Meet Payal Doshi, a dynamic force in digital media, vegan advocacy, and sports storytelling. Born and raised in Toronto and now thriving in Miami, Payal is the founder of @VegansofMiami, a platform that celebrates plant-based living and community connection.
With a background in sports media, including work with the NBA in Canada, Payal brings a unique blend of creativity and strategy to her digital content. Her passion for the Toronto Raptors shines through in her engaging content, where she shares her favorite memories and insights as a lifelong fan.
Payal's journey from volunteering at sports stations to becoming a social content specialist exemplifies her dedication and versatility. Through her work, she continues to inspire others by merging her love for sports, digital storytelling, and Veganism.
Q: When did you first go Vegan?
A: I went vegan in 2017.
Q: What happened, what was the reason you chose to go Vegan?
A: Honestly, my brother mentioned he had become vegan and I had contemplated the decision for awhile and thought well if he can do I an do it too. And I just did it.
Q: How did you feel when you made the decision to go Vegan?
A: I had been vegetarian my whole life so I didn't find the decision to be too drastic. I felt supported but there were times that I felt alone because I was limited to what I could eat at restaurants. I was extremely happy when I saw vegan scene popping in Miami.
Q: What was or has been the most challenging part?
I think the most challenging part has been at times being shunned by people because they have to cater to my dietary restrictions.
Q: Did you go Vegan by yourself or did you know others?
I did go vegan alone but I had a good friend who had gone vegan before me and my brother had been vegan until he went back to being vegetarian.
Q: What 3 words best describe how you felt?
A: Refreshed. Energized. Curious.
Q: What was the hardest food for you to 'give up'?
A: The hardest food to give up had to be cheese. I loved cheese pizza and now finding something that is similar has been a struggle.
A: The hardest food to give up had to be cheese. I loved cheese pizza and now finding something that is similar has been a struggle.
Q: What do you find the most challenging about being around non vegan people?
A: Finding a restaurants that has vegan options. It is becoming more prevalent now but still not at the state it should be.
Q: What's it like being Vegan in Miami?
A: There is a whole vegan community and scene here in Miami. It think that is what helped when I decided to go vegan. There are also loads of events that occur in Miami that bring the vegan community together.
A: Finding a restaurants that has vegan options. It is becoming more prevalent now but still not at the state it should be.
Q: What's it like being Vegan in Miami?
A: There is a whole vegan community and scene here in Miami. It think that is what helped when I decided to go vegan. There are also loads of events that occur in Miami that bring the vegan community together.
Q: What would you say has changed the most in terms of Veganism over the course of your journey?
A: I would say my love and respect for the environment and knowing what I know now; the amount of pesticides and destruction currently happening in this world. I'm more mindful of what I eat as a vegan, checking the ingredients and eating organic as much as I can.
A: I would say my love and respect for the environment and knowing what I know now; the amount of pesticides and destruction currently happening in this world. I'm more mindful of what I eat as a vegan, checking the ingredients and eating organic as much as I can.
Q: What's your favourite food or what do you eat the most, at least 3+ times a week?
A: Without a doubt tofu! It's so versatile I love to make a mean Korean tofu or a savoury tofu tikka masala.
A: Without a doubt tofu! It's so versatile I love to make a mean Korean tofu or a savoury tofu tikka masala.
A: It's interesting because I'm always checking the labels and say to myself if it's not cotton I'm not buying it. I am more aware of what I put on my body.
Q: Can you share 3-5 of your favourite Vegan Brands or Products?
A: One of my favorite Vegan brands for skincare is earthly I absolutely love them. When we talk about fashion I'm into the basics and for that I love Pact. One of my favorite food brands is Follow Your Heart, I love their cheese both sliced and feta. Whenever it's on sale you better believe I'm buying four boxes of feta cheese.
Q: What was the craziest thing that someone has said about being Vegan?
A: So, you eat rabbit food, eh?
Q: What's your go to Vegan thing that you share?
A: I share recipes from some of my favorite chefs/content creators to give people a new perspective of how to enjoy meals.
Q: What's the most vegan friend place you've ever visited?
A: I want to say Ashville, I'll be headed there for my birthday and it is one of the three place in America that is a great vegan scene. I'll share my adventures on @vegansofmiami on instagram.
Q: As a Fierce female, what do you consider to be your #1 Super Power?
A: Being a mom. Love sharing my learnings with my child and both nurturing him and seeing the world through his eyes.
A: The Planet.
You can follow Payal's journey on Instagram at @payaldoshitv and make sure to also follow @vegansofmiami!
