Culture

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

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)

Sydney Adams-Smith | Staff Writer

Astreet market crafted by vegans with the goal of creating a close knit community welcoming to all.

Jessica Cruz and fellow vendors start their day with positive affirmations and an energetic dance rally to get them excited and prepared for a successful day on Chandler Blvd, home of the Vegan Exchange.

The organizer of the Vegan Exchange, Jessica Cruz, started the event with the need for more convenient vegan friendly food options. She explained how Los Angeles had so many vegan spots, yet they rarely got any recognition.

The Vegan Exchange is a weekly vegan market based in North Hollywood. Different vendors sell food, clothing, skincare, and more that are all vegan and cruelty-free. The venue is free to enter, with the goal of creating a vegan-based positive space for all attendees. “I want every single person to walk in here and feel like they see themselves represented in the vendors, in the people, it’s a good vibe, it’s a good energy,” Cruz said.

Creating a welcoming environment is just as important to the vendors as it is to the organizer. Upon arrival at every

booth and food truck, customers are greeted by vendors with warm personalities ready to assist them. “Everyone is so nice, there’s just something for everyone.” Customer Jeannette Elliot said. When speaking about the vendors Elliot said, “They’re clearly well educated about what they’re doing and passionate.” Cruz’s inspiration for the Vegan Exchange wasn’t only to create a loving environment, but also to destigmatize veganism. “For me, any vegan event that I’ve ever done is all about bringing vegan food to people who otherwise wouldn’t try it." Cruz "Vibes! You walk in here and you feel it said. "You know, you can beat people over the head with animal immediately. You see it in people’s energy." cruelty, but I don’t think that people typically change that way, I think it’s very intrinsic.” One thing that many customers, vendors, and the organizer could all agree on, was that the vibe of the Vegan Exchange experience is a very unique and positive one. Jessica Gabrielle, vendor of Nova Sage, describes the Vegan Exchange eperience as, “Really amazing vibes, very supportive vibrations." Gabrielle goes on to say, "It’s different from other markets because everybody here is being so mindful. It’s a different level of care when you have people who care for themselves that 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.