Jenn’s Journey from Garden to Sanctuary and Vegan Compassion

Jenn’s life is deeply intertwined with the world of compost and garden soil, as she passionately contributes to the thriving ecosystem of her community. At home, she tends to a lush and flourishing garden, nurturing a variety of plants that reflect her green thumb and love for all things botanical.

But Jenn’s connection to the natural world extends beyond her garden’s borders. Her abode transforms into a small-scale hobby farm and micro sanctuary, a labor of love that consumes much of her time. Here, she provides a nurturing home for a menagerie of four dogs, eight chickens, and six ducks, creating a harmonious space where animals and humans coexist.

Jenn’s journey into a plant-based lifestyle began as a response to her health challenges, which surfaced roughly three years ago. Persistent migraines plagued her daily life, and after some introspection, she identified certain foods as triggers. Her commitment to improving her well-being led her on a gradual path of dietary changes. First, she removed meat from her plate, then fish, and eventually dairy. By the time 2023 rolled around, Jenn had embraced a vegan diet as the best choice for her health.

What started as a personal health decision has blossomed into a profound awakening. Jenn’s transition to veganism opened her eyes to the troubling practices within the meat and dairy industries. Deeply moved by the plight of animals subjected to these industries, she wishes she had adopted a vegan lifestyle for the sake of these animals much sooner.

Meatless Movement recently had a chance to chat with her.

Jenn’s story is a testament to her resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to making positive changes, both in her own life and for the welfare of the animals she now champions.

Tell us more about yourself, please

My name is Jenn. I live near Seattle, in Washington state. I work in the compost and garden soil industry, and I have a large garden at home. I have 4 dogs, 8 chickens, and 6 ducks. My small hobby farm/micro sanctuary takes up most of my time but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Me, headed to Seattle on the ferry - Jenn Cooks Vegan Food — Me, headed to Seattle on the ferry – Jenn Cooks Vegan Food

I started having health issues about 3 years ago and changes in my diet began to improve my health. Nearly constant migraines were triggered by certain foods so I slowly removed meat from my diet, then fish, then dairy.

Me, on my honeymoon in Hawaii - Jenn Cooks Vegan Food — Me, on my honeymoon in Hawaii – Jenn Cooks Vegan Food

By 2023, I decided a vegan diet was best for me. Although my choice was for health reasons, it has opened my eyes to the disgusting practices in the meat & dairy industries and I wish I had gone vegan for the animals years ago.

I married the love of my life this summer. He is vegan as well, and he enjoys eating all the foods I make. He has been an incredibly supportive partner in my journey.

My husband, Oren, and I at a waterfall in Washington - Jenn Cooks Vegan Food — My husband, Oren, and I at a waterfall in Washington – Jenn Cooks Vegan Food

Seattle is an awesome city for vegan restaurants. My favorite is a small Vietnamese buffet called ChuMinh Tofu. I make it a point to visit as often as possible. The chefs and owners are incredibly kind, feeding homeless people and raising money for disaster relief on a regular basis. The food is out of this world.

All the goodness that is ChuMinh Tofu, the 100% vegan buffet. So many veggies, so much flavor, and it’s all served up in a tiny space - Jenn Cooks Vegan Food — All the goodness that is ChuMinh Tofu, the 100% vegan buffet. So many veggies, so much flavor, and it’s all served up in a tiny space – Jenn Cooks Vegan Food

If I were to advise someone who is just going meatless, I would say to eat the rainbow. Do not limit your diet because you will exclude key nutrients. Be healthy. Include whole grains and beans, and try new recipes from cultures you have never tried before.

I have been extremely fortunate in that my friends and family are supportive of my choices and they are willing to eat the foods I prepare. I find that if I stick to more natural whole foods and avoid processed meat substitutes, people are more receptive to trying vegan dishes.

Oren and I in Hawaii on our honeymoon - Jenn Cooks Vegan Food — Oren and I in Hawaii on our honeymoon – Jenn Cooks Vegan Food

One of the most interesting things I’ve noticed is that some people think they have never had vegan food. I’ve had several conversations explaining how certain dishes are inherently vegan. It’s nice to be able to normalize my diet in the eyes of people who don’t understand it.

My oldest friend asked me why I was changing my diet, and I explained my health issues, and how the changes helped me. Her answer was “oh, that’s why you’re eating all that weird food”. That is how I decided on my name on instagram, @thatweirdveganlady.

Thank you for the opportunity to share a little about myself. I hope you have a wonderful day!
Jenn Wagner