Today we’d like to introduce you to Mena Norman.
Hi Mena, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always had a passion for helping others and a strong work ethic, values shaped early in my life by two extraordinary women: my grandmother and my mother. Although my grandmother passed away when I was young, the stories shared about her life reflect a woman who gave selflessly and supported countless people in her community. Growing up, I watched my mother work tirelessly both inside and outside the home to provide for her children. Their examples instilled in me a deep sense of compassion, resilience, and purpose.
That desire to care for others initially led me to pursue nursing. While life circumstances required me to step away from the program, the calling to support health and well-being never left me. In 2023, as a first-generation college graduate, I earned my bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from the University of Nevada, Reno. My academic journey, combined with my personal commitment to movement, nutrition, and balance, laid the foundation for what would later become my business.
Wellness, to me, has never been about restriction. It’s about balancing fueling your body with nutrient-dense meals while still leaving room for joy, whether that’s tacos with friends or the occasional chocolate pastry. We live in a world overrun with fast-food chains that sell large portions of food with little to no nutritional value, and at the rate these restaurants are growing, so is obesity. Amid this reality, I saw a growing need for options that support healthier choices without sacrificing convenience or enjoyment.
That realization inspired me to create an alternative. In June 2025, I opened Lean Kitchen Snellville, followed by our official Grand Opening on July 11. Lean Kitchen offers chef-prepared, grab-and-go meals made with real ingredients, fresh produce, and no added sugars or preservatives, healthy food designed for real life.
Lean Kitchen blends the ease of fast food with the intention of wellness, offering meals priced competitively with traditional options but built around nourishment and quality. It’s a space for busy professionals, families, athletes, and anyone looking to eat well without sacrificing time or enjoyment.
At its core, Lean Kitchen Snellville is about community. It’s about meeting people where they are, supporting healthier lifestyles, and proving that wellness can be both accessible and enjoyable. My hope is that this space continues to nourish not just bodies, but the lives and routines of the community it serves today and for years to come.
None of this would have been possible without the love, patience, and unwavering support of my husband, Shawn, and my children, Adan and Chloe. I am equally grateful to the community that believed in this vision from the very beginning your support turned a dream into reality.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but it’s been a rewarding one. Navigating licenses and permits proved more complex and time-consuming than I expected, and construction timelines introduced delays that required flexibility and patience.
Building brand awareness has probably been the biggest challenge. Opening the doors is only the beginning letting people know who you are, what you stand for, and why your business exists takes time, especially in a competitive space.
Through it all, I’ve learned to stay adaptable, trust the process, and keep showing up for the vision. Every challenge has pushed me to grow, both personally and as a business owner, making the journey that much more meaningful.
We’ve been impressed with Lean Kitchen Snellville, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Lean Kitchen Snellville is a grab-and-go meal prep concept focused on making healthy eating convenient, affordable, and sustainable. We specialize in chef-prepared meals made with real ingredients, fresh produce, and no added sugars or preservatives, designed for busy lifestyles without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
What sets us apart is our emphasis on balance and accessibility. Our meals are thoughtfully portioned, nutrient-dense, and priced competitively with traditional fast-food options, making wellness realistic for everyday life. We’re proud to be known for quality, consistency, and creating a welcoming space that supports our community’s health goals.
Lean Kitchen Snellville is more than a meal-prep business; it’s a community-driven brand built to help people eat better, feel better, and live well in the long term.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is providing healthy food alternatives that support people wherever they are in their journey. I understand that everyone’s lifestyle, goals, and challenges are different, and I believe food should feel supportive, not overwhelming or restrictive. Being able to offer options that help people feel better, save time, and take care of themselves in ways that fit their real lives is deeply meaningful to me and at the heart of why I do this.
Pricing:
- Chicken & Turkey meals are $10.95
- Beef meals are $11.95
- Seafood meals range from $11.95 to 13.95
- Breakfast meals range from 8.95 to 10.95
- Bakerys meal range 8.95 to 9.25
Contact Info:
- Website: https://leankitchenco.com/snellville
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leankitchensnellville
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeanKitchenSnellville
