Meet Helen, a passionate storyteller and an obsessive digital content creator with a knack for repurposing. For over a decade, Helen has worked with brands to tell their stories through content creation, publishing, and digital marketing. She has never been one to shy away from a challenge; she is an expert-level problem-solver and an unorthodox troubleshooter with an extensive network of international connections honed from decades of entrepreneurism.
Q: When did you first go Vegan?
A: 15+ years ago
Q: What happened, what was the reason you chose to go Vegan?
A: It was a transition from vegetarianism (18 years) to veganism after traveling in Europe and bearing witness to animal cruelty protests and educational kiosks in Germany.
Q: How did you feel when you made the decision to go Vegan?
A: The decision was mutual with my partner and I. We had been moving towards and with a move back to Canada from Greece, we knew it would be easy and acceptable in Vancouver.
Q: How did you feel when you made the decision to go Vegan?
A: The decision was mutual with my partner and I. We had been moving towards and with a move back to Canada from Greece, we knew it would be easy and acceptable in Vancouver.
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Q: What was the most challenging part?
a: Nothing in particular. Restaurants resistance in accommodating is the most annoying part but pre-eating solved that problem.
Q: What was the hardest food for you to 'give up'?
A: Desserts! Miss fluffy light cakes with cheap icing. Smoked salmon was a challenge but once I realized it was the 'smoky' that I enjoyed and craved, a bottle of liquid smoke makes everything delicious without the death.
A: Desserts! Miss fluffy light cakes with cheap icing. Smoked salmon was a challenge but once I realized it was the 'smoky' that I enjoyed and craved, a bottle of liquid smoke makes everything delicious without the death.
Q: Are there any foods or products that you are available now that you wished existed back then?
A: All the Beyond products and any of those that come with childhood memories - hot dogs, sausages, burgers. More of a comfort thing if anything.
Q: Did you go Vegan by yourself or did you know others?
A: My husband and I went vegan together. He was a work-in-progress for years. Coming from a meat-heavy culture, it wasn't until he watched all the movies that he went vegan overnight without complaint.
Q: What do you find the most challenging about being around non vegan people?
A: All the questions. Being required to quote stats and research, as if this is a new thing. The science has been there for years. No animal products, no chemicals, no toxic waste, etc. Why does it have to be questioned? Just grow-up, take ownership over your habits, and do it.
Q: What's it like being Vegan in Vancouver?
A: I don't socialize with vegan people and/or in the community - too much talk about food, food, and more food. Gets boring. I like being with everyone and showing them that you can live a very nice life without being a mindless lemming to tradition and marketing.
A: All the questions. Being required to quote stats and research, as if this is a new thing. The science has been there for years. No animal products, no chemicals, no toxic waste, etc. Why does it have to be questioned? Just grow-up, take ownership over your habits, and do it.
Q: What's it like being Vegan in Vancouver?
A: I don't socialize with vegan people and/or in the community - too much talk about food, food, and more food. Gets boring. I like being with everyone and showing them that you can live a very nice life without being a mindless lemming to tradition and marketing.
Q: What would you say has changed the most in terms of Veganism over the course of your journey?
A: Attitudes. Before it was 'ewww how could you do that to yourself' and now it is 'I wish I could do that. What do you do for...?" It is almost normalized that someone at your table or at makeup event will be vegan.
A: Attitudes. Before it was 'ewww how could you do that to yourself' and now it is 'I wish I could do that. What do you do for...?" It is almost normalized that someone at your table or at makeup event will be vegan.
Q: What do you eat at least 3-5 times a week?
A: Tofu 3x a day. All kinds and forms.
A: Tofu 3x a day. All kinds and forms.
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Q: What do you find is most challenging when it comes to Vegan Fashion?
A: To me vegan fashion is anything secondhand and firsthand without animal materials or textiles. So I don't think of fashion as 'vegan.'
Q: Can you share 3-5 of your favourite Vegan Brands or Products?
A: Beyond Burger, Miyoko's, Olaplex Hair Care, anything Stella McCartney, and Huna Beauty
A: To me vegan fashion is anything secondhand and firsthand without animal materials or textiles. So I don't think of fashion as 'vegan.'
Q: Can you share 3-5 of your favourite Vegan Brands or Products?
A: Beyond Burger, Miyoko's, Olaplex Hair Care, anything Stella McCartney, and Huna Beauty
Q: What was the funniest/craziest thing that someone has said or you've heard/read about Veganism or about being Vegan?
A: Just the old stereotype that we are weak, pale, and sickly. I see this on socials more than in real life but still bizarre.
A: For the Planet
Additional thoughts:
Travelling vegan means always being prepared. Do not rely on cafes or restaurants for nutrition. Because vegan food doesn't go bad in your travel pack like animal products, hit the grocery and get what you need for the day. I make zippy bags of nuts, seeds, dried berries, to add to salads and meals.
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You can follow Helen on Instagram @folio.yvr @portfolio.yvr and @ecoluxluv.yvr and check out her online mag Folio YVR https://folioyvr.com/
