Wonder Woman Wednesday - Emma Letessier

Today is the launch of Barefoot Vegan Magazine and I am thrilled to feature it's creator and Editor; Emma Letessier.

When you were a little girl, what did you want to be when you grew up?

It changed a lot depending on my mood but the main occupations were a police woman, a flight attendant, a lawyer or a journalist. As reading and writing were my passions, I came to settle on journalism and then found myself working in PR for 10 years!

What do you do now? For work? For fun?

Now, I’m working on creating the life of my dreams and I’m so grateful that I finally feel that I’m working on my life’s purpose. I’m about to launch my own magazine – Barefoot Vegan – which is a digital magazine that promotes veganism, spirituality, holistic wellbeing, animal rights, and environmental sustainability and self-sufficiency. I know for sure this is my life’s purpose because it’s what makes me jump out of bed every morning and consumes my every waking thought! Outside of this, I love cooking delicious vegan meals, visiting friends and spending time in nature with my husband and our dog, Hatchi.

How did you get into your area of expertise?

As I mentioned, I’m a qualified journalist. Towards the end of last year, I was feeling a bit like I was lacking direction in where my life-coaching and personal-development website was going. Sometimes I like to use tarot or oracle cards as a tool to help with my thinking processes. The card that I kept drawing all the time, indicated that I was missing an opportunity that was right under my nose, but for the life of me, I couldn’t think what that was. One night, I was chatting with my husband before going to sleep and the idea to start Barefoot Vegan as a digital magazine just popped into my head. At that moment, I knew that that was the opportunity that I’d been overlooking as it perfectly matched my qualifications, expertise and passions.

What obstacles have you faced in following your dreams and how have you overcome them?

I had a very well-paid PR job that I quit in order to start living my dreams. For the first year, being completely financially reliant on my husband was a real test for me as it conflicted with my beliefs surrounding my value of independence. I did a lot of work personally to come to terms with being able to trust and rely on my husband and in fact, I would say it’s strengthened our relationship. When it came time to begin work on Barefoot Vegan magazine, I felt overwhelmed initially because I didn’t have any money to invest in it. This means that instead of hiring a graphic designer, I’ve had to be both editor and designer and this was difficult to start with as I lacked confidence in my own creative abilities. I realised that although I didn’t have a lot of money, I did have a lot of time. I might take longer to lay out the copy of the magazine than a normal designer would, but I get there in the end and I have a strong vision of what I want the magazine to be like visually.

I also struggled a little bit with having the courage to speak my truth about what my beliefs are surrounding veganism and animal rights, especially as it’s meant conflict with some friends and family members. Remembering to speak my truth respectfully and with compassion and love for myself and others has really helped me a lot.

What’s the best part of what you do?

I get to talk to so many amazing and inspirational people. When you care about animals and people and the health of the environment, it can be at times quite depressing when you look at all the things that are going wrong in the world. However, when you talk to individuals who are using their own time and energy to fight for the causes you believe in and are making positive changes in the world, it’s really uplifting because it reminds you that each of us, in our own unique way can make a difference.

What advice do you have for other women who might want to follow suit?

I would say that you’re probably more resourceful than you think you are. Look at your core skills and what your passions are and see how you can marry the two together. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask others for help and you’ll know it in your gut if your dream is really worth pursuing.

What’s your morning routine?

Well, as soon as the alarm goes off in the morning, I like to have a cuddle for five minutes with my husband before we get up. It’s such a nice way to start the day. Then, my little fur-baby, Hatchi can be quite demanding once he knows we’re awake, so usually I’m seeing to his needs. After that I like to blend up a green smoothie and take Hatchi for a walk for an hour in the forest across the road. We’re so lucky to have that so close by!

3 things that are on your ‘to do’ list today?

I’ve got to finish researching and writing an article on geo-engineering and another article on vegan tattoos and then I’ve set aside some time for meditation.

What are you working on at the moment? Next project?

I’m just putting the finishing touches to the first ever issue of Barefoot Vegan magazine and then I’ll start work straight away on the second issue – that’s how much I love it! But I’m also thinking about doing a vegan cookbook, based on recipes sent in by readers, a book about how a plant-based diet can help you overcome binge-eating problems and perhaps another book about how to start a ‘Natural Revolution’.

One woman you admire and why?

I really admire Vandana Shiva, who is an Indian environmental activist and anti-globalisation author. I love that she has dedicated her life to campaigning for what she believes is right, especially when she’s up against huge global companies. She’s also done a lot of work to raise awareness of the dangers of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which is really important. I hope to be able to interview her and put her on the front cover of Barefoot Vegan magazine.

Three wishes?

The wish that instantly comes to mind is that every human on the planet would go vegan, but I like that we all have free-will. To make such a wish would be disempowering for others who all have their own lessons to learn and choices to make. I guess that I would wish that at all times I remember my own divine strength and purpose, that I help to inspire others to remember their own as well, and that I leave this world a little better than it was when I first arrived.

Who do you turn to for advice?

When I feel like I need advice on something, I now tend to try and meditate or go for a walk in the forest. Being able to look within for your own guidance and what feels right for your true-self is such a valuable tool. Before, I used to always be so busy and in such a hurry all the time. It’s important to give yourself space to listen to your feelings and inner-wisdom. Doing this has helped so much in building my confidence and trusting in the abundance and guidance of the universe. Unless of course, it’s for something specific and then I try and seek out someone with that particular area of expertise.

Who do you turn to for a shoulder to cry on?

That would be my husband and my dog, Hatchi. My husband is my best friend and my biggest supporter. I feel so blessed to have him by my side. But also our dog Hatchi is also my best friend – he’s always there to give me unconditional love and make me smile.

Favourite book?

I’ve read so many books over the years but my favourite is a series called the ‘Ringing Cedars of Russia’ and the first in this series is called ‘Anastasia’. In fact, it’s one of the main inspirations for Barefoot Vegan magazine.

Favourite movie?

I’ve got two… if I’m allowed? The first is ‘The Labyrinth’ and the second one is ‘The Princess Bride’. I must have watched these films a million times as a child and sometimes I watch them on a rainy day when I’m on my own. They were always magical to me.

Favourite childhood game?

Growing up in New Zealand, we always used to have lots of space. I used to just love going exploring in the gullies, bush, beach and countryside with my cousins and friends.

Fantasy career? Why?

It used to be ‘travel writer’ but now being the editor of Barefoot Vegan magazine is my dream come true, which is a pretty awesome thing to be able to say!

Words for Monday motivation?

I love this prayer from A Course in Miracles: ‘Where would you have me go? What would you have me do? What would you have me to say and to whom?’” It reminds me that if my purpose is to help others, then the Universe will always have my back.

#FeelGoodFriday song?

I have been known to dance around in my kitchen to Pharrell Williams’ song ‘Happy’, on any day of the week!

Favourite quote?

“When you feel the suffering of every living thing in your own heart, that is consciousness.” Bhagavad Gita

#wonderwoman #BarefootVeganMagazine #Barefoot #Vegan