We haven't done one of these in a while!
Like we mentioned on these pages a bit back (right down there, actually, if you scroll a bit? See it?), despite what you may think due to our highly professional, polished nature, MooShoes is NOT, in fact, a massive corporation run by a distant, aloof board of directors or an elusive, mustachioed CEO who gives everyone the creeps, we're a pretty small group of friends and co-workers (and the two sisters who started it all back in NYC in 2001).
So we're (slowly) working to introduce ourselves to you via seven-question interviews with each of our staff on these pages and through Instagram.
Next up, Rebecca, who formerly worked at our NYC store and now calls our Los Angeles store home (not literally, she has her own digs with fewer cats/shoes).
First off, what do you do when you're not slinging vegan shoes?
A borderline ridiculous amount of yoga. And walking around LA car-free!
What first led you to lead a more animal-friendly lifestyle?
As a young yogi, I had the auspices to gain a teacher who was a student of Sri Dharma Mittra—an amazing senior instructor of a beautiful hatha raja yoga method. Additionally, he never shied away from encouraging compassion for all beings all the time, including through one's dietary choices. I decided to be vegan in part to become more adherent to Ahimsa—the principle of compassion (non-harming, non-violence).
Tell us about a nonprofit or charity or cause you really dig that we maybe don't already know about?
One I'm pretty proud to work with is an organization called
GirlTrek, which encourages more women of color to get outdoors for their mental and physical health. Women can join existing local groups, or they can start their own; leading walks and hikes for their local communities. I've led yoga at their annual retreat, and we can all benefit from getting outside and walking more.
Favorite vegan or vegan-friendly restaurant and favorite thing there?
It changes a lot; but right now it's the Pollo Mushroom Crepe at
The Grain Cafe. For my sweets fans/NYC loves, it's the soft serve at
Orchard Grocer.
Favorite shoes, past or present (ooh, or future!)?
I've got some older gold toe Novacas oxfords, which are a forever fave!
Can you tell us something not a lot of people know about you?
I've recently started creating handpoked tattoos, and I have daydreams of making that a legit endeavor.
Favorite animal (or totem animal if you prefer)?
My patronus is a black
jaguar, but cats of all sizes get a lotta love.
