After sixteen years in healthcare administration across Connecticut’s hospitals, Allison’s career crossed a turning point during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her husband, Calvin, went for an annual physical, and his cholesterol levels were at life-threatening levels. He was put on medication immediately, and Allison, who was working remotely, began cooking breakfast, lunch, and dinner — three plant-based meals a day — for her family.
The couple decided to go 100 percent vegan beginning January 1, 2021, as a trial for 60 days. When he went back to his doctor to check his bloodwork after those 60 days, his high cholesterol completely resolved itself. He had been on medication over six months before he went off it. But the couple attributes the vegan diet, not from eating less or exercise, to his successful results.
“He was a meat-eater, and when this happened, he realized that if this is what he has to do in order not to take medication, he would be completely vegan,” remembers Allison. “We were believers in the vegan diet from seeing and witnessing it personally.”
However, when dining out or attending events, she was frustrated by limited vegan options. This realization fueled her entrepreneurial pivot—from healthcare to hospitality. In 2016, she and Calvin had purchased a food truck initially intended for a different concept, but COVID-19 inspired them to repurpose it.
With confidence in her business skills and faith in Calvin’s craftsmanship, they took a leap of faith. A self-taught tradesman and longtime entrepreneur, Calvin had owned a window film tinting company for more than 20 years and knew he could convert the truck himself. They contributed all their savings and cashed in their 401(k) to make it happen.
In May 2021, SoulFully Vegan debuted on the Middletown South Green, drawing over 200 visitors, followed quickly by recognition at New England’s largest fair, the Big E. SoulFully Vegan was on the map.
The company’s impact expanded with the launch of a second food truck in June 2022 and the opening of its first brick-and-mortar location on Black Friday 2023. In October 2025, SoulFully Vegan opened at CT State Middlesex, Connecticut’s only all-vegan college cafeteria, and the second in the nation. Today, a second brick-and-mortar location in New Haven’s Science Park area, adjacent to Yale, is slated to open in winter 2026.
“Quitting my job and not doing this as a side gig made a difference,” says Allison. “For my whole career, I got a check on Friday, but now I have to make it happen for it to be there on Friday. I’ve got a mortgage, three children, and tuition to think about - this has to work.”
Ellafi Federal Credit Union has played a crucial role. As a woman-owned business, Allison sought lasting support and partnership for her vision. Traditional banks sometimes hesitated, but Ellafi recognized Allison’s drive, resilience, and ingenuity. By believing in Allison’s story and SoulFully Vegan, Ellafi helped secure the commercial loan that she needed for her second brick-and-mortar location.
We’ve worked with other banks, but none were able to stand behind us. Ellafi really does stand behind women business owners.
For Allison, Ellafi wasn’t just a lender, it was an advocate. She credits the Credit Union and Ellafi’s VP of Community and Business Relationships, Kristen Jensen, for the support. Allison’s husband graduated from Middletown High School in the same class as Kristen, who not only knows the couple but also the delicious food firsthand. She has a sweet spot, as many do, for SoulFully Vegan’s Spicy Peanut Butter and Jelly Burger.
Ellafi’s willingness to see potential, even in uncharted territory, reminds women founders throughout Connecticut: “There is a path and an institution that is here to support you, even when you don’t think funding is possible.”
Allison’s journey with SoulFully Vegan reflects how health, family, and community can inspire innovation. With Ellafi’s support, her business continues to break barriers, redefine plant-based dining, and pave the way for other women entrepreneurs to follow.
Allison V.
Ellafi Member
