Those Chicagoans familiar with Karyn Calabrese will have been to her Lincoln Park and River North restaurants, and know the quality and inventiveness of both her raw and cooked recipes. What some of us may not recognize is the care and attention she places on her products; we at AlphaWomen.com have learned that and so much more. Last month, Today’s Chicago Woman ran a heart-stopping interview of Karyn, inspiring us to stop by Karyn’s Fresh Corner and see this awe-inspiring woman at work.

Karyn’s Lincoln Park hub is filled with surprises. Not only does this location boast a café, restaurant, and market, but hidden behind these is her Inner Beauty Center: here she holds Pilates and yoga classes, spa treatments, and her detox program. Our extensive tour revealed inspiring books; delectable raw snacks like cheesecakes, pies, and carob bars; chemical-free beauty products I may never stop raving about; and, most astonishing of all, a private greenhouse where, among other things, Karyn grows her own wheatgrass and flax for smoothies.

As you’ll discover in Freda’s three-part video series with Karyn, all this is for you. Her commitment to raw living has affected her own health so positively that she is more than generous with her knowledge and advice: Karyn has no beauty secrets. Never judgmental or preachy, Karyn’s main goal is to share and to encourage. She is the quintessential Alpha Woman: vital and vibrant, caring and conscientious—she is powerful because she empowers all of us. Though her personality is too great to condense in such a small space, this week we hope to whet your appetites for Karyn’s more extensive interview with Freda, and, perhaps, for you to take advantage of Karyn’s resources.

Tell us about your training and background—how did you begin practicing holistic health?

I started by healing myself 39 years ago. I had many health challenges, including allergies. By gradually going from vegetarian to vegan to raw and by incorporating lots of greens and fresh juices into my diet I began to see my body heal of all health challenges. I was fortunate to meet the right teachers at the right times along my journey.

What made you decide to open your restaurants and beauty center?

So many people came to me for help. I started off working out of my home. As my clientele grew I needed to expand to a commercial location.

What exactly does detox involve?

Eliminating toxicity from the body, adding healing herbs, foods and thoughts. Allowing time for self regeneration. There are many forms of detox. I encourage people to attend a free information session or class at my raw restaurant to learn more.

Your restaurants make it easy to eat raw/vegan, but as you’ve told Freda, “there’s not a Karyn’s on every corner.” How do we travel—or eat out in our own city—and sustain a toxin-free and enzyme-heavy diet?

Start off with an internet search to find raw and/or vegan restaurants or health food stores in the places you are going. One great resource is www.happycow.net. Also, travel prepared. Bring dehydrated snacks with you. I’ll be teaching a travel class on August 12th to share my tips and experience for traveling on a raw diet.

How important is it for us to use natural beauty products? How do we know what to use?

Just as we accumulate toxins from the food we eat, we absorb toxins through the products we use. Our skin is our largest organ and everything we put on it is absorbed into our system. Most commercial beauty products today are full of chemicals and we don’t have enough knowledge or understanding about how exposure to these chemicals affects us. Look for products with ingredients you can recognize and pronounce. “All natural,” “organic” and “paraben-free” are words to look for, but be careful because companies use vague language and claims to get around regulations.

You’ve said that you’re “far on the left” of the government’s dietary regulations—have you faced opposition for your practices?

No because I make no claims. All I do is provide information to people that has worked for me. If it works for you, great. If not, try something else.

What would you say to women (and men) who might believe they can’t afford to live a raw lifestyle or don’t have the time?

Change your priorities. Your life and health are #1. Without your health, you can’t do anything else at your full potential. Put yourself first and everything else will fall into place. I put myself first, and look at all the people I am able to help.

The Alpha Five:

Name one piece of work—novel, painting, movie, etc.—that really influenced/motivated you. Explain how/why.

Gone With the Wind. I related to the way Scarlett never gave up, even in the face of the biggest adversities.

What is the biggest challenge/obstacle you have encountered thus far?

Learning to manage employees as my business has grown bigger and bigger.

What is your biggest regret?

I don’t have regrets. I believe every step of the journey happens for a reason.

Describe what you envision your life to be like in 10 years—what has changed, what has stayed the same?

I hope to have more free time to enjoy the fruits of my labor. I also hope to have a more global clientele, to know that my message has been spread on a bigger level.

What is the one piece of advice that you feel has been the most valuable to you and which you would like to pass on to others?

My mother used to say there is no such word as “can’t”—anything is possible. This advice has been a huge part of my success and good health.

For locations and other information, visit Karyn at www.karynraw.com. Karyn herself shares more stories and tips in Freda’s video series and Karyn’s blog at Today’s Chicago Woman.