JANUARY 31, 2023
Very Vegan VEERAH: Emmy-winning Journalist Jacque Reid
This multi-hyphenate vegan fashionista shares how to adopt a conscientious and sustainable way of living.
Jacque in this über cool ‘fit with our Venus strappy sandal heels. | @jacquereid
We are ending Veganuary with a bang, but that doesn't mean your vegan journey has to end! For this exclusive Very Vegan VEERAH feature, we picked the brain of Emmy award-winning journalist, vegan lifestyle expert, and one of our muses, Jacque Reid. Jacque has been a vegan for the last five years and shares tons of great info and inspo on @VeganSexyCool, “a vegan guide to fabulously leaning into wellness, sustainability, and kindness.” She has always been on our radar for vegan and sustainable lifestyle news and insights. Not to mention, we adore her style, too! Ahead, we invite you to be inspired by our exclusive interview with this dynamic TV and radio personality.
Throwback to our NBC New York Live feature with TODAY Show lifestyle correspondent and TV style expert, Chassie Post; Jacque Reid; and VEERAH founder and chief warrior, Stacey Chang. Jacque and Stacey are both decked out in VEERAH designer vegan heels.
On Jacque Reid’s Vegan Story
Jacque shows us that a happy vegan is a healthy one. | @jacquereid
What was the turning point in your life that made you decide to go vegan?
JR: I always considered myself an animal lover, but just did not make the connection that by eating them I was doing them harm. I saw an ad on Facebook that showed one woman’s journey to becoming an ethical vegan. She was Black, like me, and the ad said that by going vegan I could save up to 200 farm animals a year. That was it for me.
Has becoming vegan helped or changed your career as a TV/radio personality and journalist?
JR: Yes. It broadened my intellectual curiosity. It changed the stories/issues I wanted to report on. [Also,] it changed the people I wanted to interview—from the way I conducted interviews, down to the questions I asked. I think when you become a vegan you become an activist, and that passion to fight for animals, save the planet, and help people become conscious consumers spilled over into my work.
On Fashion and Lifestyle
Who says vegan fashion has to be boring? Take cues from Jacque’s fun yet fearless OOTDs. | @jacquereid
We adore your style! How has it changed since becoming vegan? What are some of your favorite vegan designers or brands?
JR: Well, thank you! I have always loved fashion and I love the hunt for a good, quality find—whether it be a bargain or a rare item. While switching to vegan fashion can be challenging, it was fun for me to track down great vegan pieces. Well, I have to honestly say VEERAH is one of my faves. [It’s] because of the quality and attention to detail. I also love Pīferi, Frida Rome, Nanushka, Stella McCartney, Sylth Virago, LBLC the Label, ai Toronto Seoul, Cult of Coquette, LØCI wear, and Sans Beast.
What are your top vegan (fashion, food, fitness, etc.) Instagram accounts we should be following?
JR: @heyashleyrenne, @plantbasedrd, @afyaibomu, @rasheetajoy, @icanyoucanvegan, and @stillshoutin.
What is one piece of advice that you can give to new vegans?
JR: Learning to cook vegan will help you better understand how to eat vegan.
Any tips on what not to do when going vegan?
JR: Don’t be hard on yourself when you make mistakes. Have fun with it.
Can you share three myths about veganism and the truth behind these?
JR: [One is that] you can’t be healthy eating vegan. Not true! Learn how to eat to get the daily nutrients and vitamins you need, and you will thrive. [Next is that] you will lose weight if you eat vegan—nope. You have to make healthy choices, just like non-vegans. [Lastly,] vegan fashion is cheaply made. False! There is so much high quality, chic vegan fashion available out there. It is not hard to dress vegan and be fabulous.
On Looking Ahead
Alongside actress and TV host, Sherrie Shepherd, Jacque guest hosted on The Wendy Williams Show last year where she shared her favorite vegan fashion brands (including VEERAH, of course!) | @VeganSexyCool
Tell us about any exciting plans or projects for the New Year?
JR: I am encouraging new vegans and the vegan-curious to join my “12 Months to Vegan” Facebook group, where each month we take baby steps towards learning how to eat vegan. It is easy, educational, and fun!
Keep up with Jacque’s work and get the latest vegan scoop on Vegan Sexy Cool through the following links:
Website: www.vegansexycool.com
Instagram: @jacquereid and @vegansexycool
YouTube: @vegansexycool5777
Facebook: Jacque Reid TV, Vegan Sexy Cool, and 12 Months to Vegan
Twitter: @jacquereid and @vegansexycool
