I'm excited to bring you guys another Healthy Happy Leaders Interview! This one features my talented friend, Stephanie Dreyer, aka Veegmama.
I met Stephanie at a Vegan Ladyboss meeting last year and loved chatting with her about her amazing creations including recipes, meal plans and the cutuest children's books ever. Stephanie Dreyer Interview on the way...
ABOUT THE HEALTHY HAPPY LEADERS INTERVIEW SERIES:
Interviewees are hand-picked by me. They are given a list of questions and told to select ten of them. Questions relate to wellness, work, life, happiness, self esteem, growth, creativity, healthy living resources, plant-based eats and more.
Check out all my blog interviews right here!
“Healthy Happy Life” Leaders Interview: Stephanie Dreyer
If you have a friend of fave blogger/influencer/creative who you would love to see featured in an interview, let me know in the comments or email/DM me!
Q1: Why did you go vegan?
Stephanie: I went vegan almost 10 years ago while nursing my third child, Jake. I watched him feed and had this instant a-ha moment, making the connection between mama cow and her baby calf. I had been reading The Kind Diet by Alicia Silverstone at the time and it all just clicked.
I had been vegetarian for five years through my first and second pregnancies but my decision to go vegan was immediate and intense. I went plant-based overnight and never looked back.
"I went plant-based overnight and never looked back."
- Stephanie Dreyer
Q2: What are some of your go-to vegan meals/recipes?
Stephanie: I have so many! Some of my family’s favorites are vegetable sushi bowls, my veganized version of my mom’s Italian lasagna and my vegan Caesar salad (dressing).
"I still struggle with purchasing animal products at the store, but I know from my experience that ruling my household in tyranny was extremely less effective and impactful than with the compassion I use now."
- Stephanie Dreyer
Q3: How are you an imperfect vegan?
Stephanie: I am 100% committed to living the vegan lifestyle and am dedicated to being a compassionate human being in my actions and choices. However, my family is not vegan. For the first couple of years after I went plant-based, I struggled with whether to force my children to join me or to lead by example and allow them to make their own choices.
After many stumbles and falls, I ultimately chose to be the change I wish to see in the world and teach my children about my choices. That means that there are animal foods in our house (that they cook) and it also means that I purchase them (as I am the grocery shopper in our home). However, that choice also resulted in my oldest daughter going vegetarian on her own 4 years ago. I have also watched my husband give up red meat and my son switch his bacon with Lightlife’s plant-based strips.
I still struggle with purchasing animal products at the store, but I know from my experience that ruling my household in tyranny was extremely less effective and impactful than with the compassion I use now.
Q4: What favorite wellness habits do you practice every day?
Stephanie: I start my day with a 10-minute meditation and writing in either my 5-Minute Journal or Rachel Hollis Start Today Journal. Then, I hop on my Peloton for some exercise. After my workout, I always have a green drink—a green juice or smoothie!
Q5: How do you deal with stress + anxiety in today’s busy world?
Stephanie: Aw, this is such a good question. It’s been something I’ve been experimenting with more often. My morning meditation is definitely critical, but I’ve also discovered that repeating a mantra during stressful times or when I become anxious has been very helpful.
“I am still” and “I am safe” are two of my go-to’s. I also come back to “Life’s at ease like an ocean breeze” and “There is time and space for everything I need and want to do” again and again.
Aside from my mindset and self care, nutrition is really important. I believe fueling my body with water and whole plant-based foods goes a long way in keeping me centered and in control of my stress.
"“I am still”
“I am safe”
“Life’s at ease like an ocean breeze”
“There is time and space for everything I need and want to do” again and again."
- Stephanie's fave mantras
Q6: Comfort food TV SHOW(s) or movies? Or just your faves?
Stephanie: I don’t watch a lot of TV but I LOVE Dancing With The Stars, America’s Got Talent and Songland.
Dancing With The Stars inspires me in so many ways and it makes me smile. I am SO happy while I watch that show. America’s Got Talent is one of my favorites to watch with my family. It reminds me to never give up on my dreams and inspires me to always keep trying. I don’t think I have ever watched an episode without shedding a tear! And Songland mesmerizes me! I’m in so much awe at the talent on that show. I marvel at the songwriting process and think it’s so cool how the show takes you through it all from beginning to end.
"..I’d urge her to seek happiness, not perfection."
- Stephanie on what she'd say to her younger self
Q7: What is something you would say to your younger self - about joy?
Stephanie: I would tell her that joy is created and it’s up to you to do it—even in your darkest moments. It’s easy to be happy when things are going well. The real lesson is learning to be happy when things are difficult or challenging. I’m 44 and still working on this lesson!
I’d also tell her that there’s no such thing as perfect and that you don’t need perfection to be happy. I’d urge her to seek happiness, not perfection.
Q8: What are your BIG dreams + goals for the future?
Stephanie: I have SO many dreams and goals always! Right now, I’m focused on growing my newest venture, Batch Cooking Club, a plant-based weekly meal planning membership. I also have two more children’s books ready to publish, including the last in my “Not A…” series.
Q9: How can we support your career from afar?
Stephanie: Check out Batch Cooking Club at batchcookingclub.com and I invite you to join us on social at @batchcookingclub on Facebook and Instagram. Also, connect with me personally on Instagram and Facebook at @veegmama.
Q10: What was one of the most amazing ‘career moments’ you have had thus far? Proudest moment?
Stephanie: I published my first children’s book, Not A Nugget, a few years ago. To my surprise, shortly after the launch, I opened my favorite vegan magazine, VegNews, and saw my book featured. I had no idea! I’ll never forget the euphoria and pride I felt upon seeing the cover and my name on those pages!
Thank you so much for participating Stephanie Dreyer! I am so happy to share your amazing work + talents here on the blog.
Follow Stephanie Dreyer's Work!...
- Social media: @veegmama / Instagram etc...
- Website: stephaniedreyer.com
- Batch Cooking Meal Plans: batchcookingclub.com
- Children's Books on Amazon --- Not A Nugget | Not A Purse
