Shari, a San Diego native with a passion for health, mindfulness, and holistic well-being, brings a wealth of personal experience and dedication to her plant-based journey. Living alongside her 83-year-old mother and Misty, her mom’s famous cat who often stars in Shari’s popular YouTube channel, she shares her insights with an ever-growing online audience. Initiated into Transcendental Meditation as a young child, Shari has spent her life exploring wellness and the transformative power of self-belief. As an ISSA-certified nutritionist and health coach, she draws from over 14 years of experience as a committed vegan—an inspiring shift sparked by personal health challenges, including recovery from nine surgeries and surviving a traumatic car accident. Having lost 45 pounds and healed both physically and spiritually, Shari is passionate about “paying it forward,” supporting others in setting and achieving their wellness goals.
Beyond coaching, Shari’s interests span exploring exotic fruits, selling hand-picked dried lavender at farmer’s markets, volunteering on fruit and animal farms, creating humorous animal videos, and learning Spanish. Her popular YouTube channel covers everything from vegan nutrition to raw food inspiration, serving as a valuable resource for those curious about the plant-based lifestyle. Through her positive outlook and practical advice, Shari continues to motivate others on their wellness journeys.
Please tell us more about yourself
Born and raised in San Diego, California! I recently moved to Iowa with my 84-year-old mother to support her in her golden years. She has a lot of friends in Iowa and she’s very social. This is her happy place. Since I don’t have any children and I was ready for a new adventure.
I run a raw vegan website (ShariLikesFruit.com) and post funny videos about my mom’s cat (@ShariLikesFruit on YouTube), work full-time, and drive my mom around on occasion. Overall, I’m enjoying the move and meeting new people and experiencing all four seasons!
I went vegetarian nearly 30 years ago – I saw a pamphlet in a Thrift Shop and read it when I got home. I hadn’t really considered the process of how meat got on my plate. I went vegetarian overnight.
Years later, I read a book called Skinny B*tch or one of the many books that discussed what goes into producing dairy products, and I went vegan overnight.
Are there any exciting stories about veganism?
Humans are so amazing. And beautiful. 💗
Animals are so amazing. And beautiful. 💗
What a world! 🤗
Do you mean stories about how they slip non-vegan food into “vegan” dishes haha? It definitely requires an eagle eye if you plan to eat out socially, but in general, I try to be laid back about the diet and not impose my beliefs on others. If they’re curious, they’ll ask questions, and that’s the best place to start a conversation.
Now that I’ve been doing this so long, honestly, I just prefer not to eat out, anymore. On the rare occasion, I’ll eat ahead of time or sneak snacks in my purse. I can often order a salad wherever we go and keep my expectations low. That way, I’m always prepared and never disappointed.
As a raw vegan, it can be a little trickier, but I enjoy the challenge and almost always have fruit with me.
What are your feelings about being vegan?
The best-tasting, healthiest meals have always been with home-grown fruits and veggies. 🌱 Of course! 💫
I’m fine with it. I don’t get into the politics of veganism. I won’t spray paint any fur coats. I’m passionate about my beliefs and I’ll never waver. I love animals. I have one on my lap as I type this! But I don’t think my style of advocacy is too aggressive.
With my YouTube channel, I’m able to show how cute and funny and affectionate animals can be. If anyone goes to my website, it might be their first exposure to veganism. It gives them something to think about.
No matter what comments I receive online (on my raw vegan channel, @ShariCravesFruit or my animal channel, @ShariLikesFruit), I’ll always be kind. Even from trolls or haters. I think it sets a good example online and my subscribers are growing and expanding kindness and laughter in this world. It makes the journey fun instead of painful.
With that said, I admire my vegan influencer friends and all they’re doing to help the animals. Everyone has their own style and every approach is worthy and appreciated.
How would you encourage someone who isn’t vegan or vegetarian to try meatless food?
If they have something to heal, I advocate a raw vegan diet – to reduce animal products and dairy – and increase raw, living, vibrant, colorful foods in their diet. If they’re interested, I can give them more specifics based on their unique tastes and lifestyle, along with their healing goals.
I also wrote a book called “Your Pocket Guide to Choosing and Storing Your Fruits and Vegetables” to encourage people to incorporate more fruit in their life, regardless of where they’re starting. It makes shopping fun when you know how to pick the best produce. It also makes it easier to get healthy.
What are common misconceptions about being vegan or vegetarian, and how can you explain or address them?
We all agree on fruit, though!? 😚🏆😇😁🍇🍌💚🍍🥭🍒💙🥰🍉🍈🍑🥑🍊💜🍑🍓🍐🍏🍋🍎
I love KIND people who breathe air and eat food. 💙🙏
Of course, the first misconception is that vegans don’t get enough protein – especially, raw vegans. But of course, we know that’s not likely to be true. We know the building blocks of protein (amino acids) are found in all fruits and vegetables. And we know there are higher sources of protein in certain foods if someone wants to intentionally increase the amount.
Another misconception I hear is that they could never give up cheese (they can) and that vegans are skinny and weak (not true). Any objection can be overcome with the right mindset. Especially in modern times, plant-based cheeses are incredible. And the vegan community is full of bodybuilders and fitness models. Vegans “can” be weak and skinny, just like anybody on any diet. But it’s not the lack of animal products in their lives that causes any of these issues.
I answer questions all the time from followers and vegan-curious folks – and I’m happy to do it! Patience and empathy help people on their healing journey wherever they’re at. I’ve also included a photo of me on the home page of my website (reluctantly) showing my biceps. I want people to see that if post-menopausal raw vegans can build muscle, so can they! 🙂
What advice would you give to someone starting a meatless journey?
Eat your fruits and veggies! 😋
Give yourself a lot of grace. And if you eat something you didn’t mean to eat – or you “fell off the wagon” – just reset with the next meal. Don’t use it as an excuse to go on a bender. It’s not a big deal and it won’t affect your healing journey… it’s a PART of the journey!
I have a book coming out in 2025 that I think will really help people in this challenging area of switching over, but my main advice is to journal and get to know yourself through the experience (challenges and all).
Some people thrive with accountability partners. Others thrive with a coach. Some need to buy all the recipe books and make delicious meals – or vegan versions of their old comfort foods.
Whatever it is, as you learn more about yourself and LOVE yourself and know you’re worthy, the pieces gradually begin to fall into place. I promise.
And drink your water. 😉
If you need support, message me on my website at ShariLikesFruit.com.
I’m grateful for this opportunity. I appreciate all you’re doing to highlight these incredible souls. One thing I’ve learned since being on social media is that there are a TON of kind humans in this world.
We’re spreading light and love, as corny as it sounds. Anytime I need to cheer up, I go to the comments in my recent videos. Influencers and followers alike vibe high on this lifestyle. It’s an honor to be a part of it.
Shari Likes Fruit
🍇 Supporting like-minded humans interested in
🌱 a plant-based lifestyle
🌱 incredible fruit
🌱 adorable animals
🍊🍌🍐🍉🍍🥭🥑🍓🐶😺
🍒 I’m grateful you’re here. 💗
all images courtesy of Shari Likes Fruit