We were lucky to catch up with Michelle Cehn recently and have shared our conversation below.
Michelle, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
As I reflect on my journey as a kindness advocate, entrepreneur, and founder and CEO of World of Vegan, I’m filled with a profound sense of gratitude for the meaningful projects that have shaped our mission and touched countless lives.
WorldofVegan.com isn’t just a website—it’s a labor of love, a digital sanctuary where passion meets purpose. From the countless hours poured into crafting engaging articles and delectable recipes to the heart-lifting moments of connection with our community, every aspect of this platform has been fueled by an unwavering commitment to spreading compassion and helping people life healthfully, kindly, and joyfully, and align their actions to their existing values.
World of Vegan: Plant-Based Food, Vegan Recipes, & Cruelty-Free Living Guides
Our “Animal Draw My Life” video series on YouTube also holds a special place in my heart, as it’s a testament to the power of creativity in advocacy and shows how just two people can reach millions and make a massive ripple of positive change in our world. In these illustrated videos, I worked with artist Sooyeon Jang to weave together the poignant narratives of factory-farmed animals, offering viewers a glimpse into their world of suffering and resilience—without having to show actual graphic footage that causes so many to turn away. It’s both heartbreaking and heartwarming to witness the impact of these illustrations as they ignite empathy and inspire action. Knowing that our art has the power to touch hearts and evoke meaningful change is a source of endless inspiration.
Another especially meaningful project has been my cookbook, The Friendly Vegan Cookbook, which was a true labor of love—building a library of perfected recipes that show how to cook vegan versions of 100 popular dishes, using familiar, affordable, mainstream ingredients. It’s a joy to hear from individuals who have discovered the joy of compassionate cooking through its pages, their newfound enthusiasm serving as a reminder of the transformative power of food.
Amidst it all, our Vegan Lifestyle guides stand as beacons of empowerment, offering practical tips and insights for those seeking to align their values with their actions. It’s exhilarating to witness the ripple effect of these resources as they empower individuals to make kinder, more sustainable choices in all aspects of their lives. From the kitchen to the closet, the impact of conscious living knows no bounds.
https://www.worldofvegan.com/category/lifestyle/
As I continue to chart my own course forward, fueled by passion and purpose, I’m filled with excitement for the journey ahead. Each day brings new opportunities to make a difference, to spark conversations, and to inspire change. And while the road may be challenging at times, the knowledge that our efforts are making a tangible difference in the lives of both humans and animals alike fills me with an indomitable sense of hope.
Michelle, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m Michelle Cehn [michellecehn.com], the founder of World of Vegan [https://www.worldofvegan.com/], a platform dedicated to spreading compassion and helping people make kind, healthy, and sustainable food and lifestyle choices.
My journey into this space began with a deep-rooted passion for animals and a desire to make a positive impact on the world. After learning about the suffering involved in animal farming, and especially dairy and egg farming, I became a vegetarian at the age of 8 and adopted a fully vegan lifestyle in college. It was so much easier, more delicious, and health-promoting than I expected, so I felt compelled to share the joys and benefits of plant-based living with others. This led me to dive headfirst into creating content and resources that would inspire and empower individuals to live more kindly.
At World of Vegan, we support and educate individuals interested in living kindly, more healthfully, or simply eating more plants. Our flagship platform, WorldofVegan.com, serves as a hub for recipes, guides, and resources that make vegan living accessible and enjoyable.
What sets World of Vegan apart is our unwavering commitment to authenticity, empathy, and inclusivity. We strive to create content and resources that resonate with people from all walks of life, regardless of their background or dietary preferences. Our approach is rooted in compassion, and we prioritize fostering a supportive and welcoming community where individuals can feel empowered to make positive changes in their lives.
Additionally, our focus on creativity and innovation allows us to deliver content that is both engaging and impactful, sparking meaningful conversations and driving positive change.
World of Vegan is more than just a website—it’s a movement. It’s a community of compassionate individuals coming together to create a brighter, better world for all beings. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or die-hard meat lover, there’s a place for you here. We’re here to support you, inspire you, and empower you to live your values and make a positive impact on the world.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My primary goal driving my creative journey is rooted in the pursuit of reducing suffering in the world. Inspired by the principles of utilitarianism, I believe in minimizing suffering for all beings, human and non-human alike. That’s why I focus on animal agriculture—it’s responsible for the most immense and extreme suffering of our time.
The suffering caused by animal agriculture and factory farming affects billions of animals every year. In these industries, animals are often subjected to cramped and unsanitary conditions, deprived of their natural behaviors, and treated as mere commodities. From the moment they are born until their untimely deaths, these sentient beings endure unimaginable cruelty, including confinement, mutilation, transport, and slaughter.
Animals raised for food are used as profit-making machines rather than the individuals they are, with little regard for their well-being or intrinsic value. The relentless pursuit of efficiency and profit in these industries has led to the widespread use of inhumane practices, such as overcrowding, routine mutilations like debeaking and tail docking without anesthesia, and the use of growth hormones and antibiotics to maximize production.
Moreover, the environmental impact of animal agriculture cannot be overstated. From deforestation and habitat destruction to water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, the industrial-scale farming of animals contributes significantly to climate change and ecological degradation, further exacerbating global suffering.
It’s essential to recognize the profound ethical implications of supporting industries that perpetuate such widespread suffering and environmental destruction. By choosing plant-based alternatives and advocating for a more compassionate and sustainable food system, we can help alleviate the suffering of animals, protect the planet, and create a more just and humane world for all beings.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Connecting with other creators in my space has been invaluable to my journey, and looking back, I wish I had prioritized it sooner. Building relationships with fellow creators not only provides a sense of community and support but also offers opportunities for knowledge-sharing, collaboration, inspiration, and growth.
By sharing ideas, strategies, and best practices, we can learn from each other’s successes and challenges, ultimately strengthening our own creative endeavors.
Additionally, the sense of camaraderie and mutual support that comes from connecting with fellow creators is truly invaluable. In an industry as competitive and fast-paced as the creative world, having a supportive network of peers can make all the difference.
Whether it’s offering encouragement during tough times, celebrating each other’s achievements, or collaborating on projects, the bonds forged with fellow creators can be a source of inspiration and motivation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.worldofvegan.com/
- Instagram: instagram.com/vegan
- Facebook: facebook.com/worldofvegan
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-of-vegan/
- Twitter: @worldofvegan
- Youtube: youtube.com/worldofvegan
- Other: Vegan Recipes: https://www.worldofvegan.com/recipes/ Vegan Bath & Beauty: https://www.worldofvegan.com/category/lifestyle/beauty/ Vegan Nutrition: https://www.worldofvegan.com/category/lifestyle/nutrition/ Vegan Fast Food Guides: https://www.worldofvegan.com/category/lifestyle/fast-food/ Must See Documentaries: https://www.worldofvegan.com/vegan-documentaries/ My Podcast: https://plantbasedmealplan.com/podcast What is a Vegan? https://www.worldofvegan.com/what-is-a-vegan/ Why go Vegan? https://www.worldofvegan.com/why-vegan/ How to Go Vegan: https://www.worldofvegan.com/how-to-go-vegan/