We recently had the chance to connect with Dee (D’Angela) Moore and have shared our conversation below.
Dee (D’Angela), really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, joy has been showing up in the in-between moments—outside of the emails, events, and content creation. I’ve been carving out time for long morning walks around Tulsa, diving into new reads that stretch my perspective, and reconnecting with my body through Pilates (I even got my own reformer). But most of all, I’ve been leaning into community joy—whether it’s sharing charcuterie boards with new friends, organizing food-filled pop-ups, or catching up with old ones over FaceTime while we eat together across time zones. Food is still my love language, but presence is becoming my peace.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m D’Angela S. Moore—founder and food storyteller behind BonAppéDee, a vibrant food and lifestyle brand that blends bold flavors, community connection, and real-life lessons from the kitchen and beyond. I like to say I make the mistakes so you don’t have to—because this journey isn’t about perfection, it’s about curiosity, creativity, and cooking with soul.
Originally rooted in Washington, D.C. and now thriving in Tulsa, Oklahoma, BonAppéDee is more than recipes—it’s about reclaiming joy through food, storytelling, and shared experiences. Right now, I’m working on expanding the brand through e-book series, community-centered events, product inventions etc.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
Before titles, timelines, and expectations, I was a curious creator. A girl who played kitchen with real ingredients, not just plastic plates. I was the one remixing recipes before I even knew the word “fusion,” making flavor decisions with bold confidence and no measuring spoons in sight.
I was storytelling at the table before I knew it was a skill—turning every shared meal into a moment, every snack into a scene. I wasn’t chasing “likes” or “metrics,” I was chasing that mmhmm moment—the one that makes someone close their eyes after a first bite. That was always the win.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell her: The parts of herself she tries to quiet — the fire, the feelings, the hunger for more are the very things that will lead her home. That it’s okay to not be understood right away. That softness is not weakness. And that dreaming out loud isn’t something to be embarrassed about it’s a blueprint.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
Many people believe growth only comes from grind, or healing only comes through withdrawal and pause. But I’ve found that community, creativity, and curated chaos can be equally sacred. A food-fueled conversation. A spontaneous trip. A bold rebrand. A dance break in the kitchen. These things have saved me more times than silence ever did.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What light inside you have you been dimming?
At one point, I couldn’t tell the difference. I was performing excellence, not living purpose. Checking off boxes someone else drew. Smiling through “shoulds” while my soul whispered “what if?” But I’ve since learned that what you’re told to do often comes dressed in approval, titles, and predictability…
While what you’re born to do comes with restlessness, resistance, and rebirth.
Now, I choose alignment over applause. Impact over image.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bonappedee.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonappedee
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonappedee-dangela-moore-54a51b157/
- Twitter: https://x.com/bonappedee
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BonAppeDee/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknJDUc7__dB-VeXDQqc8vQ
Image Credits
Emily Steward Photography https://emilysteward.com
