"I remember that ordinary day in 2013 when everything changed."

Hey Veginners, I'm Goran Mrvic from Serbia. If you had told my younger self that one day I'd be advocating for a vegan lifestyle, I would've probably laughed it off. But here I am, a passionate believer, and this is my story.

I remember that ordinary day in 2013 when everything changed. Heading back home, my attention was caught by someone handing out pamphlets in the NYC subway station. Out of sheer curiosity, I took one. There was this story about "Stacey the Pig" and "Jerry the Duck", with animals named as if they were humans. It was such a simple yet powerful message. Suddenly, I began questioning why we treat some animals as pets and others as mere food.

Now, rewind a bit. My lovely friend Stella was already opening my eyes to the wonders of vegan cuisine. Every time she'd serve up a vegan treat, I'd be shocked by its taste. "Seriously Stella, this is vegan?" became our little inside joke. Oh, and if you know me, you know about my weird obsession for mayo. 🤣 So when Stella introduced me to vegan mayo and I couldn't tell the difference (actually, it tasted better!), I was blown away.

But that pamphlet? It was the universe telling me to dive deeper. Eager to learn more, I found "Earthlings", a documentary that changed everything. Though it's not for the faint-hearted, it unveiled a world of cruelty I couldn’t ignore. That was the moment I fully embraced veganism. Has anyone else seen earthlings? Drop a comment and let me know what you thought of the film!

Here's a fun twist: Remember how Stella introduced me to vegan food? A similar cycle started with my dear friend Cheryl. Sharing my journey with her, seeing her genuine interest, and supporting her own transition to a plant-based diet, has been incredible. And I never could have imaged how far her journey would take her. When she started her blog, Veginner Cooking, I was so excited because that I meant I would get to eat lots of yummy vegan food! I am so proud and grateful to be part of this thriving community where we share recipes, stories, and inspiration.

Looking back, it’s been an incredible journey. From a pamphlet in a NYC subway station to now helping film Cheryl’s vegan delicious dishes, every experience has enriched my life. I'm sharing this not just as my story, but as an invitation. If I can change, anyone can. And trust me, it’s not just about the food. It's about compassion, understanding, and growth. Let's embark on this journey together, sharing, supporting, and inspiring one another. Just consider the ripple effect: Stella's story sparked my transformation, and in turn, my journey influenced Cheryl's. Who's to say your tale won't be the next catalyst for change in someone else's life?

I shared more about my plant-forward journey in this video below☺️