In this episode I interview Justin Mead, owner of Vegan Style footwear and accessories store in Melbourne, Australia.
Starting out with humble beginnings in two small rooms sharing with a vegan cafe and only open two days a week, to opening a flagship retail store in the vegan-friendly hub on Brunswick Street, the company has grown to become a market leader in the provision of high-quality, fashionable and stylish products that are made without harming animals and minimizing impact on the environment.
Vegan Style carries a diverse range of brands in women’s and men’s styles from across the globe, including its house brand Zette.
Among the innovative eco-friendly materials used in some products are recycled PET bottles and laser-cut wood from ethically managed forests.
Also, Vegan Style recently became the first retailer in Australia to carry sneakers made from Pinatex, a leather-alternative made from pineapple leaves.
Justin started Vegan Style in 2010 while still working full time in web development for the Department of Education. And he still works full time for the Victorian State Government.
In this interview he talks about:
• How staying in a salaried day job can allow your business to grow much faster
• The need to educate customers on the higher price points of products
• The importance of valuing your staff and utilizing all their skills
• The pros and cons of using the word ‘vegan’ in your business name
• And much more.
Visit the Vegan Style website
Brands mentioned in vegan business news roundup:
Conad
Susi Studio
Snacklins
Bentley
Dun-Well Doughnuts
RESOURCES:
My Online PR Course for Vegan Business Owners & Entrepreneurs: Vegans in the Limelight
My book Vegan Ventures: Start and Grow an Ethical Business
Follow Vegan Business Media on:
Connect with me personally at:
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Vegan Business Media is a multi-media, multi-author blog for aspiring and existing owners of vegan-run businesses, designed to equip them with the information, tools, inspiration and resources they need to start and grow their enterprises. It is hosted by award-winning journalist Katrina Fox.
