After years of working in law firms in Los Angeles and Miami, an opportunity presented itself in June 2010, when Leonie, with 35+ years of experience as a Legal Records Manager, was laid off from a major law firm in Century City. Her husband Lloyd McDonald, one of the founding members of the legendary reggae group, the Wailing Souls, along with their son Jamhari McDonald and best friend Eloise Hay, encouraged her to start her own catering company. Leonie was successful in recruiting executive chef Wiletta Harmon and together they have been creating some of the most nutritious Jamaican-style vegan meals in California and Nevada.

Leonie has used her managerial and organizational skills to form a well-run business. Strictly Vegan’s Reggae Wrap, Love Salad, Hot & Spicy Veggie Protein, sautéed Jackfruit and Curried Tofu dishes are favorites of festival goers and private catering clients. She uses all natural, minimally processed products which are alternatives to animal protein and best of all, her meals are zero trans-fat, non-GMO, dairy and nut free. Gluten and soy-free options are always available at her food booth. Leonie’s mobile food stand has graced the food courts at large events such as Coachella, Stagecoach, One Love, Reggae in the Desert, Reggae on the Mountain, California Roots and Monterey Jazz festivals for more than 8 years! She has created some of tastiest, delicious well-presented meals of the highest quality simply by using all-natural ingredients from her native Jamaica. At least twice per year she travels to various vegan/vegetarian restaurants in Jamaica and cities across the US to acquire the latest hints and tips to hone her culinary skills. There is always something new to try whenever you visit Strictly Vegan Jamaican Cuisine’s food booth!

In her 10+ years as the owner of Strictly Vegan Jamaican Cuisine Inc., Leonie’s vegan cuisine has been featured on KTTV FOX 11’s Good Day LA, the KTLA 5 Morning News on Channel 5 and City Search several times between 2010 and 2019. She has also demonstrated her passion by promoting healthy food options at the Jamaica Tourist Board’s “Taste of Jamaica” booth at Los Angeles Travel and Adventure Show and at the annual Pre-Emmys Celebrity Lounge in Beverly Hills. Leonie’s food has also been enjoyed by everyone including John Salley, Ziggy Marley, Leon, Debra Wilson (MADtv) and various Reggae entertainers such as Beres Hammond, Taurus Riley, Marcia Griffiths, Sister Carol, Sly & Robbie, the Wailing Souls and Third World, to name just a few.

A lifelong philanthropist, Leonie has donated healthy meals carefully and lovingly prepared to home-bound individuals, hospitals, hospice and other organizations before and during the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. As creator of one of the most popular vegan cuisines on the West Coast, Leonie McDonald will undoubtedly be at the top of her game for many years to come.