Inspiring Aussie Female Founders

inspiring Aussie Female Founders

Happy International Women's Day

To celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re shining a light on the talented and successful faces behind some of our favourite vegan businesses.

Julie Mathers, Flora & Fauna 
Leading the change is purpose-driven entrepreneur and leader, Julie Mathers. After 20+ years working in retail, Julie founded Australia’s largest eco store, Flora and Fauna and 3 years later started her own zero-waste brand, Green + Kind. Julie is passionate about building better businesses and being a force for good, and we LOVE her for it! 

Pam Ahern, Edgar’s Mission
It’s cool to be kind and Pam Ahern, founder and director of Edgar’s Mission is proving just that. In 2003, Pam gave up her full-time job and equestrian career and dedicated her life to the protection of farmed animals. Pam and her team have rescued over 450 animals and given each a life truly worth living. What a changemaker!

Heaven Leigh, Bodhi Restaurant Bar 
Entrepreneur, mentor, wife and mum, Heaven Leigh does it all! For the last 20 years, Heaven has been continuing her family legacy at Australia’s longest-established vegan restaurant, Bodhi Restaurant Bar. Thank you Heaven for feeding us, inspiring us and supporting all women!

Danielle Egan, Sienna Byron Bay
Danielle Egan’s sustainability journey started with a side hustle nail polish business in her lounge room. Nearly a decade on and this female entrepreneur is an international trailblazer in the eco-beauty world. Sienna’s non-toxic nail polishes are stocked in 20 countries worldwide and Danielle is continually looking for ways to do better. Thank you Danielle for showing us how it’s done!

Sina Klug, Nutie
Introducing baking queen and boss lady of Nutie, Sina Klug. From selling GF donuts at Bondi Farmers Market to owning two stores with 40k+ loyal fans, Nutie is the ultimate success story. Sina puts love into everything she does and we love her for making our lives all sweeter!

Lara Young & Sue McCarthy, VEats
VEats is the brainchild of two vegan, female leaders with a passion for a more sustainable, nutritious, and ethical way of life. Lara and Sue created Australia’s first exclusively plant-based food platform with the hope of making plant-based eating easier and more accessible for all. They’re now focusing on building a strong female team and expanding nationwide. Go team!

Jessica Bailey, Vegan Grocery Store 
An inspiration to many, Jessica Bailey has helped make cruelty-free living easier for all! She’s the founder of Vegan Grocery Store, which stocks Australia’s widest range of vegan products (3500 and counting)! We admire Jess’s genuine desire to help people and animals and value the positive, tangible impacts she’s having in our community.

Lisette Armstrong, Treat Dreams
Life wouldn’t be so sweet if it weren’t for Lisette Armstrong. Vegan chocolatier and founder of Treat Dreams, Liz is an inspiration to all. She turned her side hustle into an award-winning chocolate brand and has won 25+ international awards!. What would we do without you Liz?!

Hannah Jones, Hanami Cosmetics
Making money was never the intention when Hannah Jones started The Vegan Box (which she’s now sold). Hannah simply wanted to help people discover new cruelty-free products and embrace a conflict-free lifestyle. Along the way, she founded Hanami Cosmetics, a proudly woman-run brand featuring non-toxic nail polishes and make-up. Thanks to Hannah, we no longer have to compromise ethics for style.

Kait & Jorgie, The Green Chef
Country girls turned entrepreneurs, Kait and Jorgie prove that anyone can transform their passions into a career. They create seasonal and dietary friendly ready meals at The Green Chef that are inspired by their own health journeys and desire to prove that sustainability doesn’t have to be hard work. Dream team right there!

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WVG’s Favourite Vegan Pizzas in Australia

WVG's Favourite Vegan Pizzas in Australia

Happy #Worldpizzaday

Money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy pizza and that’s pretty much the same thing. To celebrate #WorldPizzaDay on Feb 9th, we’re sharing our favourite pizzerias in Australia! 

Shop 225, Melbourne
Vegan or not, the pizzas at Shop 225 can’t be topped. This suburban pizzeria in Melbourne has attracted a cult following for their traditional wood fired pizzas made from 72-hour leavened dough. They’re the first accredited GF pizza shop in AUS and nearly every pizza can be made vegan with their house-made vegan cheese. We recommend going for the Zio Pino and Nutella pizza!

Gigi Pizzeria, Sydney
There ain’t no party, like a pizza party, and there ain’t no pizza like the traditional Neapolitan wood fired pizza from Gigi Pizzeria. Arguably the most loved plant-based pizzeria in AUS, their menu combines fresh, quality local produce with key ingredients imported from Italy (as specified by the AVPN). Our faves are the Palate with roast potatoes, garlic, rosemary & black truffle pate + the Melanzane with tree nut ricotta, grilled eggplant & basil.

Red Sparrow, Melbourne
If you wanna be where the pizzas are, then head to Melbourne’s only 100% vegan pizzeria and food truck, Red Sparrow. The hand stretched dough is made using pizza Napolteana techniques but they are not bound by tradition and enjoy experimenting with unusual toppings on their daily specials. If you can only pick 2, go for their Ortolana and some chips! PS: You can add dairy-free mozzarella, feta, parmesan, fior di latte, bacon, sausage, pepperoni, chorizo, pesto, etc. to any pizza!

Masa Madre, Newcastle
It’s time to think outside the pizza box. If you want to be blown away by the beauty of plant-based pizzas then visit Masa Madre in Newcastle. Their dough is made daily from 100% natural sourdough, slow fermented and topped with the highest quality Aussie ingredients, including house-made cashew ricotta. We can’t go past their white-based Zucchini pizza but if you’re feeling adventurous try their Kim-Che-Shroom. Top tip: Order a Pesto Crust Dipper pot to dip your crusts!

Nonna’s Nightmare, Brisbane
We would jump on a plane to Brisbane just for a bite of the authentic Italian pizzas from Nonna’s Nightmare. The sourdough pizzas from this 100% plant-based eatery will soon become your new favourite, guilt-free comfort meal. We honestly couldn’t pick a fave! They’re all so good even your Nonna wouldn’t know they were plant-based. PS: Pair your pizza with their extensive list of vegan-friendly beers, wines and cocktails.

Green Acre, Melbourne
Pizza is a way of life at Green Acre Pizza. This sustainable pizza bar in Brunswick focus their efforts on minimising their eco footprint, while delivering delicious food and a fun experience. Almost 50% of their pizzas can be made vegan and we are obsessed with the Heavens to Betsy and Cauli Chips. PS: The Nutella Calzone is vegan too!

Veganz, online 
You’ll want a PIZZA this! Veganz are a plant-based food brand from Berlin, that have created the world’s first pizza to have a sustainability score. The pizzas are an easy option to pop in the freezer for a quick and healthy(ish) meal, and come in three flavours – Verdure, Tricolore & Spinaci. Shop their Verdure Pizza in the frozen pizza aisle at select Woolworths or order the full range online at the Vegan Grocery Store.

Heros Pizza, Perth
The superheros at Heros Pizza in Perth have stolen a pizza our hearts. Fresher, healthier and tastier pizza is what they strive for and they’ve got lots of vegan options to impress. Take advantage of free arcade games and slushies while you wait, and come in superhero style with your undies on the outside, for some super saver deals!

Pizza Madre, Sydney
Life happens, pizza helps, especially when it’s as good as the gourmet slices from Pizza Madre. This vegetarian pizzeria are proud of their 72 hour fermented sourdough pizza crusts and for good reason. We love that the menu changes monthly, featuring exotic and unique flavour combinations. Plus, it means you can visit time and time again, and will never get bored!

Francie’s Pizzeria, Gold Coast
Pizza is a universal love language. Win over the hearts of those you love with the life changing pizzas from Francie’s Pizzeria. They’ve got a dedicated vegan menu filled with comical classics like their Highway to Kale with vegan nduja & cashew ricotta and their Dollop Parton with vegan sausage. Get in quick though as they make a maximum of 200 pizzas per night!

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10 Accounts To Help You Through Veganuary

Your Guide To Veganuary

10 Accounts to inspire You this Veganuary

Did you know that in 2021, Veganuary inspired more than half a million people in 200+ countries to go vegan for January – and beyond? Here are 10 incredible accounts to support you this month and that are great for sharing with your family/friends. Let’s do this!

Deliciously Ella’s Feel Better App 
Discover delicious ways to feel better every day with Deliciously Ella’s recipe app. It’s got 700+ quick and easy plant-based recipes, from vibrant salads to nourishing pastas, warming curries and gooey brownies. Plus, there are helpful tools such as nutritionist approved meal plans and shopping lists. It’s vegan made easy and we’re obsessed.

Plant Proof
Plant-based legend, physiotherapist and nutritionist, Simon Hill, is our go-to guy for education about the benefits of a vegan diet. Through his Instagram, podcast and book, he is helping provide nutritional information simple and accessible so you can make informed decisions to thrive on a vegan diet. Get started by visiting Simon’s website to download his free vegan meal plan or listening to one of his episodes.

Fable’s Meat Alternative Product
For an awesome meat alternative, try Fable. Made with foraged shiitake mushrooms, their plant-based products are an awesomely natural, tasty way to eat healthier with a side of saving the planet. We love using Fable to make burger patties, taco mince or stroganoff. You can also find them at Woolworths or Coles, and on the menu at Grill’d and Guzman y Gomez.

Treat Dreams’ Vegan Chocolate
PSA: You DON’T have to give up chocolate when you go vegan. Award winning chocolatier, Treat Dreams, have turned the chocolate world on its head with their decadent, delicious and over-the-top-amazing treats that are 100% ethical. The gooey cream eggs are our go-to but we also recommend checking out their limited edition bars.

Flora and Fauna
Flora and Fauna is your one-stop shop to find eco and sustainable products and solutions that are better for you, the animals and the planet. They stock over 360+ ethical and sustainable brands including body and hair care, eco home, pets, food, health, style and MORE! Use our code SYD10 for 10% off their entire online store.

Garden of Vegan’s Ready Made Meals
Start your plant-based journey with Australia’s healthiest ready-to-eat meals made by the legends at Garden of Vegan. Their fresh, 100% organic, GF, oil free, preservative & additive free, vegan meals can be delivered Australia wide, including pumpkin korma or mac n cheese. They also deliver fresh produce boxes and you can get $25 off your first order, if you use our code SYD25.

Plant Based News 
Vegan is one of the fastest growing industries in the world! Stay up to date on the latest trends and exciting news across the world by following @plantbasednews. We also suggest following @vegandealsaustralia to keep updated with the best new products and specials in AUS. Another shoutout to @letsgoveganco for all the best Australian cafe and product recommendations.

Vegan Sarcasm
Vegans are the butt of many jokes so we give you permission to make fun of us (and yourself). Have a big scroll through the humorous feed of @vegan_sarcasm. There’s too many good memes, we honestly can’t pick a favourite.

World Vegan Guides’ Blogs
Want to know where to get the best vegan food across Australia? We’ve tasted, tested and compiled all the best cafes/restaurants so you can get straight into the good stuff. Check out our blogs for all our favourite eats and treats, such as the best açai bowls, avo dishes & fast food options! 

Veggie Nerd’s High Protein, Vegan Recipes
There’s a common misconception that a vegan diet is hard, boring and nothing more than salad and hot chips. One of our fav recipe gurus, @veggie_nerd is here to show you how exciting, easy and delicious a plant-based diet is! Nicola high protein, vegan recipes provide endless kitchen inspiration, such as her hearty tofu scramble or healthy double choc fudge brownies. Have a stalk and save all your favourites! 

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Aussie Christmas Gift Guide 2021

AUssie christmas gift guide 2021

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Make a list, check it twice, and start ticking off your XMAS shopping with this list of gifts that are perfect for you or your vegan pals.

WVG’s Conversation Cards

Give the gift of conversation this Christmas. Our spill the beans game and unpopular opinions game are now available to play from home. Get one deck or stock up on a bundle and start talking about the stuff that really matters!

Nourish Magazine Subscription

Empower loved ones to live their best plant-based life with a Nourish Magazine subscription that will deliver inspiration to their doorstep all year round. Their latest Festive issue is filled with many delectable recipes, and secrets to a more sustainable lifestyle. Plus our founder, Renee Buckingham, will be a featured writer in their upcoming issues!

Where Pigs Fly Farm Sanctuary Animal Sponsorship 

Buy a special gift with a difference by purchasing an animal sponsorship from Where Pigs Fly Farm Sanctuary. They have over 180 rescue farmed animals so this gift is an affordable way to help us cover the costs of the rescued animals’ care. Your chosen recipient will receive a beautiful, personalised photo card of the animal.

TWOOBS Sandals

Step into summer with a new pair of sandals from TWOOBS. These sustainable and comfy vegan shoes are made from sugar cane soles, lightweight lycra, clever vegan leather, and a whole lot of love. As gentle on the planet as they are on your feet. PS: You can also catch their episode on Renee’s podcast here

HumanKind Shoes

HumanKind is on a mission to prove you don’t need to sacrifice style or quality just because you choose not to wear leather. They have a stylish range of bags, accessories and shoes, like their latest sandals made from cactus leather.

Salt and Rainbows Bath Soaks

Holidays call for slow days and long baths using crystal boutique, Salt and Rainbows’ Sun-Day Ritual Soak. Their blend of bath salts, botanicals and essential oils is perfect to calm, cleanse and brighten anyone’s day. The perfect ethically-sourced Christmas gift.

Earth Greetings’ Gift Sets

The best gifts are beautiful, useful, ethical and plastic free. Oh, and delicious too! Earth Greetings have 8 sustainable stationery gift sets that come with a block of plant based chocolate by Loving Earth and are boxed in 100% recycled packaging.

Flora and Fauna Gift Packs

Looking for eco gifts this Christmas? Find the best Australian made, plastic-free, reusable and recycled presents from Flora and Fauna . There are gifts for pets, kids, loved ones, stocking fillers, wrapping paper, decorations and SO much more. Use code: SYD10 for 10% off site wide.

Mad Millie Vegan Cheese Kit

We believe that positive change shouldn’t mean missing out on your favourite treats (cheese and chocolate obviously). They just get better when made from scratch with the Vegan Cheese Kit from Mad Millie. Simple ingredients, even simpler steps to follow and so much yum.

Customised Coconut Bowls

Add a personal touch to your next Christmas gift by creating a customised Coco Bowl from Coconut Bowls. This Certified B Corp is part of 1% For the Planet and is helping to inspire a healthy and sustainable lifestyle worldwide. Help them do good by purchasing any of their bowls, cups, bags or bundles.

The Wholesome Store XMAS Bundle

Christmas Bundles are at The Wholesome Store by Elsa’s Wholesome Life. They have 5 beautifully curated bundles: self care, summer, pregnancy, baby and eco friendly. All packed up in one of their custom Christmas boxes ready to go under the Christmas tree!

Mikkoa Yoga Mat

Anyone have a yogi friend or beach babe that they need XMAS gift inspo for? Australian, sustainable brand, Mikkoa, have a beautiful range of premium travel yoga mats and sand free beach towels that we adore. Plus, they plant one tree with every order.

The Vegan Box Subscription

Spoil your best friend with a yearly subscription to The Vegan Box. This snack box is a gift that just keeps giving and is full of 5‑8 cruelty‑free snacks, skincare and lifestyle products. It’s pretty much a present delivered to their door every single month.

The Proof is in the Plants

Help spread the word about how great a plant-based diet is by gifting your friends or family this book by Plant Proof. 100% of the proceeds are donated to HalfCut to help save the Daintree Rainforest from deforestation. So your purchase will not only support your health but our planets too.

Planet Cocoa Bon Bons

Are you a chocoholic? Treat yourself or your mates to some ethical artisan chocolate from @planet.cocoa. Their chocolate bon bon pack includes 4 Christmas inspired flavours: gingerbread s’more, mulled wine, banana caramel pie and mint creme crunch. Twelve little bites that if rationed with enough self-control will last until Christmas day!