An Inspired Chat with Victoria Coburn Harriel of Colorado Springs Fort Carson

We recently had the chance to connect with Victoria Coburn Harriel and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Victoria, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Have you stood up for someone when it cost you something?
I often stand firmly on my standard of work ethic. I am in the care industry and unfortunately there are more people in our industry that should not work in the health care industry.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Victoria Coburn-Harriel. Those close to me call me Tori or Tori Ann. I run Tori’s Southern Comfort Food a soul food catering business. Recently I have added a Senior and Veteran Meal service plan to help ease some of the financial stress amongst that community. I feel what makes me stand out from the rest of the soul food community is the soul of why I choose to cook. Since I was little I told anyone who would listen that I wanted to take over the world in the nicest way possible. Over time food became the outlet for me to achieve that. Food brings together community. Good food, food filled with love and care, that can break barriers and open hearts to listen.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Elementary school. My mom often got phone calls about me. If I had a good day so did everyone in my class. If I had a bad day I knew I could cause distraction and mayhem so I did. My mom started most days requesting I use my social super power for good and not evil.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The American standard of social acceptance. Being a child of two military parents learning new cultures and ideals were first and second nature to me. In my personal opinion the United States of America has more the tendency to cast judgment instead of basic human understanding.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Silly but truthful. UnderCover Brother. Yes the Eddie Griffin character. Not many have seen the movie but those that do know his enthusiasm about being unapologetically himself and standing up for those who needed help.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
In my opinion everything I’m doing. To make the true environmental, social, and financial impact I want to have with the goals I have in place all of it will be a slow burn to the finish line. I know most days I’m making one on one interaction changes.

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