Dr. Veaunka Gulley shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Veaunka, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I think I’m in my season of becoming — becoming more of who I am, and fully embracing both who and where I am.
It’s funny how the very things we fear are often the things we’re meant to run toward. For the longest time, I’ve had this dream stirring in me: to start a podcast that blends my love for cooking and sharing recipes with honest, soulful conversations about Jesus. A space at the table where food meets faith.
But fear—especially fear of the “stage”—has held me back. The spotlight. The vulnerability. The what ifs.
And yet, here I am, feeling a gentle push from God through the encouragement of people around me. They don’t even know how much their words have nudged me forward.
So why not try? After all, this thing called life isn’t about perfection—it’s about impact. It’s about showing up, using what you’ve been given, and trusting that someone, somewhere, might need exactly what you’re afraid to share.
So, I guess we’ll see.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Follower of Christ. Mother. Wife. Sister. Friend. Healer. Teacher.
I wear many hats—but every one of them is grounded in faith, love, and purpose.
I’m a doctor with a deep passion for making quality care accessible to all—not just in the clinic, but in every corner of life. In the classroom, I’m a teacher who sees beyond textbooks, guiding students as they navigate not just facts, but life itself.
My story starts in a small town in Arkansas, where I first discovered the magic of the kitchen. While other kids played outside, I was stirring pots beside my mother and grandmother as they cooked for church services and neighbors. The kitchen was our gathering place—and food, our love language.
That early spark turned into a calling. As I went off to college, built a beautiful family, and stepped into new roles, I found myself drawn back to those cherished recipes. I began to recreate them, remix them, and make them my own—every dish rooted in tradition but seasoned with my unique twist.
Now, I’m the proud founder of Say Grace Sweet & Savory—a business I never set out to create, but one God clearly had in mind. I didn’t want a brand; I just wanted to cook good food, gather good people, and celebrate the joy that happens when both come together.
Say Grace is more than a name—it’s a feeling. When people experience it, I want them to feel what I felt as a little girl during Sunday dinner: warmth, laughter, connection, and that perfect blend of savory comfort and sweet delight.
This is my offering—food made with soul, stories told with love, and a table big enough for everyone
I’m currently working on a cookbook—but not your average cookbook. This one is grounded in something deeper than ingredients and measurements. I believe that God is in everything we do, including the way we gather, cook, and share meals. So when you choose to cook with me, you’re not just getting flavor—you’re getting a dash of Jesus in every bite.
Growing up, I was taught that God is the reason we live, breathe, and have the gift of community. I want that truth to be felt on every page. Whether you’re cooking solo or preparing a meal with friends and family, my hope is that this book brings more than just good food—it brings joy, warmth, and the love of God into your kitchen. It’s a reminder to slow down, connect, and “Say Grace.”
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
If there’s one person who shaped my understanding of work, it was my grandfather, JC Morgan. He believed in doing everything with purpose—whether big or small—because everything matters when it’s done with heart. He was a man of deep faith, always reminding me to be a good steward over the blessings God provides, and to never start a task without first asking God to bless my hands, guide my mind, and lead me to the work He intends for me.
From him, I learned that real work isn’t about self-gain or applause—it’s about impact. It’s about showing up in a way that leaves someone better, even if it’s through a small act of kindness, a shared meal, or a good laugh.
One of the most special parts of our relationship is that my grandfather and I learned how to read and write together. He never stopped working, never stopped learning—and he carried a smile that could light up a room. Almost every memory of him comes with a funny story and a life lesson tucked inside.
He taught me to always be teachable, no matter your age, and to approach every day with humility, humor, and heart. JC Morgan was more than my grandfather. He was my role model, my teacher, and the reason I approach my life—and my work—the way I do today.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me dependence on God in a way success never could. When everything is going right, it’s easy to believe we’re in control—to think our strength, our plans, our timing are enough. But in the valley, when I had no answers, no applause, and no clear way forward, I learned to listen for the still, small voice of God.
Suffering taught me how to sit in silence and still trust that God was working behind the scenes. It stripped away the illusion of control and showed me how to lean, not on my own understanding, but on His faithfulness. In pain, I learned compassion. In waiting, I found patience. And in loss, I discovered what truly matters.
Success never required me to ask, “Lord, help me take my next breath.” But suffering did. And it was there, in the broken places, that I encountered the most intimate presence of God—the kind of closeness success could never buy.
Suffering taught me how to worship without conditions. Not because everything was good, but because He is good.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
They’d probably say: Jesus, family, and making a real difference.
They know that my relationship with God is at the center of everything I do—it’s not just something I talk about, it’s how I live. My friends would tell you that I show up for my family with love, loyalty, and intention. Whether it’s through a meal, a prayer, or just being present, they know family is my heartbeat.
And they’d definitely say I’m passionate about impact—not just existing, but doing something that leaves people better. Whether it’s teaching, cooking, encouraging someone, or creating something meaningful, I care deeply about making a change that reflects God’s love.
To them, I think I’m someone who cares about what lasts—faith, family, and purpose.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
hope they say, “She warmed hearts and changed palates with every meal.” That through my cooking, my presence, and my purpose, people felt seen, loved, and uplifted.
I want to be remembered as someone who inspired others to think outside the box, to live boldly, and to trust God deeply. Most of all, I hope they say, “I saw God in her.” Not because I was perfect, but because I let His love shine through everything I did.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.saygracesweetandsavory.com
- Instagram: saygrace_ss
Image Credits
Kaylie Hatten
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