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Can you tell us more about yourself and where you are from?
My name is Nadia Söderlund, I’m 30 years old, and I live in Malmö, Sweden. Fashion has always
been a passion of mine, and at 22, I started my own designer company, initially focusing on creating
innovative bags for fashion lovers.
However, as I delved deeper into the fashion industry, I witnessed firsthand its harsh realities. I attempted to introduce more sustainable options, but financially, it proved challenging. As a small business owner, I struggled with limited resources and was disheartened by a system that rewards unsustainable practices.
Eventually, I faced burnout and financial difficulties. This frustration led me to educate myself further, watching documentaries and reading credible news sources to understand the true impact of the fashion industry on our planet and its people.
What motivated you to adopt a vegan lifestyle, and how long have you been following it?
In 2018, I met the love of my life, and together we began exploring plant-based diets, replacing
meat and dairy with greens and vegan options.
Both of us grew up in families where meat was central to every meal, so this shift was initially challenging but also exciting. We started with small challenges, like going vegetarian for 30 days, then vegan for another 30.
It was tough at first, but knowing the challenge had an end date made it manageable. Over time, we found ourselves enjoying plant-based meals more and more, and after watching the documentary Sea-Spiracy, we decided to commit fully. It’s been four years now, and I can’t imagine going back to eating meat.
Although I primarily follow a vegan diet, I occasionally consume dairy and eggs for health reasons,
ensuring they are locally produced with humane practices. My goal is to eventually be 100% vegan,
but for now, I prioritize listening to my body and maintaining my health.
Do you have any fascinating stories to share from your journey?
There are many memorable moments, but one of the most remarkable is the influence we’ve had on
our families. Initially, they joked that all we ate were cucumbers and carrots. However, they’ve
gradually embraced vegetarian options and now find it fun and challenging to create meatless
meals.
It’s incredibly rewarding to see someone who once scoffed at our lifestyle now enjoying a
vegetarian dish at a restaurant and loving it. This transformation shows that our love for meat is
often a learned habit, and with an open mind, we can discover a world of delicious plant-based
foods.
What challenges have you encountered in finding vegan food, especially when dining out? How do you overcome these obstacles?
Finding vegan and vegetarian food can be challenging, especially in smaller towns. When I moved
to Malmö, a city with a rich vegetarian and vegan scene, dining out became much easier. Most
restaurants here, even steakhouses, offer vegan options. However, the struggle reappears when I
visit my hometown.
My advice is to always check the menu beforehand and don’t hesitate to ask the staff about modifications they can make to accommodate your dietary needs. If you’re dining with friends, suggest a restaurant with more vegan options.
If this isn’t possible, eat something beforehand and order a small side dish at the restaurant. The key is to plan ahead and not be afraid to advocate for your dietary preferences.
What are your feelings about living a vegan lifestyle?
I love being a vegetarian and can’t see myself eating meat again. Every day, my beliefs grow stronger. While I strive to be fully vegan, I currently include dairy and eggs for health reasons. I don’t believe a vegan diet is inherently unhealthy, but I’m still figuring out what works best for my body.
Having dealt with burnout and various health issues, I prioritize understanding my body’s needs. When I’m ready, I plan to transition to a completely vegan lifestyle.
How would you persuade someone to try meatless food?
I believe in gentle encouragement rather than provocation. Everyone should move at their own pace, and forcing beliefs on someone can backfire. By cooking delicious plant-based meals and sharing them with others, you can open their eyes to new possibilities.
For example, our families now make mostly vegetarian meals on their own. It’s about inspiring curiosity and demonstrating that a meatless diet isn’t a limitation but an opportunity to discover new flavors.
Could you suggest some excellent places or dishes?
In Malmö, you must try the falafel—it’s famous for being delicious and affordable. For homemade
meals, I recommend a simple vegan pasta: roast vegetables like garlic, peppers, tomatoes, onions,
and chili, then blend them into a sauce and mix with pasta. It’s easy, tasty, and healthy.
What are some common misconceptions about being vegan, and how do you address them?
Misconceptions about veganism and vegetarianism often stem from a lack of education. The best
way to address these is to tailor your information to what matters to the person you’re talking to. For
instance, my sister cares more about health and protein intake than the environment.
I introduced her to cheap, protein-rich vegan options like chickpeas, beans, and kale. Educating yourself first allows you to provide relevant, compelling information to others, helping to dispel myths and
misconceptions effectively.
What tips would you offer to someone beginning a meatless diet?
Don’t be too hard on yourself if you slip up. It’s important to see the bigger picture and understand
that everyone progresses at their own pace. Educate yourself thoroughly so you can stand by your
beliefs with confidence.
Watch documentaries like Cowspiracy and Seaspiracy to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of meat consumption. Remember, it’s a journey, and even small steps can lead to significant, lasting change.
NADIA 🌼 sustainable fashion
✨ Tips and tricks for how you can live your fashionable life as sustainable as possible
🌿 Sustainable fashion
🌍 Sweden // Malmö
🥑 Vegan lifestyle
all images courtesy of NADIA 🌼 sustainable fashion