Go Vegan

Welcome to Our Journey

Whether you are thinking about taking the Veganuary pledge, have already taken the leap, made the change years ago, or are simply curious about what it’s all about, you are so welcome here.

For us, it has always been about the animals. But like many people, our path didn't happen overnight. It was a series of small, meaningful steps.

Every Journey Starts with a Single Step

Back in 1988, I met a vegetarian for the very first time. That year, instead of giving up the usual chocolate, I decided to try giving up meat. That was it, I was hooked! (Though I'll admit, the bacon cravings took a little while to fade.) At the time, becoming fully vegan hadn't even crossed my mind.

Living in Turkey in the early 1990s as a vegetarian was a unique adventure. The concept wasn't widely understood back then. I was lovingly offered tripe soup with the meat pieces carefully strained out, or plates of fried chicken because "it isn't meat!" Even delicious bean stews and rice were often cooked in meat stock, so I spent many meals happily eating omelettes and chips.

When we moved back to the UK in 1999, my husband Haluk decided to stop eating meat too. From that day on, we raised our family as vegetarians.

The Road to Veganism

For a long time, I thought veganism felt a bit extreme - until I became vegan myself. Looking back, I realised I had actually been walking that path for years without fully knowing it:

Swapping daily habits: Switching from cow's milk to plant-based alternatives.

Thoughtful choices: Choosing cruelty-free skincare and avoiding cosmetics with animal ingredients.

Mindful living: Opting for second-hand leather when needed, lifting dustbin lids at night in Izmir so street cats could find food, and even helping ants safely cross the road!

Then came New Year's Day 2016. Haluk, who loves a good surprise, announced out of the blue that he had become vegan. Years earlier, people said he had become vegetarian because of me. This time, the tables were turned. His decision inspired mine, and by Easter, I was vegan too.

"It’s one of the best decisions we have ever made. Our only regret? That we didn't do it sooner."

What Does Being Vegan Really Mean?

Veganism isn't about perfection; it’s about compassion and doing the best we can. As The Vegan Society beautifully defines it:

"Veganism is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans and the environment."

Wherever You Are on Your Path, We’re Here to Support You

You don't have to change everything overnight. Every gentle choice you make creates a kinder world for animals, the planet, and yourself.

Whether you're taking your very first step or looking for inspiration along the way, we're glad you're here. Let's take the next step together.

Why Veganism Matters: Animals, Health, and Planet

Preventing animal exploitation and cruelty is at the heart of why we, and so many others, choose a vegan lifestyle. But it doesn't end there. Going vegan is also one of the most powerful steps you can take for your personal health and for the sustainability of our planet and global communities.

Looking for trusted research and practical guidance? The Vegan Society is an incredible resource for advice on health, nutrition, and everyday plant-based living.

Conscious Choices & Supporting Truly Vegan Values

Wherever you are on your journey - whether you’re doing it for the animals, the environment, your health, or all three - we know that finding genuine alternatives can sometimes feel tricky. That applies to the skincare and products you put on your body just as much as the food you put in it.

It’s wonderful that so many major mainstream brands now offer vegan options. It just shows how many people are looking for them. However, purchasing vegan items from large non-vegan corporations often means your hard-earned money continues to support parent companies that engage in animal testing, meat processing, or using animal ingredients in their other lines.

As a 100% vegan business run by vegans, you can shop with us with peace of mind. Every single penny you spend with us stays within the vegan economy and will never end up supporting animal exploitation.

It’s a Journey, Not Perfection

Going vegan is a continuous learning experience. Even if you cut out animal products from your diet overnight, adopting a fully vegan lifestyle takes time.

In fact, after years of living this way, we're still discovering hidden animal products in the most unexpected places:

Fruit coatings: A few years ago, I reached for a bottle of fresh orange juice only to read "not suitable for vegans" on the back. It turns out many citrus fruits are waxed with shellac - a resin derived from the lac insect.

Paper production: We were excited to source eco-friendly paper made from recycled cotton off-cuts, until our research revealed that gelatine was used as a sizing agent in that specific papermaking process.

Stationery: Just a few years ago, we learned that many pencils - especially those with softer leads—contain animal fats as a binding agent!

Living a 100% hidden-ingredient-free life in a modern world might feel nearly impossible, but veganism isn't about perfection. It's about doing the best we can, educating ourselves along the way, and making better choices as we learn.

A Little Helping Hand on Your Path

To support you wherever you are on your journey, we’d love to offer you 10% off everything in our online shop.

🎁 Use Code: GOVEGAN at Checkout

Offer is valid for one use per customer. Excludes gift cards.