April 6, 2022
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Jessica Gabrielle (left) shares a laugh with a customer, next to Ashley Rian (right). They are co-owners of Nova Sage. Vegan Exchange in North Hollywood, Calif on Sunday, March 20, 2022 (Anna Sophia Moltke | The Corsair)
L.A. Vegan Exchange Serves Up Vibes
Sydney Adams-Smith | Staff Writer
booth and food truck, customers are greeted by vendors with warm personstreet market crafted by veg- alities ready to assist them. “Everyone ans with the goal of creating is so nice, there’s just something for a close knit community wel- everyone.” Customer Jeannette Elliot said. When speaking about the vendors coming to all. Jessica Cruz and fellow vendors Elliot said, “They’re clearly well educatstart their day with positive affirma- ed about what they’re doing and pastions and an energetic dance rally to sionate.” Cruz’s inspiration for the Vegan Exget them excited and prepared for a successful day on Chandler Blvd, home change wasn’t only to create a loving environment, but also to destigmatize of the Vegan Exchange. The organizer of the Vegan Ex- veganism. “For me, any vegan event change, Jessica Cruz, started the event that I’ve ever done is all about bringing with the need for more convenient veg- vegan food to people who otherwise wouldn’t try it." Cruz an friendly food op"You know, you tions. She explained "Vibes! You walk in said. can beat people over how Los Angeles had so many vegan spots, here and you feel it the head with animal yet they rarely got any immediately. You see cruelty, but I don’t think that people typically recognition. The Vegan Ex- it in people’s energy." change that way, I think it’s very intrinsic.” change is a weekly vegOne thing that many customers, an market based in North Hollywood. Different vendors sell food, clothing, vendors, and the organizer could all skincare, and more that are all vegan agree on, was that the vibe of the Vegan and cruelty-free. The venue is free to Exchange experience is a very unique enter, with the goal of creating a veg- and positive one. Jessica Gabrielle, vendor of Nova an-based positive space for all attendees. “I want every single person to walk Sage, describes the Vegan Exchange in here and feel like they see themselves eperience as, “Really amazing vibes, represented in the vendors, in the peo- very supportive vibrations." Gabrielle goes on to say, "It’s differple, it’s a good vibe, it’s a good energy,” ent from other markets because evCruz said. Creating a welcoming environment erybody here is being so mindful. It’s is just as important to the vendors as it a different level of care when you have is to the organizer. Upon arrival at every people who care for themselves that
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Alexis Sark holds a box of vegan lemon-pepper chicken wings from the food truck Drippin Wangs. Vegan Exchange in North Hollywood, Calif on Sunday, March 20, 2022 (Anna Sophia Moltke | The Corsair)
much, they’re also caring for you that way.” When asked if she could describe Vegan Exchange with one word, organizer Cruz also used vibes. “Vibes! You walk in here and you feel it immediately. You see it in people’s energy. You never see an unhappy person at Vegan Exchange ever.” She said. COVID-19 caused the market to take an 18 month pause, but the vibes
still remained. Cruz expressed that she and her team strictly keep up with the mandates and follow the Los Angeles County guidelines to ensure the safety of everybody involved in the weekly market. Jessica Cruz wanted Vegan Exchange to feel like a home to all, whilst building a safe community and destigmatizing veganism one food truck at a time.
People standing in line to order at Dinas Dumplings at the Vegan Exchange in North Hollywood, Calif on Sunday, March 20, 2022 (Anna Sophia Moltke | The Corsair)
