Tell us a little about yourself.
Gabrielle here! I am Dallas based actress, singer, and Head Chef of One Great Vegan (@onegreatvegan). I host the weekly musical cooking show, The Colorful Home Cooking Show and my Colorful Cooking Classes where I share my favorite vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, or soy-free recipes and tips to create vibrant dishes through music and songs. You can watch all of the most recent music-filled episodes of my cooking show at www.youtube.com/onegreatvegan
What lead you to veganism?
10 years ago, before I went vegan, I was weighed down by the pressure to count calories, restrict myself from food for multiple days, and constantly judge and belittle myself for not being as skinny or petite as my peers. Eventually, this led to a self-hating mindset and a two-year-long eating disorder. Veganism and living a plant-based lifestyle SAVED me from my own personal darkness and now I’m the healthiest and the happiest I could ever shine!
When you first went vegan how did you phase out your non-vegan food, clothing and other items?
I actually was non-vegan one day and vegan the next day. Literally, I gave up my non-vegan life overnight and I never looked back! I still have some old items in my closet and home that are non-vegan and I’m proud to no longer purchase any animal products for my clothing or house items!
Do you make any exceptions for yourself or if you are married with kids – your family, when it comes to veganism?
As of right now, my family consists of my husband Ace and me and he lives a vegan lifestyle as well. He actually inspires me on the daily to create fun Caribbean and soul We love having friends and family over to show them how delicious and easy plant-based food can be.
Do you believe we should show children the process of how animals are turned into meats?
I believe we should educate our children on whatever the truth ultimately is on all facets of life. In my opinion, this should include the food industry, sex education, and our world’s history.
What does being vegan mean to you?
To me personally vegan means eating vegan, not purchasing animal products, and living as an example of love towards all things living.
Is it every vegan’s duty to become an activist?
I believe as humans we are born as artists and part of an artist’s duty is to be an activist to make the world a better, more cruelty-free space. In whatever way works with your life, personality, and interests are how you should lead by example and therefore be an activist.
How compassionate or empathetic are you towards non-vegans?
I am accepting of all other personal choices for what people choose to put in their bodies. My philosophy is that as long as people with other diets respect and honor my choice to live cruelty-free then I can honor and respect their choices to live their life in whatever way feels right for their bodies.
Any recommended Vegan books?
I’m personally not a big book lover but I adore the documentaries; Forks over Knives, What the Health, Vegucated, The Game Changers, and just googling Vegan Documentary to see what pops up!
Any recommended social sites, blogs or pages?
I post daily recipes on at www.onegreatvegan.com and @onegreatvegan and I also follow Fully Raw Kristina, The Real Vegan Mayo, and Beets by Brooke.
Do you have a favorite movie or videos or your own media that you want to share?
Forks over Knives, What the Health, Vegucated, The Game Changers,
What’s your favorite Vegan restaurant?
It’s definitely a tie between V-eats in Dallas, TX and Cafe Gratitude in North Hollywood.
Please share your favorite vegan recipe.
Some encouraging words for new Vegans?
You can start off any recipe with chopped onions and Oil OR Veggie Broth/Aquafaba and seasoning is EVERYTHING!
What is the vegan scene like in your city?
The vegan and plant-based scene in Dallas-Fort Worth is fierce! We have a new vegan spot/restaurant pop open twice a year and we just got a fully vegan grocery store just down the street from me.
What personal recommendations can you make for people to meet other vegans?
If you want to meet people who eat and think as you go onto Facebook, Eventbrite, or other social media to see what fun plant-powered events are going on in your hood. There is always some gathering of vegans making bomb food somewhere!
What does living cruelty-free mean to you?
I believe we should treat all living creatures with truth and love. Living cruelty-free to me means choosing compassion before choosing fear.
What are your favorite Vegan non-food products or companies?
No-Tox Life for vegan beauty products, UnHide Blankets, Thayers Facial Toner
What is the toughest Vegan item to find that you need?
I’m curious to see how to create a vegan steak. I’m sure that culinary invention is on the horizon!
Talk about a time when you struggled with your Veganism?
There were moments when I first went vegan when my family and peers poked fun a bit and were constantly asking me if I had an eating disorder. When they saw that the plant-based diet is what healed me from the body dysmorphia they became more and more excited to try vegan recipes and restaurants with me.
Leave a Reply