Meet Nadia Khalighi of Zen Nights in Mesa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nadia Khalighi.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Nadia . So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am an Iranian American Baha’i whose family sought refuge in the United States in 1980. The government of Iran has been persecuting Baha’is and trying to keep them under control since the late 1800’s, but more aggressively and systematically since the Iranian revolution in 1979. Luckily, my family was able to get out in time so we started from the basics.

On a Tuesday night, my parents put me in front of the television and said, “you need to learn English, you are going to finish 2nd grade in America,” that’s where my love of sitcoms was born! I grew up in LA and found my way to Arizona in 2002. Having experienced religious persecution first hand, I was always interested in human rights activism and compassion; my journey lets me learn more about how I can contribute on a personal level. I started learning more about how the food I ate was impacting our environment. My entrepreneurial personality leads me to start Zen Nights Block Party in 2017.

Zen Nights provides a family-friendly environment where the community can come together and taste mouth-watering international foods that are completely plant-based as well as shop the best local cruelty-free product vendors. Zen Nights started at an intimate wedding venue in March 2017 but quickly outgrew the space and blossomed into a super fun monthly block party in downtown Mesa. The mission is to continue to grow, educate and inspire the community to adopt a sustainable plant-based lifestyle.

I was recently informed that Zen Nights is the only completely plant-based and cruelty-free monthly reoccurring event in the U.S.!

Has it been a smooth road?
Starting any business or project is a challenge. Reminding yourself that you are doing it for the betterment of the community makes it all worth it.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am proud of our monthly Zen Nights Block Party. It is one of a kind in the country. We have some of the BEST food and product vendors in Arizona to showcase monthly! We are able to offer international plant-based food and remind attendees that it’s about the seasoning! Zen Nights has also been able to collaborate and do socially conscience events in the community as well.

We have hosted activities ranging from a red carpet movie screening promoting health and wellness, a ceremony honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, 90’s Vegan Prom and currently collaborating with Vegan Outreach to host an all plant-based Mac and Cheez competition. Zen Nights will continue to provide the community with socially conscious events and activities to unify our community and spread compassion.

Contact Info:

• Email: zennightsaz@gmail.com
• Instagram: @zennightsaz
• Facebook: @zennightsaz

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.