Start a Vegan Business

by Christine Pesta

With the world changing in terms of how people view business, do their jobs, and shop as consumers, the idea of starting a business these days is not as it was just a few years ago. If you are currently working for someone else and feeling conflicted about the service you’re performing or the products you’re dealing with, or just wanting the work you do make more of a difference than it does, you may want to start your own business.

If you are a vegan, your timing right now couldn’t be better! With the number of people changing to plant-based diets, or at least curious about veganism, starting a vegan-based business could be a good bet. There are a growing number of people who have become more aware of the environmental crisis, animal rights, and the need to consume healthier foods.

Your business could address a specific area that veganism is connected to, or it can address as many as you choose. The important thing, is that you are happy with what you are doing, and at the same time educating others, while making a positive impact on the planet.

Depending on your interest and skills, there are an endless number of things you might do. Even if your business isn’t necessarily “about” veganism, the materials you use in your business or products you sell could be environmentally-friendly or cruelty-free.

Included here are a few ideas to help inspire you. While you don’t have to do any of the ideas listed, they may give you the inspiration to create a business that is unique, or one that perhaps serves a higher purpose than just making money.

Vegan Crafts
If you have a hobby you enjoy, then maybe a craft business may be just right for you. It would make something that gives you pleasure, and gets your creative juices flowing, also something that could earn you a living. Whether it’s knitting or quilting, making hats, purses, soaps, or candles just to name a few, there is no reason not to apply any skills and imagination you may have toward earning you money. Depending on your situation, and the amount of money you have for start-up costs, a craft business can be conducted online, or you can have a bricks and mortar set-up if you prefer a physical location.

Clothing and Fashion Accessories
It can be hard sometimes to find clothing that is made from sustainable fabrics or is cruelty-free. Many shoes or purses, for instance, have at least some leather worked into their construction. To find clothing that is vegan-friendly would be a boon to many, and there’s no reason a bricks and mortar store can’t also sell online to expand its reach to customers in other locations, giving you an expanded customer base.

Vegan Bakery, Food Truck, or Restaurant
This too can start up as inexpensively as possible, or you can invest a considerable amount in order to realize your dream. You would have to stick to a budget that will not drive your business under from the get-go. Make sure any investment is within your means and budget.

If you do have a skill for baking or cooking, or simply enjoy the atmosphere that comes with working in the culinary industry, you may find this to be a perfect fit. Being able to cook or bake also gives you a chance to introduce others to vegan cuisine. Your food can be creative or comforting, as well as it being able to give you the chance to show that artistic side of you. Keep in mind that any restaurant or café goes through it’s share of struggles – especially in the beginning. However, if you go in with that understanding, and you are able to establish yourself, it might wind up a thriving business for years to come.

Vegan Food Line
If you are a good cook, but don’t or can’t do something as big as a restaurant or bakery, then perhaps making one thing you’re good at will be the thing to blow everyone’s socks off. Maybe you’re really good at making salsa, cookies, or kimchi. Why not try your hand at creating a line of vegan specialty foods that can be sold to people online? You can also pitch your products to grocery stores, and restaurants to see if they would be interested in selling or serving what you make.

Vegan Store
This may be one of the most versatile entries, as a store can sell anything! You could specialize in a particular type of product or service. You could also offer a wide variety of items that are of interest to the vegan consumer. From food, to cosmetics, to clothes, shoes and fashion accessories, sustainable and cruelty-free furniture, or anything else that you choose, there’s no limit to what you can offer. You can also offer it all! There’s no reason to limit yourself either. The products you sell can vary greatly depending on how big you wish to go. A business such as this one can also be handled online or through a physical location.

Vegan Gift Baskets and Catering
A few years back, the Golden Globe Awards ceremonies held their annual event, which included for the first time and all vegan menu. As a result, some of the after-show parties followed suit. With many people becoming more conscious of animal rights and the environmental crisis, as well as people becoming more health-conscious, everything from office parties to restaurants, and even big fund-raising galas, have at least included vegan options along with anything else they may serve.

If you already own a catering or gift basket business, you may find your profits increase by adding vegan choices to your services. If you’re interested in starting up a 100% vegan business, the market is just right as there isn’t much competition at the moment, and getting your name out there early on may help you to develop a loyal following in the infant stages of what may become a growing trend.

Gift baskets can be purchased for all occasions, and can be customized to fit the client or event. they can also be shipped anywhere, which makes the idea more appealing to anyone who would prefer to send a personal gift as opposed to a card.

Catering is also a service that covers just about any situation, be it a wedding, birthday, baby shower, corporate events, going away party, house warming, etc.

Run a Charitable Organization
Maybe your skills or interests don’t have as much to do with creating things as they do with interacting with people. Maybe you’re talents lie in educating people or organizing events and fundraising. This is where starting or working for a non-profit organization my be a fulfilling way of earning a living. You would earn a salary, but your days would be spent mostly by raising funds with which to help a needy cause. There are many charities out there already being run that you could apply to, or you could start an organization yourself if you desire.

Start a community organic garden to help feed the poor or the homeless. Get people to donate their time to maintain it or contribute money for supplies. Maybe an urban beautification project using sustainable and environmentally-friendly materials. If you enjoy being around animals, start an animal sanctuary if you have the land, or organize a fundraiser to purchase land as part of the project. Recycling and re-purposing materials that can be crafted and donated or sold at low cost to those in need is another business start-up idea. Getting people to donate items, and rounding up local artists and craftsman to donate their time and skills, could help once your organization takes off.

Conclusion
There is no end to the ideas out there that can promote veganism and sustainable living, while providing the help and services that people need, but cannot currently find. Such businesses also promote awareness and inspire others to try their hand at starting something that might benefit animals and the environment. Not only will you have created a new way to make a living, but you will have the satisfaction of knowing you are doing your part to make the world a better place, and are encouraging others to do the same.