Tell us a little about yourself.
Besides modeling, I’ve co-founded two companies, and I’m also an attorney admitted to the NY bar. My modeling career is now a hobby more than a job; sometimes I take a job either to support a company that I believe in, or to meet new people. I’m also an activist, I have been engaged in helping the environment and the animals since I was 14 years old, when I first volunteered at a Danish rainforest group called Nepenthes. I love action, and being active, because usually that includes immediate satisfaction in terms of doing good.
Finally, something completely different, but I guess also something that comes from my early years alone in the forest, I LOVE flowers, making arrangements and other projects. I’m currently working with a photographer to make a coffee table book where the theme is naked models styled/covered with flowers. I’m a lousy CEO, COO, attorney, and model… But my self-esteem takes no low when it comes to my flowers. I sincerely believe myself that I’m in the top of the very best floral artists in the World. The reason is, that I always include the meaning of the flowers that I use, and the surroundings. Among others, I’ve made flowers to the Clintons.
What lead you to veganism? How long ago?
I’m still on a path to go fully vegan. Of
Furthermore, my husband is currently not a vegan, which also makes it difficult for me. Plus I’ve been extremely sick 3 times (one of the times, I almost lost all my hair) because of my diet.
Given that I have zero interest in food, I don’t follow a particular vegan diet, which probably is stupid. A vegan model, Philip Anthony Mangan, felt sorry for me, and came all the way to Boston, to teach my husband and I some vegan recipes. Philip cracked the code in relation to turning my husband vegan, my husband never minded eating vegan, he just didn’t like the vegan stuff I brought home. I still can’t cook though, and I actually rarely even sit down to eat during the week, I think it’s a waste of time. So either I’ll eat something while leaning over a kitchen zinc (then I save time and don’t mess up a plate), or I’ll grab something while I go from one place to another.
When you first went vegan how did you phase out your non-vegan food, clothing and other items?
Step by step without being too harsh to others or myself. I never make a fuss if someone cooked meat for me, I just either come up with an excuse to leave, or I will say that I am not hungry because of ethical reasons.
Do you believe we should show children the process of how animals are turned into meats?
YES OF COURSE, they have the right to decide for themselves.
What does being vegan mean to you?
I grew up in a national park where I spent all my days alone in the woods with the family dogs until I was around 5 years old, I even slept in the dogs’ basket often, just because that was a natural thing for me. I sense all animals, it’s wrong when people say that they don’t understand nor communicate, they certainly do, just not in our language. I regard animals higher than human beings. So, yes, like our pope said, we all matter, even the slightest fungus has a meaning and role to play in the bigger ecosystem.
Is it every vegan’s duty to become an activist?
No, but it is so fun, so why not.
Any recommended Vegan books? Any recommended social sites, blogs or pages?
I would follow both @the_veganmodel and @ftlaapparel, they are amazing souls, and they both dedicated their lives to saving animals.
Do you have a favorite movie or videos or your own media that you want to share?
Earthlings is still the must see. The Cove is for the sensitive who can’t watch Eartlings (it is difficult), and Okja is for the kids.
What’s your favorite Vegan restaurant?
Life Alive in Cambridge, MA.
Please share your favorite vegan recipe?
Some encouraging words for new Vegans?
Never give up, you might make it after 20 years, but every choice on your path matters as well.
What is the vegan scene like in your city?
Not as great as in LA, NYC or Portland.
What personal recommendations can you make for people to meet other vegans?
Social media.
What does living cruelty-free mean to you? Does it extend to the way you as a vegan treats other humans too?
Unfortunately not. Opposite…
What are you favorite Vegan non-food products or companies?
The brand FTLA Apparel which is short for “For The Love of Animals”, it is an Eco Friendly, Cruelty Free, Fashionable line of Apparel for Animal Lovers, Activists, Vegans & Animal Companions. ALL aspects of FTLA Apparel are 100% Cruelty Free, Eco Friendly, Sweat Shop Free, Animal Friendly, non-toxic eco-friendly water-based inks and lots of TLC.
FTLA is proudly supporting numerous non-profit animal rescue and animal welfare organizations in addition to their newest Partnership with Eden Reforestation Projects – 10 Trees are planted per every order received.
ALL of the manufacturers that FTLA use when selecting garments and fabrics are chosen because they share the same beliefs and commitments that FTLA Apparel abides by.
The Garments are made using strict processes, fabrics and materials outlined below:
- Sustainable
- WRAP Accredited
- Eco & Organic Fabrics
- Recycled Materials
- G2 Wash uses 60% less water
- Non-Toxic, Low Impact Dyes
- In accordance with the Fair Labor Association (FLA) Workplace Code of Conduct
- RPET Fabrics/Garments
- And more
The brand won the award “best vegan company” in 2020.
What is the toughest Vegan item to find that you need?
Something that taste like/resemble fish.
Talk about a time when you struggled with your Veganism?
I do not have the patience to study all food products, if they contain animal products or not. So basically every day, I feel that I struggle. I wish Boston had food stores, in which everything was vegan.
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