I make vegan food and lifestyle more approachable and fun.

What was the inspiration to start this business?

After working with an elephant rescue organization in Thailand, I knew I wanted to continue to make change for animals and speak up for them. I could no longer use my voice in that country (I was warned the mafia would come after me and I would lose my visa).

So, before returning to the States, I was thinking of different ways I could make impactful changes in the lives of animals and encourage others to do so, too. Before I came back to Las Vegas, I decided to go vegan. I quickly looked up options in the city online and there weren't many and then it clicked: I would go vegan and start a site that highlights vegan options around the city.

Using my PR, writing, and blogging background (I had one of the top 100 travel blogs in the world in the 2010s), I took a chance and started Vegans, Baby. It was my new activism.

When you started your business, did you ever envision that you would be where you are now?

No, not in a million years. I thought I would just have the site and it would help people find vegan options and it turned into so much more.

The site spun off events at restaurants, a vegan dining month, being asked to curate dinners at the James Beard House in New York City highlighting chefs from Las Vegas (the first of its kind at the renowned house), local food tours (named one of top 9 in the world by Travel + Leisure), international tours, a Las Vegas guidebook and partnerships with restaurants to help them add more options to their menus and promote them to my ever-expanding audience.

Was there ever a time that things didn't fall into place, struggles, or challenges? What were they and how did you get past it and grow from the experience?

I've been really fortunate that the things I have put out into the universe have worked for me. I think now, during the pandemic, there are definitely struggles I never imagined, like not being able to work with restaurants to help them with their vegan menus, a pause on all events and tours, and things that generate income.

Since I'm currently living in it, I've been working to tap into dreams of mine that were on hold like starting a podcast and a vegan show highlighting food in Las Vegas. It's taught me that I'm strong, resilient and that despite not being in a place to make an income at the moment, I can continue my dream and work harder than ever so when the economy does come back, I'm ready and waiting and my brand is stronger than ever.

What was the biggest lesson you learned while starting and growing this business?

To ask for help. I can't do everything. Just because I used to be a publicist doesn't mean I should be my publicist now and juggle that and my work.

It doesn't make you a failure if you ask for help, it makes you a smart business person who knows where to spend her time and focus and where to outsource.

What would you tell a FEM that is struggling in her business and feel like it's too difficult?

Take a look at what you're struggling with. If it's related to your business as a whole, why is it struggling?

Is the business not what you envisioned?

Does it need a spark?

Where can you bring in people?

If it's too difficult and you're not in love with it, why are you operating?

Maybe it's time to reevaluate your "Why." I think the "why" behind a business is so incredibly important. You've got to believe in what you're doing, love what you're doing and if those things are aligned, even things that seem difficult can be moved through.

What continues to inspire you to keep on growing your business?

I am continually inspired knowing I am making a change.

Since I launched, the plant-based dining scene has expanded more than 400 percent in Las Vegas.

I get messages from people telling me I made it easy for them to go vegan. I know I want to make vegan food more approachable and show that vegan life isn't difficult, so the more I see people making the change, the more inspired I am to keep going,

Final advice for those thinking of starting a business or looking to grow their current business?

If you're starting a business make sure it aligns with you and that you have a strong "why" behind it. Start it because you love the idea, and not because you're needing money.

Money comes when you love what you're doing much easier than when the business is a means to an end. If you're looking to grow your business, really engage with your audience and know them, and understand them.

Be relatable. Be approachable. Hire a PR firm if you can afford it to help get out into the media, and definitely be active on social media.

To connect: Insta: @vegansbaby// www.vegansbaby.com

A vegan foodie on a mission to make vegan food more approachable and accessible