#PeopleOfWilmDE: Jason Aviles

Jason Aviles is a Social Entrepreneur, the Project Director of Green Box Kitchen, and is this week’s #PeopleOfWilmDE. Read his story here. 

“I have worked and lived in Wilmington on and off since 2008. I am a Bronx native and a graduate of the consciousness-based institution Maharishi University of Management.  While attending MUM, I was introduced to Transcendental Meditation and Yoga and lost over 60 pounds. After experiencing the profound impact Yoga had on my health and lifestyle, I obtained my Yoga instructor certification and started teaching. Before teaching Yoga, I spent over 7 years professionally teaching and counseling youth in New York and Delaware. I have been named by The Delaware Business Times as one of Delaware’s top 40 under 40 achievers and innovators, and I have led several social impact ventures in Wilmington to support the holistic growth and development of my community. Most recently, Green Box Kitchen has won Best of Delaware for  Vegan/Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurant and was named by Yelp and Google as the top vegan restaurant in the state. 

My favorite Wilmington attraction is the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival because it’s so diverse and brings out people from all walks of life. My ideal day in Wilmington starts by grabbing a green smoothie from Green Box Kitchen, then hitting CoreTen for the steam room, then getting lunch from Drop Squad Kitchen on the Riverfront for a vegan cheesesteak. Later in the day, I’ll grab a small bite to eat and a drink from The Quoin.

Living and working in Wilmington has given me the opportunity to give life to the creative ideas I have. I continue to choose Wilmington because everything is within arms reach and there is so much opportunity for growth. I’m really excited about all the new development happening in the city, and I’m very proud to have transformed a vacant property of over 10 years into a vibrant, fast-casual, vegan restaurant, Green Box Kitchen.

My advice to Wilmingtonians is to remember that within 2 hours north or south, you have over 4 states you can touch.”

You can connect with Jason on Instagram, and follow Green Box Kitchen on Facebook and Instagram.  

To nominate next week’s #PeopleOfWilmDE, email us at ItsTimeWilmDE@TappNetwork.com. Read more #PeopleOfWilmDE posts here. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok.