The Story of Eco-licious: VegFest
Posted on May 29, 2012 by James Stewart Jr
Eco-licious is a general store for vegans that opened in the middle of 2011 in Plaza Midwood. It has food, personal hygiene products, baby products, pet products, and much more all which are cruelty-free and eco-friendly. Owned by Fiona Humphrey and Marley Calridge, both who wish to support the Charlotte vegan community. They sell products that they have researched and personally used. Another way they support the vegan community is through a festival they have called VegFest.
VegFest brought local vendors, food from local restaurants, education, raffle, and proceeds supported the North Mecklenburg Animal Rescue. For many vegans, it was a way for them to know they have options in Charlotte. This is part 2 of a two part interview with Eco-licious. Part 1 is here.
- Why did you choose to make VegFest?
We wanted to show support for the larger community. We wanted to support other organizations and show their shared values.
- Did you enjoy creating VegFest?
Absolutely! Creating events with many different parts is very difficult. It allowed the vendors to meet each other and to network. Also it allowed vegans new and experienced to find options.
- Will VegFest gone on another year?
Definitely. We hope it will be larger with more vendors. We want to incorporate more of the store so attendees see the faces behind some of the things we sell. We have locally made products from the neighborhood and people do not even recognize that. We want to keep it personal and hopefully raise more money supporting more charities and causes.
- I did not meet all the vendors. Who were they?
Addsome Zing: Rachel Lock, a local handbag maker who sells her goods on Etsy. Addsome Zing is on Facebook as well.
BeYoga: At Be Yoga, we believe in making yoga accessible, enjoyable, and enlightening. With the focus and clarity that yoga practice can provide, we hope to offer the tools and techniques for you to create a beautiful life for yourself and others – along with the support of a strong yoga community.
Chelly’s Cupcakes: Delicious customized cupcakes made just for you!
Carolina Green Supply: We are the premier, local purveyor of a plant-based line of tableware for those that are seeking a greener foodservice function.
Envi Essentials: ENVI essentials is an All Natural Product Line made with Organic ingredients. “Go Green with ENVI”
Fountain of Youth Foods: Vegan baking for events and parties.
Naomi Torres Jewelry: Home Crafts Made Easy with Naomi Torres
Nourish: Nourish exists to make it supremely easy for busy, health-oriented Charlotteans to have locally-sourced, clean, nutritious, prepared foods at their fingertips, while supporting our planet, our local economy, and our neighbors at the same time.
PlazaMidwood Radio: PLaza Midwood Community Radio (PMCR) is a non-profit commercial-free and listener-supported community radio station that celebrates cultural diversity and is committed to equality.
Raw Velvet Vintage: Vintage clothing is meant for the fun, the brave, and the people that appreciate an eclectic style.
Savory SpiceShop: Savory Spice Shop offers 400 fresh ground herbs and spices, 140 hand-blended seasonings, organic selections, extracts, and gift sets. Our spices are ground fresh weekly, so that we can offer the freshest possible product.
The Lucky Butterfly: Reusable Sandwich and Snack bags.
Zizi’s Vegetarian Restaurant: Vegan restaurant where Entire menu selections are Vegan, free from eggs and dairy. While much of our proteins are plant based from non gmo soy beans, other sources include grains, nuts, and always FRESH vegetables from land & sea.
