Lesli Baker is a committed vegan. Impelled by the deaths to cancer of her mother, father, and stepmother over the course of five years, Lesli decided to change her own life and, in so doing, save it. After two years of research, she became vegan. During that time, her brother survived his own bout with cancer.
“I concluded that my life would improve with a plant-based, non-smoking, no-animal-products diet. I wanted to prevent heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other illnesses that loomed in my future because of my genetic history. When I became vegan, my life improved, I felt better, and I am free of illness. I lost excess weight and got a lot more energy,” says Lesli.
“In the process of becoming vegan, I have become aware of issues surrounding the “normal diet”: animal abuse, the effect of factory farms on climate change, harmful additives, preservatives, the many things that are unhealthful in the way some foods and meats are grown. I got a complete picture of veganism in all its facets. That’s why I am opening my store.”
Oly Vegan is a complete lifestyle shop selling vegan foods, prepared dishes, gourmet chocolate, books, tees, clothes, totes, purses, shoes, body care and makeup products, nail polishes, laundry detergents, cookbooks and vintage housewares, which Lesli collects avidly.
“I’ve managed stores for others and freelanced, but Oly Vegan is my first real store,” Lesli says. “Beginning December 11th, I’ll take orders for custom-created gift baskets.”
A founding member of popular burlesque company, TUSH, Lesli’s alter-ego is Betty Beelzebub, a favorite with audiences.
Lesli affirms, “I love Olympia. I’m dedicated to downtown. I love living and performing here. I’m excited to be part of this community! I want to be part of it for a long time to come.”
Sunday – Wednesday, 10 – 4
Other days by appointment; expanded hours in February
313 5th Avenue, Suite A (near Rainy Day Records)
360-500-0900
new-biz-oly is written by Holly Graham. To suggest a new locally-owned business to be featured, please email olympiapowerandlight@gmail.com.