L.A. Vegan Exchange Serves Up Vibes
A street market crafted by vegans with the goal of creating a close knit community welcoming to all.
Alexis Sark holds a box of vegan lemon-pepper chicken wings from the food truck Drippin Wangs. Vegan Exchange in North Hollywood, Calif on Sunday, March 20. (Anna Sophia Moltke | The Corsair)
Vendors of vegan, cruelty-free products start every Sunday with positive affirmations and an energetic dance rally. Amid dozens of vegan food trucks parked on the street and speakers blasting music, Jessica Cruz, the organizer of the Vegan Exchange L.A, eagerly shouts positive affirmations at a circle of vendors gathered around her.For the next six hours, they will transform Chandler Blvd in North Hollywood, Calif. into a vegan haven.
Vegan Exchange is a weekly vegan, cruelty-free market where different vendors sell food, clothing, skincare, and more. Cruz started the event with the need for more convenient vegan friendly food options. She explained how Los Angeles had so many vegan spots that she believes are not well promoted.
The venue is free to enter with the goal of creating a vegan-based positive space for all attendees. “I want every single person to walk in here and feel like they see themselves represented in the vendors, in the people. It’s a good vibe. It’s a good energy,” Cruz said.
Upon arrival at every booth and food truck, customers are greeted by vendors with warm personalities ready to assist them. “Everyone is so nice, there’s just something for everyone. They’re clearly well educated about what they’re doing and passionate,” customer Jeannette Elliot said.
Cruz’s inspiration for the Vegan Exchange wasn’t only to create that loving environment, but also to destigmatize veganism. "You know, you can beat people over the head with animal cruelty, but I don’t think that people typically change that way. I think it’s very intrinsic,” she said.
Many customers, vendors, and the organizer all agreed that the vibe of the Vegan Exchange L.A. experience is very unique and positive.
Jessica Gabrielle is a vendor who sells her skincare brand Nova Sage at the Vegan Exchange L.A. “Really amazing vibes, very supportive vibrations," she said when describing the market.
Gabrielle feels the mindfulness at Vegan Exchange is what sets it apart from other markets. “It’s a different level of care when you have people who care for themselves that much, they’re also caring for you that way,” she said.
Cruz’s one-word description of Vegan Exchange was similar to Gabrielle. “Vibes! You walk in here and you feel it immediately. You see it in people’s energy. You never see an unhappy person at Vegan Exchange,” Cruz said.
After an 18-month pause over the pandemic, Vegan Exchange returned with efforts to ensure customers had a safe yet positive experience. Cruz expressed that she and her team strictly keep up with the mandates and follow the Los Angeles County guidelines. She wanted Vegan Exchange L.A. to feel like a home to all, while building a safe community and destigmatizing veganism — one food truck at a time.
