Today we’d like to introduce you to Malinda Simpson.
Malinda, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I moved to Dallas about 2 1/2 years ago from New York City. I work full-time as an attorney in Dallas. In my free time, I operate a plant-based/vegan Instagram blog (@kindred.vegan.souls) that focuses on my vegan food adventures, including homemade recipes and vegan finds in Dallas and in other cities during my travels. I also plan vegan events to inform people about vegan lifestyles.
I adopted a vegan diet in July 2017 after watching the documentary, What The Health. I am extremely passionate about my vegan lifestyle and it has improved my life in many ways. Adopting a vegan diet has not only improved my health and helped me lose over 25 pounds; it has expanded my circle of compassion. Before adopting a vegan diet, I struggled with weight loss and bad dieting habits. After going vegan, even without restricting my eating, I was able to lose weight. Although I started a vegan diet because of my health, I stayed vegan by learning more about the effects of animal agriculture on animals and the environment. A vegan lifestyle can not only reverse heart disease and diabetes, but it can reduce animal suffering and environmental impacts. Adopting a vegan diet has been one of the best decisions I have ever made.
In August 2018, I decided to start my Instagram blog to dispel assumptions about vegan diets. Many people think vegans eat only salad and grass (haha), but that is far from the truth. The fun thing about a vegan diet is that you get to explore food in a new way. I make vegan shrimp po’boys, desserts, burgers, and more! I seek to inspire people to try vegan food. Although I maintain a vegan lifestyle due to ethical reasons, I think great progress can be made by people eating vegan food just one day a week (hello, meatless Mondays!). I am now considering expanding my blog to include not only food but vegan beauty products and fashion, as well. It’s been a fun journey!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When I first started my blog, I had trouble figuring out my vision and my brand. I still do. Do I want to focus just on food? Do I focus on my vegan lifestyle as a whole, including fashion, beauty, and food? I am still figuring it out. My main goal is to provide helpful information and share my story.
Please tell us about Kindred Vegan Souls – @kindred.vegan.souls.
My blog is known for beautiful and delicious plant-based/vegan food. I create my own recipes, showcase my favorite recipes from others and share vegan food finds at local restaurants. I seek to be a resource to individuals that want to try more vegan food and vegans that have been eating plant-based for years. By planning vegan events, I also want to build a vegan community in Dallas.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The quality that is important to my success is passion and drive. I started my blog because I am passionate about veganism and teaching others why I love it so much.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kindred.vegan.souls/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://business.facebook.com/Kindred.vegan.souls/
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