This month’s Sexy Bad Ass Vegan comes from the midwest in a place than many love to visit… Chicago! Yerika is a lovely soul who is about peace and harmony amongst all living creatures. As you can see from her various pictures she is alway out to help all that need her. Make sure to check out more of this wonderful soul. I introduce to you Yerika, April’s Sexy Bad Ass Vegan of the Month!!!
Name: Yerika
Where do you live and where are you from?
Live in Chicago, illinois. Born in the beautiful island of Puerto Rico
Age?
30 Great question, age is just a number 😉
What do you do for a living/profession?
I Studied counseling in substance abuse and domestic violence also I’m a certified dental assistant. At the moment I do what makes me happy which is baking I have a small business called Azucar Vegan Bakery I cater cupcakes to a local restaurant Quesadilla Mexican restaurant in Chicago. I also do modeling gigs. I consider that my hobby even tho I’m getting paid for it, body paint, promotional work. I’m an amateur photographer and make up artist. Oh almost forgot about my line of handmade jewelry, Sojo Jewelry.
What do you like to do for fun?
For fun I like to get together with friends. Since I don’t have family close to me at the moment friends are a very important part of my life and I appreciate all my good friends out there that support me unconditionally. Reading a good book, or watching a foreign movie or documentary, walking my dog Zeus.
How long have you been vegan?
About 3 years
Why did you become vegan?
First because of animals, the world and my health.
How was your transition?
It was pretty easy because I was determined. I didn’t went vegan from one day to the other, first i stopped eating meat, then fish and then dairy. There is so much help out there, information you can look up on how to become vegan, recipes, groups you can join to make the transition easy.
What is the funniest misconception(s) that you have heard about vegans?
Where do you get your protein? and they give me a look of disbelieve, amazed like if I was an alien. I’ve been asked how do I get my protein a hundred times. It still surprise me to this day. It’s 2013 and the majority of population don’t have a clue that you can get protein from a plant base diet! At the same time when people ask me gives me an opportunity to educate them about veganism.
What is your Favorite thing(s) about being a vegan?
I sleep better at night knowing that my conscience is clear, knowing that I didn’t contribute to animal suffering and murder. Knowing that my body is not a grave. Beside that, even tho I’m battling an autoimmune disease I have more energy than when I was 22! Becoming vegan was the best decision of my life.
What do you think makes a Sexy Bad Ass Vegan?
Sexy is relative. A vegan that is not selfish, that is also helping others to become a better person. A warrior that fights against oppression on a daily basis. That after finding her/his purpose is reaching out to others and the community and that my friend to me it’s HOT!
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What is the best vegan dish that you make in your kitchen?
I basically re-invent all the dishes I used to like before going vegan. For example my favorite is Puerto Rican food, I’m puertorican! Love Italian and Tai food too. So I just substitute animal ingredients with vegan soy meat, rice or hemp milk, vegan butter etc…some people get complicated about vegan cooking, its easy! just SUBSTITUTE. I spend most of the day in the kitchen lol and now I love every minute of it, before was a task now it’s a pleasure to cook vegan dishes. there’s so much more you can do with vegan ingredients, the variety of vegetables, grains and fruits its limitless.
What is the best Vegan Restaurant you have ever had the pleasure of eating at?
Well luckily in Chicago there are a few vegan restaurants and now more restaurants with vegan options, the vegan population is growing day by day. It’s hard to pick one, The Chicago Diner, Native foods, Amitabul, Karyn’s on green and Karyn’s cooked, lastly but not least Quesadilla La Reina del Sur my favorite, why? cause you can find my cupcakes there! and because food there is soooo cheap.
What advice do you have for those that are thinking of transitioning to a vegan lifestyle?
Key word ‘transition’ knowledge is power and you can not have knowledge in a couple of hours right?. I don’t say it’s impossible to transition in a couple of hours. To be vegan you should first ask yourself why? then take it from there and transition at your own pace, you don’t have to rush, I know and agree that for the animals and the planet every minute, every second counts but in my experience i’ve seen people not be sucesful vegans because they feel forced by friends, family or a partner, in a couple of days or weeks they go back to eating animals. They don’t have a genuine reason or understanding. Being vegan its not a diet or a trend its a lifelong decision to be compassionate to all sentient beings including yourself and mother earth.
Do you have a website to share with the BAV nation?
yerikas/facebook.com and azucarveganbakery/facebook.com
