Tell Us a Little About Yourself.
Hayley Gripp is a vegan influencer and an anti-bullying, and disability right’s activist. She also has a background in the entertainment industry as a print model and actress. As an actress, Hayley has landed national campaigns, shot multiple commercials, had a reoccurring role on Lifetime original series “Killer Kids” and is currently filming the “The Ginger Girls”. Gripp is an advocate for anti-bullying, special needs children and ending cruelty for animals . As someone who grew up with Tourette syndrome, Hayley understands what it’s like to be different. She chooses to see this as a positive thing, and a way to educate others on acceptance of those with disabilities. Gripp lobbied with Senators in DC and played a prominent role in getting the education law “The IDEA Act” updated and reinstated and helped to pass the “The CARE Bill”. She has spoken to over 210,000 people across the country on the bullying epidemic and continues to speak nationally.
After being hit by a drunk driver a few years ago, Gripp began to merge her acting and advocacy work into one thing. In 2020, Gripp gained status as an influencer who uses social media as a platform to empower and uplift her followers. This year she launched a female empowerment vegan lifestyle website called www.girlswhoeatplants.com with three other vegan girls. In 2019, Gripp will be launching her non-profit “Neuro Diverse Digital” which will host social media workshops for people with disabilities and their parents/caretakers. The first workshop will be held in spring 2019 in Los Angeles, CA.
What lead you to veganism?
I became a vegetarian 8 years ago at age 17. I have been a vegan for almost a year and a half. I went vegan due to having health issues. I was hit by a crazed driver a few years ago and have dealt w/ neurological issues from that.. and also suffer from Tourettes. My Tourette’s was getting worse and I didn’t know what else to do. I decided to clean up my diet. I went vegan and really saw an improvement. After I became vegan, I learned more about animal cruelty and got more interested in learning all I could about veganism.
When you first went vegan how did you phase out your non-vegan food, clothing and other items?
The hardest challenge was going through all my makeup and beauty products and realizing how many were not cruelty free or vegan. I definitely was shocked, and now read up on brands before purchasing.
What does being vegan mean to you?
For me, I have always treated other humans (even meat eaters) with compassion. I definitely am better about not harming bugs when they enter my home (although they terrify me). I do not buy from companies that are not cruelty free. To me, being a vegan means eating a completely
Is it every vegan’s duty to become an activist?
I won’t ever tell someone what to do in life.
Any recommended Vegan books?
The Dirty Vegan, Vegan Comfort Food
Any recommended social sites, blogs or pages?
What’s your favorite Vegan restaurant?
The Modern Vegan in Las Vegas
Please share your favorite vegan recipe?
Vegan Spanakopita Ingredients
-1.5 cup diced scallions (about 13 whole)
-3lbs fresh organic spinach -1/4 cup olive oil
-1/4 cup diced garlic -1 cup diced fresh dill
-1/2 cup diced fresh mint
-1 tsp ground pepper
-1 1/2 tsp salt -package of vegan
1) rinse spinach thoroughly and cook three separate batches until wilted (about three min each w/ 1 tbs of olive oil per batch). MAKE SURE TO STRAIN OIL COMPLETELY.
2) Chop Spinach thoroughly and set aside.
3) In 1/4 cup olive oil sauté diced scallions and garlic on very very low heat and add dill, mint, salt
4) Add spinach to pan and distribute everything evenly and cook for about ten minutes (stir so doesn’t burn). Turn off heat and set aside.
5) Carefully separate and place square fillo sheets on greased baking pan. Add one tbs of filling to center of fillo sheet, fold in half and crease edges with a fork. Brush each pastry lightly with olive oil.
6) Bake for 45 min at 350 degrees (until golden brown). Let sit for 10-15 min before serving.
Some encouraging words for new Vegans?
Find vegan support! YOU are not alone. Also, if you accidentally eat non-vegan it’s not the end of the world. Learn from your experiences and know that nobody is perfect! A
What is the vegan scene like in your city?
I’m lucky to be in Los Angeles, CA where there are plenty of restaurants, events and meetups.
What personal recommendations can you make for people to meet other vegans?
Take advantage of online local Vegan Facebook groups or vegan groups on meetup.com ! These groups offer great support and great for asking recommendations or advice!
What does living cruelty-free mean to you?
I support different pet charities like Traci’s Paws and adopted a rescue pup in 2018 from http://rescueachi.com !! I also make sure to vote on laws that help animals and end animal cruelty.
What are you favorite Vegan non-food products or companies?
Vegan Jewelry Brand – https://amorcito.us –
Hemp Extract Oil – https://ellajeanorganics.com –
Vegan spray tan/ beauty – https://www.goldenglotans.com –
What is the toughest Vegan item to find that you need?
I’m lucky to be able to find just about all I need!
Talk about a time when you struggled with your Veganism?
The holidays were definitely rough as I couldn’t have Xmas cookies!
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