I currently live in Fort Myers, Florida. I work at a vegan juice and smoothie bar, as well as own a company called Kombucha Royalty (@kombucharoyalty on Instagram). My boyfriend @brenden_fitz and I created the company to share knowledge about veganism and our favorite beverage, kombucha!
What was the moment you realize that you wanted to go vegan?
Four years ago, I started working at a juice bar called Pure Juice. After learning about the health benefits of a vegan diet, I immediately transitioned. As my vegan journey progressed, I got more into the environmental aspect. I became an Environmental Major at Florida Gulf Coast University and got involved in environmental clubs/permaculture club. Since then, I have been traveling around the world promoting veganism and sustainability.
Why is being Vegan important to you?
Being vegan is the number one thing an individual can do to improve Mother Earth. Every day I wake up knowing I am increasing my chance of survival, as well as other being survival. I educate everyone I know about the benefits of veganism, and I love consistently hearing that I got a friends dad off of meat, or a grandma off of pills. It’s all about healing holistically and minimizing our carbon footprint!
Any recommended social sites, Facebook Groups or other?
On my personal account, @carly_bergman on Instagram I advocate veganism by posting about animal activism, environmental issues, veganism health benefits, as well as diy products to save money. Brenden and I have an e-book coming out soon how to transition into a plant-based diet as well! @planet_protien is Brenden’s company that sells protein bars. He frequently posts about veganism.
Do you have a favorite movie or videos or your own media that you want to share?
Do you actively promote veganism?
I attend protests, vigils, and attempt to transition people every single day. This is one of the benefits of working at a juice bar. Every single day people come into Pure Juice looking for some type of remedy, whether it be for digestion, hair loss, sickness, immunity, etc. From this point I give my little speech about how beneficial plant-based diets are. If they are open to the idea, I go into detail about the negative externalities of meat and dairy.
What is your favorite Vegan meme?
“If he’s not vegan, let than mango”
What is the vegan stereotype you hear the most and how do you respond to it?
Vegans can’t gain muscle. From here- I direct them to Brenden’s Instagram account. I also throw in a little flex myself. I always educate on meat alternatives such as seitan, tofu, black bean quinoa, etc.
What’s your favorite Vegan restaurant?
Anything with acai bowls and an abundance of Ayurvedic and Tcm herbs!!!!
Please share your favorite recipe?
Chocolate coffee acai bowl
-4 oz almond milk
-4 oz cold brew coffee
-6 sprouted cashews
*blend and make mylk*
-2 bananas
-1 scoop sunwarrior protein
-1/2 tbs maca
-1 tsp spirulina
-2 tablets chlorella
-2 tbs almond butter
-2 cinnamon shakes and a squirt of vanilla
*blend*
Top with a planet protein bar cut into pieces and sprouted granola+hemp seeds
Some encouraging words for new Vegans?
Don’t listen to your family and friends. No one should be degrading you for wanting to be a cruelty-free human being! I was vegan for 3 years while being judged and ridiculed. Doctors were degrading me as well. I went with my gut and stuck with it. Lead by example and they will eventually reach enlightenment! My mom and brother are now vegan.
What does living cruelty-free mean to you?
Not contributing to consumerism, slave labor, -and animal-tested products. Everything I buy is from thrift stores or locally-owned companies. I save my money for kombucha and vegan travel.
What are you favorite Vegan non-food products or companies?
I love @ilovegurus flip flops, @dandeandthelion apparel, mad hippie beauty products
What is the toughest Vegan item to find that you need?
A cruelty free lap top!! Everything is from China.
Talk about a time when you struggled with your Veganism?
Going through mono and losing 3/4 of my hair put a damper on my life for 6 months. I had doctors constantly telling me that my hair would stop falling out if I ate meat. I was 16 at the time and had no idea of what to think- do I trust my gut or these health “professionals”. They talked me into eating chicken and I automatically puked it out because I felt so guilty. From then on I knew I would continue my vegan journey and cure my illness through herbs and healing plants!!! I am healthier than ever now.
What is one question you would ask other Vegans?
Can we all create a vegan self-sustaining community ??? I need more vegan friends!
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