This feature includes both Ra’s written story and the full video interview from The Michiana Hivecast, where host Jamila Blue and Ra explore the heart, health, and hope behind choosing a vegan lifestyle.
A Story Rooted in Compassion
Before our interview, Ra shared her personal journey in writing — an intimate look at the early experiences that shaped her values and inspired her shift toward a more compassionate way of living.
Ra’s Vegan Story
“I grew up in a small town in Michigan with a dad who hunted regularly (raccoon, deer, etc.). We often had animals being ‘processed’ in our garage and in the kitchen. We raised chickens, turkeys, and rabbits for food, although my parents tricked us into eating the rabbits at first telling us they were chicken nuggets. It was all rather traumatic for me, and I rebelled in my teens. I stopped eating meat, and only relapsed a couple times in my early adult life when I thought I needed it (my first pregnancy).Eventually I learned about how meat affects our health, and how the production of meat affects our planet. These convinced me to stop eating meat for good. I read about the contaminants in seafood and, considering the ethics as well, stopped eating seafood. The more I learned through books and documentaries, I decided to stop consuming dairy and eggs. My body feels cleaner than it ever has.
My group of vegan friends has grown in the past 10 years, and I met my vegan husband 5 years ago! We find wonderful vegan restaurants everywhere we travel, continue learning how to optimize our food choices, and are learning more recipes as we go. It’s a lifestyle we love.”
Ra’s story captures a journey of awakening — from the challenges of growing up around hunting and animal processing, to embracing a life guided by compassion, curiosity, and conscious choice.
From Awareness to Action
In her interview, Ra reflects on how those early experiences shaped her awareness of animal welfare and sustainability. Over the years, she transitioned from a vegetarian to a pescatarian to a fully vegan diet, learning how each choice impacted her health and the planet.
She shares the real-world challenges she faced — from cravings to limited restaurant options — and the joy she found in discovering supportive community spaces like VegMichiana, where plant-based living is both celebrated and shared.
The Joy of Everyday Vegan Living
Ra describes veganism not as a limitation, but as a creative and fulfilling way to eat. Her favorite meals include colorful veggie bowls with tempeh, vibrant smoothies, and homemade protein brownies sweetened with bananas and dates.
She encourages anyone curious about veganism to start small:
“Even one plant-based meal a week can make a difference — for your body, the animals, and the Earth.”
Building a Conscious Community
Ra’s journey extends beyond food. She embraces a holistic approach to living lightly — avoiding leather and wool, supporting local ethical farmers through Purple Porch Co-op, and participating in VegMichiana’s annual VegFest, a lively event filled with local vendors, delicious food, and educational resources.
Through these efforts, she reminds us that veganism is about more than what’s on our plate — it’s a way of honoring our interconnectedness with all beings.
A Celebration of Change
As we honor World Vegan Day, Ra’s story and conversation offer a heartfelt reminder: every conscious choice matters. Whether it’s trying a new recipe, attending a local event, or simply becoming more mindful of what we consume, each step moves us closer to a more compassionate world.
🌱 Watch Ra’s full interview above and be inspired to explore what conscious living means to you.
Together, let’s celebrate the growing movement of compassion, health, and sustainability right here in Michiana.
