positioning herself as an expert on healing and treating disease via a plant based diet. In addition to her culinary training, she has a Master’s degree in International Relations with an emphasis in Sub-Saharan Agrarian Cultures. Her passion for Africa and its Diaspora is multi-faceted. She offers a unique, informed, alluring approach to food and the continent.
During the summer of 2018, C.C. spent 5 months in Ghana, researching and studying traditional foods and their ability to heal the body, sustain and fortify and prevent disease. While there, C.C was featured in Ghana on Tv3’s New Day with Johnnie Hughes. She has also appeared on The Today Show with Maria Shriver and Dan Buettner discussing the world’s Blue Zones, and Africa Channel’s Shades of You, sharing her knowledge of a plant-based diet and how it can add years to your life. C.C. likes to say she prepares and teaches people how to make delicious food that just so happens to be good for you!