VeggieVision TV with Karin Ridgers

from Plant Powered Planet: Issue 1

by VegfestUK

Vegan Compassion In Action: New Projects Launched To Tackle Human Hunger

check out veggievision.tv!

I was about 3 years old when I asked my dad if you had to have blue eyes to be an actress - I have dark brown eyes and dark brown hair. I wondered if I could ‘make it’ with brown eyes… I don’t understand this now of course, however at the time it made sense.

However...

after initially going vegetarian in my early 20s and only then having the oomph and confidence to start my acting career I realised that I kind of like just being me. So my love of presenting started. It wasn’t that long of course until I had my lightbulb moment – I must combine my passion for veganism with my love of presenting. So I did.

My dream was (is) to have a vegan TV show. However after sending in my pilot TV show to the TV stations 20 years ago they told me “You are too ahead of your time”, “Veganism and vegetarianism is too niche”, and “We will never have a programme about veganism and vegetarianism.” Somewhere I still have the letters.

So I thought – what would Tony Robbins do? And he would just get on and do it himself… so that’s what I did. Part of me is proud that VeggieVision TV was set up before YouTube was a thing, and part of me is embarrassed as I so wanted by now for it to be a huge deal in the vegan world and make a massive difference for veganism.

My downside is it has never been about money – however ideas and business can’t grow without it!

**Karins first showreel for TV presenting**

**Karin with long time friend Fiona Oakes – Fiona obviously won this local Essex based race while Karin was somewhere right at the back dressed as a lettuce to promote veganism**

Stand out moments are when vegan presenters in Australia sent me interviews and clips to show on VeggieVision TV, a vegan German pop band also filmed and sent their film footage to me – and when I say send I mean posting VHS tapes! Not just a click of a button and upload back in the day.

When the lovely lady in Paris sent me a clip in her husky French accent saying “Bonjour you are watching VeggieVision TV” I was blown away.

And I was equally as moved when working around 2am one night when my son was a toddler and receiving an email from a lady in Poland thanking me … she didn’t know any other vegans and now she had found VeggieVision TV, she didn’t feel lonely anymore.

Much more recently I was in The Houses of Parliament and after asking a question (I always ask a question!) a lovely lady came up to tell me how much she loves VeggieVision TV and what an inspiration I have been to her. I am not sure of my reply now as I was in shock! How amazing!

The first look for VV TV was a black and silver website and no technology to support watching videos online – thanks to the perseverance and support of Ketan Majmudar we launched with about 5 short film clips that were fun, clunky and made with love to promote veganism.

Lots of things of course have happened since and I still work on my VeggieVision TV TV programme dream as well as running the site for love. We have interviews, competitions, reviews, articles and news… and a veg*n dating site too.

And because of VeggieVision TV I have been able to talk with restaurant and hotel managers and owners to do my best for them to understand veganism and to help them cater for fellow vegans.

**Promoting veganism in the local press 16 years ago**

**Karin with Heather Small on her radio show after meeting at VegfestUK**

I have met the most amazing people – I have filmed with Joanna Lumley and the late Sean Hughes. I’ve filmed with the incredible Benjamin Zephaniah and Jerome Flynn.

I worked with Heather Mills after being introduced by someone I filmed with for VV TV. I just love meeting interesting people and getting to know them more.

So life is a juggle – with my son (life long vegan son Callum) as well as my vegan PR business. I adore my clients, and I love spreading the vegan message to the media. Over the years I know I have gained hundreds & thousands of pounds worth of promotion for my clients and for veganism.

It is as exciting now as it was 15 years ago! However yes VeggieVision TV is still my baby and I would love for it to get to the next level – come on vegan guardian angel!

I have so many exciting plans and ideas – and if things could happen way before social media then there would be no stopping us now! So plans moving forward – yes I still dream of my vegan TV show … And now filming has become a lot less challenging and difficult – you can sit in front of your PC or just get your phone out! And while I am delighted my son can walk into a sweet shop now and buy some sweets, I am old-school vegan so I won’t stop promoting a positive vegan message until all the cages are empty rather than more vegan options.

Do come and say hello, sign up for our free VeggieVision TV Vegan Cookery book – with a meal planner, shopping list and 40 fantastic vegan recipes!