Eco Voyage

meet clara | the vashion blogg

location | sweden

eco voyage's green crush series showcases green living advocates who are committed to mindful lifestyles and dedicated to protecting both the environment + all those who inhabit planet earth. today, in our first installment, we meet the intrepid + beautiful blogger with the platinum blonde bob + a heart of gold. this is clara from the vashion blogg, a passionate animal rights activist + slow fashion connoisseur who hails from sweden.

live

ev: what is one small action you might encourage others to take to live a more compassionate, cruelty-free lifestyle?

clara: I find that the best way to get started and changing ones life towards a more compassionate one, is as simple as this: In every given moment, ask yourself, "What is the most compassionate and mindful choice I can make, right now?". Personally I am more strict and always refrain completely from animal products. But if that feels too hard, start by making the most friendly choice you can, be it [a vegan or vegetarian meal] at a restaurant or [eschewing animal products like leather, down or silk] when shopping for clothes.

learn

ev: how and why did you decide to go vegan and to pursue a green lifestyle? are there books/movies which you might recommend to others who are interested in learning more about the issues of animal rights and sustainability?

“I am brave in the way that I don’t let my fears control me, and I speak up when I feel that something is wrong. I choose to believe that I am capable and deserve to be happy.”

clara: I´ve always loved animals. The process started about 4 years ago when I stumbled over some information about the animal industry. Slowly I started to realize that I was taking part in the horrible abuse and killing of feeling individuals, as well as the destruction of the planet and my own body. I started to eat less meat, and then decided over night that I would try the vegan lifestyle. This was 3 years ago and I have never looked back since. I´d recommend anyone who wants to know more to start following their local (and international) animal rights organisations like Djurens Ratt and Djurrattsalliansen. The book Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs and Wear Cows by Melanie Joy is a great read. Movies like Cowspiracy, Earthlings, What the Health and Forks Over Knives are super-inspiring and informatve, too.

love

ev: tell us one-three personal qualities about yourself that you would never change?

clara: I am brave in the way that I don´t let my fears control me, and I speak up when I feel that something is wrong. This can sometimes put me in challenging situations, but it is worth it. We cannot afford to live our lives in silence and submission. I also believe in myself and my own worth. Doubt can really get in the way between us and the things we want and need, and so I choose to believe that I am capable and deserve to be happy. This has been a game changer for me.

get happy

ev: share four things that make you really happy.

clara: Sunshine and warm weather. Being around animals. Connecting with nature. Deep and meaningful connections with other humans.

into the calm

ev: what do you do to decompress when you're feeling a little stressed?

clara: I tell myself that everything will be okay, that this too will pass. I also try to pinpoint what exactly is stressing me out, and decide whether or not it something I can control. I also remind myself that my thoughts are just thoughts, they are not reality, they are not the truth. I also make sure to meditate more.

work it

ev: in addition to blogging, you work full time. you create weekly content for your website and daily content for social media! it takes a lot of time + dedication to sustain your own blog. what motivates you to do so?

clara: That I´m not doing this for myself - I´m doing it for the animals. I think that if it was merely an ego-trip, I would not be as dedicated. Every time I doubt the work that I do, or feel like just giving up, I remind myself that it has a bigger purpose. This gives me the energy to keep on hustling.

wear it

ev: describe your favorite outfit from head to toe including any favorite vegan fashion brands. what is one thing you never leave the house without?

clara: This was a tricky question! I´m really in to the business chic look, so it would have to be somethig like this. A light blouse - I love my new black and white striped one, in recycled polyester, from Jan n´ June. [I like] dressed up pants or high waist jeans. I have a pair of beige pants in silky modal from Noumenon that are just amazing to wear at the office. Shoes with a heel, something that makes a statement. I just invested in a pair of red pumps from Matt and Nat that I absolutely adore. A chic bag that fits all my stuff - I have a nude colored bag from Marypoint that is a favourite of mine. I usually add a simple makeup with mascara, bronzer and lipstick. I´d never leave home without something that makes me feel chic. It can be a material, a specific clothing item, or makeup - I just find that my days are much more fun if I enjoy my appearance.

it's a bird, it's a plane, it's a superhero

ev: which person/s do you most admire and why?

clara: All amazing vegan entrepreneurs who show such bravery and dedication in a tough market. People running animal sanctuaries, that is such an act of pure love. [For a list of animal sanctuaries around the world to support or visit, click here.]