MISSION VEGAN WORLD DOMINATION

Katrina Fox is an award-winning journalist, PR consultant, founder of VeganBusinessMedia. com, host of Vegan Business Talk podcast, and author of Vegan Ventures: Start and Grow an Ethical Business - the first global book providing success strategies for aspiring and existing vegan business owners.

She has written extensively for niche and mainstream media for 17 years on animal advocacy and ethical business and was a regular FORBES contributor for 12 months specializing in writing about vegan and plant-based businesses.

Katrina teaches vegan business owners how to do their own PR and get free media coverage through her signature online course and group coaching program Vegans in the Limelight.

She is a regular speaker, MC and panel host at local and international events ranging from vegan festivals and conferences to book launches and trade shows. She hosted a full day of panel discussions at VegFestUK Trade, the UK’s first ever trade show at London’s Olympia in 2017. In April 2018, she spoke about how to position ethical products and hosted a day of talks at the Naturally Good Expo, Australia’s trade show for the natural and organic industry.

She loves glitter, bling and disco.

What is the drive behind Katrina Fox?

I want to see a world where animals are not exploited or harmed, ultimately benefiting humans and the climate. I look forward to a vegan world and constantly inspiring people to start vegan businesses, specifically women to become leaders in their field. Also, to combat the negative news that often surfaces regarding the vegan community and counterbalance with positive achievements of people who are doing good in the world. I also want to help people run vegan businesses and inspire people, particularly woman, to become leaders in their field. The Vegan Woman’s Leadership Network launched officially in July of last year to empower and inspire.

Typically, how does your day unfold?

Meditation in the morning for five to ten minutes, and then check emails along with putting together a to-do list ranging from creating content, website, client work and training – plenty of time at my laptop. With the travel restrictions, I have been doing as much as possible from home, gym time and then perhaps some down-time in the evening. I feel grateful I am able to work productively, and globally, from home while able to visit local parks and enjoy the outdoors.

Do you think the effects of the pandemic altered the way we will work and socialize moving forward?

I think it makes us take a look at how much we can minimize and be more selective – to a degree. Regarding the virtual meetings and physical informational exchange, I like a mixture of both. I will always love meeting people in person, but due to the past circumstances, we all must adapt. I believe this forces us to be more selective in everything that we do on a daily basis.

Since becoming an ethical vegan in 1996 after a schoolteacher called Kay opened my eyes to the countless ways animals are used, abused and exploited for human consumption or entertainment, my mission has been to educate, inform and inspire as many people as possible to embrace a vision of a world in which all beings are free to thrive.

www.katrinafox.com www.veganbusinessmedia.com www.veganwomensleadershipnetwork.com

Do you feel as though the vegan growth and awareness we are experiencing now could have happened five years ago?

Well, I never thought that I would be cool and trendy! I am incredibly happy (being vegan for 25 years) that it is emerging so rapidly. Social media has played a huge part in fashion and food, and I feel the timing was just right. People are realizing the planet is being destroyed, and there is such a thing as animal exploitation. This new cuisine is giving people more alternatives and choices. You can see the rise of restaurants from New York to Australia to Asia. I love it.

How do you respond to folks that respond negatively to your vegan lifestyle? What do you say to someone on the verge of becoming vegan, or plantbased?

I respond by informing them of the health benefits and the positive environmental impact. I try to ask them questions and take a psychological stance to try to understand their point of view. Instead of powering up in defense mode, I feel it is more productive to have a calm conversation and be kind and compassionate. I will also reference different authors and websites to validate my point(s). If someone is thinking of going vegan, I refer back to the health benefits and try to emphasize how your body and mind can benefit from a vegan lifestyle. Meanwhile, you can do your part to make a difference, sustain the planet and save animals.

So, when was your defining moment to become vegan when you were 11 years old?

A schoolteacher (Kay, a vegan) in the UK explained where cheese came from, and I just remember being taken back and very concerned and actually shocked. After that, honestly, it did take a while to adapt to the new diet and lifestyle especially being so young. I managed to forge on and here we are today!

How do you manage your time?

I tend to compose a to-do list and get to things that need to be done that day. I do the best I can without burning out – yoga class is especially important to me. Prioritization with balance is something I strive to achieve.

What is new for the rest of 2021?

I am looking to grow the Vegan Women’s Leadership Network and sharing many of the great stories along with increasing membership. I believe in growth (for everyone) and making a difference this year and beyond - all for the greater good.

St. Jude patient Marina, eye cancer