Long before The Gay Vegans blog, Mike and I created our vegan business, Cruelty-Free World. We did this as a result of always having to buy vegan products, like belts or bags, online. Our goal was to show people that they could purchase awesome bags, belts, wallets and purses without harm to animals or humans (everything we sell is sweatshop free too) as well as offer the same products in their own community.
We decided that we didn't want a bricks and mortar place, but instead would go to festivals and farmers markets and sell our vegan products. We connected with companies already making amazing vegan products, like Splaff, Hempys and Queen Bee, ordered our favorite vegan cookbooks, bought a tent, and in May of 2006 did our first festival.
Our second goal became to raise money for animal rights and human rights groups. Cruelty-Free World generates direct support for groups making the world a better place for all living beings as we donate 100% of the profit from Cruelty-Free World to non-profits. Yep, 100%.
The best thing about all of this is that we have a blast, and we get to meet so many wonderful people that we might not have met had we not done this. We also get to talk with people about veganism, why we are vegan, and about the groups we support. Cruelty-Free World has become a wonderful way for us to introduce veganism to thousands. I love talking about my favorite vegan recipe or the latest amazing vegan meal we had at a local restaurant. The one on one conversations with people brings a lot of fun for us.
I love watching Mike talk about one of the cookbooks we sell, surrounded by folks who have never bought a vegan cookbook, with all of them getting more and more excited. We also pass out free PCRM veg starter kits, but if we can sell someone a vegan cookbook, there is a great chance that they will go home and experience for themselves how good vegan food is and how easy it is to prepare.
Recently we have been at the Neat Markets here in Denver, a monthly vegan pop-up shop. Our next festival is the annual Boulder Creek Festival coming up on Memorial Day weekend in Boulder, CO. If you're around that weekend come and say hi.
Thanks for reading!
You two are such an inspiration. I love reading your blog and how involved you are at making our world a better place to live. I met you (Dan) at the Vegan Neat Market, and you were so kind. I still haven't tried the french toast recipe in the brunch cookbook I purchased, but will do so this weekend. I'm very new to veganism but I am loving it so far. I am actually hosting a vegan spa party next month where I plan to share the good word that is cruelty free and show that it is easy to live a vegan life as well as eat tasty and satisfying meals. :) I look forward to reading your next post. Thanks for being awesome!!
ReplyDeleteThis is really great! I had no idea! Love vegan businesses that use their platform to help animals!
ReplyDeleteYou guys are amazing.
ReplyDeleteSuper awesome what you two are doing...and I love how you talk about Mike. <3
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