Name
Kelly Curtin
How old are you?
26
Where do you call home?
San Jose, California
What do you do for a living/profession?
Day Job: Montessori Middle School Teacher
Passion Project: Brewing up herbal medicine and skin care for my new shop From the Earth Apothecary Take a moment and check out some of the new creations today!
I love being a teacher, it is more than just my job, it is an important part of my identity. I also enjoy brewing up herbal medicine and skin care products, so I created a shop to sell some of my favorite herbal creations.
When do you feel most empowered and alive?
I feel the most empowered and alive when I am outside. Specifically, when I am tending to my herb garden or wildcrafting herbs. Making plant medicine with your own two hands makes you feel grounded and connected to the earth, it also makes me feel connected to my ancestors and the women who have come before me. I absolutely love it.
Where do you see compassion shaping your life?
I often don’t like the vegan label because it is so closely associated with food. To me, being vegan is about making compassionate choices across the board in your life, not just with food. We have to think about how ALL of our choices affect ourselves, others, and the planet. For example, I care about the farm workers who harvest my food, so I go to the farmers’ market and purchase fair trade as much as possible. I care about our planet, so I get most of my produce from Imperfect Produce, an awesome company that is working to reduce food waste here in the Bay Area. For the same reasons, I always try to buy organic.
We can’t be perfect, but we can strive to be as compassionate as possible. Luckily, there are so many awesome compassionate people out there to look up to and get ideas from, that is one thing I love about the vegan community.
I am passionate about pet adoption, because it is completely awful that so many dogs die in shelters while people are paying thousands of dollars for a dog from a breeder. It can be overwhelming, but we do the best we can.
What dreams/goals do you hope to achieve in the next 5 years?
I have so many. I am the type of person who makes detailed plans, goals, lists, etc… It drives my partner crazy, but I love it! Currently, my main focus in the next five years is to build my business, and to buy my own piece of property. I hope to have my own homestead in the next 10 years.
Who is your role model and why?
All of the strong women in my life. I am lucky to be surrounded by and related to many bad ass women. My grandmothers and my mother are all dear to me and have taught me so much. I’m also inspired by all the herbalists and feminists in the world who are caring for people and our planet simultaneously.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Talking to animals. It is my dream, I think about it a lot actually, haha.
What is your favorite veggie-friendly dish?
BURRITO. If you know me, you know how much I love burritos. I eat one (or 2) almost every day.
Bad Vegan Lady
For how long have you been vegan?
About 6 years. I don’t actually have or know my vegan-versary like many people do, but it was 6 years ago when I made the switch. The first book that really made me decide to make the change was Skinny Bitch actually, and now I think that is very funny.
What is the funniest misconception about vegans?
That we are missing out. I laugh every time someone tells me they feel sorry for me because I “can’t” eat that. I’m not sorry! I choose not to eat it, and I actually feel great about it. Especially in the Bay Area where I live, there are SO MANY awesome vegan food options. I am not missing out at all. Five years ago, there were not as many options and it was more difficult, but now, we have it so good!
What is your favorite part of being vegan?
My favorite part of being vegan is knowing that the delicious food I am eating is good for me and the rest of the planet.
What is your advice to those testing the waters of veganism?
Just try it out! Don’t feel like you have to do it 100% of the time right away. Aim to eat vegan 2 or 3 times a week, or plan to have vegan breakfasts for a month and see how you feel. Keep in mind, you don’t need to turn vegan overnight, some people do, and that is great, but I’d rather have you be vegan some or most of the time than never. Just know that whatever little bit you are doing, you are making the planet and yourself healthier for it.