I haven’t written on here in a long time and it’s for good reason – this year hasn’t been like any other – in good and bad ways! What would life be, if not for ups and downs, right? But I couldn’t let another year go by without my annual “X things I accomplished in XXXX.” Why? Because it helps me reflect on everything I’ve worked hard to accomplish and everything I am yet to do. I say this to you every year, but regardless of what you do in your life, I think this is one of the best exercises you can take up (it sure is one of the best things I’ve done for myself). It helps me put into perspective how far I’ve come, yet keeps me humble knowing that I have so much more to accomplish. You don’t need a big flashy social media presence to do this – everyone can do this, because whether you think so or not, you’re likely accomplishing something worth thinking about and talking about, everyday.

Now, back to me, hehe. This year was very interesting for so many reasons – a lot of firsts. The first time I experienced grief unrelated to a family member to the first time my career took a direction without my doing to one of my first major commercial shoots and even attending my first major sporting events. Now that 2022 is coming to a close, I’d like to share my accomplishments with you all. As with every post like this in previous years, this blog post is meant to inspire you, empower you and demonstrate that hard work pays off. In no way is this meant to be a brag about what I’ve accomplished, but maybe we can use this handy list to keep me in check!

22 Things I Accomplished in 2022 by Chef Priyanka Naik: (in no particular order)

1. Achieved my goal of traveling to 40 countries globally – stepped foot in Khasab, Oman on Nov 2, 2022 (while this was supposed to happen in 2020, it’s better late than never!)

2. Did my first international guest chef pop-up and activation for W Maldives (I have a year-long vegan & sustainable menu available there until Oct 2023!)

3. Signed with my first official talent manager (I am represented by ARC Collective and it’s a badass team of all diverse women led by Shab Azma)

4. I was laid off for the first time ever in my 10+ Corporate Tech America career (while this may not seem like an accomplishment, its great way to know that it’s not a ‘me’ problem, but a ‘you’ problem – if ya catch my drift).

5. Have officially transitioned full time into Chef Priyanka (thanks to my lay off). No more juggling multiple careers, unless I stumble upon something I absolutely love that brings me joy (and I don’t think anything outside of being on TV, writing, cooking, eating and cuddling animals will bring me that in a format of a ‘job.’)

6. Shot my first major auto commercial (coming in 2023!). Hint: origins are Japan.

7. Partnered with 30 brands this year to develop original vegan recipes, star in a shows/commercials for campaigns, write and/or shoot!

8. Started on my second book. It will be focused on sustainability and I hope get the proposal done ASAP! You can check out my first book The Modern Tiffin here.

9. Attended my first World Cup! This was an experience of a lifetime and I can’t wait for 2026 when it’s hosted in the USA! 

10. Purchased and moved into my brand new condo in Manhattan NY (after selling my first condo of ~7 years in Manhattan!). This is significant because I continue to own and sell real estate completely independently and hope to own property around the world!

11. Launched my very first major newsletter/column called ‘EcoKitchen’ by The Washington Post! As a chef, writer and TV personality, this is huge because it validates everything I am doing – striving to educate others on how to be more environmentally friendly!

12. Developed HUNDREDS of new recipes 

13. Did a cooking video atop of the Empire State Building!

14. Co-Starred in my first real cooking show called TODAY Table for TODAY Show on Peacock TV!

15. Got over 7M+ views on my Spinach Jalapeño Pesto with Giant Colonne Pompeii recipe and went totally viral!

16. Was named one of Americas 17 best chefs by TODAY Show & appeared on the Thanksgiving LIVE special alongside Martha Stewart, Bobby Flay, Marcus Samuelson and more! 

17. Was featured in my first 2-page interview in Harper’s Bazaar Arabia PRINT! November 2022 issue.

18. Was interviewed in dozens of global editorial features  The Guardian, MIC, The Weather Channel, The Washington Post, The National UAE, VegNews and MORE!

19. Went to my first brand sponsored sporting event – sponsored by Emirates to attend the US Open and watch Serena Williams last match!!  

20. Launched my first nationally available gourmet meals via Home Bistro (the entire company has paused production on all meals, but still a mighty feat!). I was the first vegan chef in the line-up alongside celeb chefs like Cat Cora and Ayesha Curry!

21. Spoke for the first time (in addition to Michelin starred celebrity chef Vikas Khanna) at the Consulate General of India in NYC to speak on sustainability, food and culture!

22. Experienced new grief (a very good friend passed and a colleague passed. Both my age. Both women. Both suffered from cancer). While this may not sound like an accomplishment, it helped me put life into perspective and has help me grow as a person and be there for people in a way that I have never been before.

BONUS: I began filming my first every documentary called Everything The Light Touches! More to come in 2023!

Stay tuned for another crazy year ahead! 2023 – we’re ready for you!!!!