Dominique Side is the founder and CEO of The Luxury Vegan, the world’s only concierge vegan transition service for world-changers who are determined to succeed in their mission to live a more compassionate lifestyle and inspire their following along the way.
The Houston, Texas-based pop star has proven herself as a successful serial entrepreneur, building brands that are dedicated to helping others live a more compassionate lifestyle.
We chatted with the expert in ethical luxury living to learn more about building brands and initiating lasting change.
How did you get started?
In Fall 2016, I began a very strict workout regimen. Veganism was the furthest thing from my mind. However, a plant-based protein shake was recommended to me, so I added that to my diet. A few months later, the same company began promoting their natural makeup and skincare products. I didn’t know what was unnatural about makeup. I began doing research and realized that sometimes companies use fish scales to make eye shadows and lipsticks shimmer. Fish scales on my face? No way! Still, veganism was nowhere on my radar. Because seriously, why would I want to give up steak?
Not too long after that switch, I discovered natural cleaning products and a laundry detergent I really loved. Less chemicals in my home? Sure! Give up seafood? Don’t be silly! Then summer rolled around and the documentary “What the Health” was all the rage. I watched it one evening before dinner and I never looked back. As I digested many other documentaries over the next couple months, I came to realize how far-reaching veganism really is. I discovered food I’d never heard of and challenged decisions that never occurred to me as questionable.
Fast forward to a year or so in and finding out that “vegan” doesn’t have to mean “granola.” I was adopting a compassion mindset and still enjoying fabulous clothes, shoes and experiences. After becoming the go-to person for all things vegan in my community and founding businesses anchored in this compassion mindset, I set my sights on helping other thought leaders around the world do the same. Despite the recent advances there’s still a lot of research that goes into finding vegan options. Most world-changers don’t have the time to devote to that, and the people they rely on for other tasks aren’t knowledgeable in this area. Out of this void was born The Luxury Vegan, a concierge service for the elite transitioning to a compassion mindset.
Can you tell us more about The Luxury Vegan’s services?
We start off with a consultation that may consist of a couple conversations where I can get the full scope of the client’s goals and lifestyle. Then we embark on a little journey to a gorgeous location so we can spend a few days digging in and mapping out a custom path. When the client returns home, there will be a fridge and pantry “clean out” and personal chef services arranged for the first couple weeks of the transition, including some one-on-one training should they choose to cook for themselves going forward. They could instead choose to continue with the chef service or contract a meal prep service I’d help them identify.
An evaluation of their household items, closet, etc. will also be done. A plan will be put in place to address any of those items based on the client’s goals. A resource guide will be compiled specifically for the client that suits their lifestyle and they will have direct access to me throughout the process. The one-year commitment culminates in a second trip to celebrate the journey. Clients may choose to continue our relationship with a reevaluation and new goals, or they may choose to join me casually for curated travel to vegan-friendly destinations.
Can you tell us more about the specific clientele you have in mind?
My clientele are thought leaders who are questioning their impact on the world. I refer to this process as a mindset shift because that is exactly what it entails. To adopt a compassion mindset becomes about prioritizing three components — other beings, the planet and yourself. If I come to all my decisions with this in mind, everyone benefits. Because the most influential people will have the greatest impact on the world, this service focuses on their transition.
How did you first conceptualize The Luxury Vegan?
I was developing a mainstream program to help the masses transition via an online class and support community. However, it occurred to me that if I could effect change within the minds of people who have larger platforms, then a trickle-down effect could easily ignite and the number of lives those people would touch could far outweigh the reach I may achieve in an online course.
Tell us about some of your other business ventures and how they all relate to compassionate living.
I met my business partner Anthony Hall and the VgnBae brand and all its subsidiaries were born. It began with the idea of creating merch that spoke to a fashion-trend conscious demographic. I felt that the vegan community was more diverse than people realized, and it was evolving so quickly. There needed to be more options and representation. We’ve also added real estate investment, a fleet of vehicles, trucking and a fashion house to the VgnBae umbrella.
Can you give us a few pro-tips for easing into a vegan lifestyle?
Cut the dairy and read the labels. Most people don’t consider what is in most things they buy if they’ve been doing it for years. You’d be surprised how many food items have a dairy component in them somewhere! So, begin reading the labels on everything you buy. And not just food. Read the labels on your household products, clothes, etc. Become familiar with ingredients that are animal-based that wouldn’t have otherwise been on your radar.
The most important component in committing to a vegan lifestyle is your “why.” Once you disconnect from that, it is difficult to remain grounded in your decision. When people ask me why I’m vegan, my answer is: Compassion … Compassion for other beings. Compassion for the planet. Compassion for myself. So my final thought for you is choose to lead with compassion.
To learn more about Domonique Side and The Luxury Vegan, visit theluxuryvegan.com.
