Meet Gina Marie: Vegan Recipe and Lifestyle Blogger

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gina Marie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gina Marie, how do you think about risk?
For a while I played very small. I grew up with my grandmother, and she valued safety over risk and so that has been indoctrinated in me for most of my childhood and adult life. I thought I was doing “the right thing” in playing it safe. I use to view risk as dangerous and unnecessary. However, the older I got the more I realized that playing it safe was a bigger risk than taking a chance because it stunted my growth in all areas of my life. Now I feel risk is necessary and a vital part of life if you desire to get ahead and move forward.

I took a risk last year by leaving my job to pursue Vegan With Curves full time. It has been a bumpy road but an exhilarating one as well. I also took a risk recently by wearing open toe shoes in public for the first time. I was born with missing fingers and toes and would always play safe, keeping my “flaws” hidden from the world. Taking that risk of exposing myself for the world to possibly criticize, has done tremendous leaps and bounds for my self confidence and self esteem.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
So my brand is Vegan With Curves and what sets me apart from other Vegan Businesses and blogs is, we specifically help women embrace their curves as a vegan and find ways to gain or maintain weight while eating a healthy plant based diet. (Plus the recipes I create are delicious!)

Here at Vegan With Curves we having a saying that goes “be the curvy version of yourself” emphasizing a healthy body image while living cruelty free to all of God’s creations. I use my own story and personal experiences as an example to promote both a vegan lifestyle and healthy body image.

I am most proud when I get an email from women telling me I have helped them or inspired them in some type of way to love themselves more and that they get the results desired by following my advice. I am also proud when I get emails from older women who are new to eating a vegan diet and have tried my recipes, loved the food, and willing to change their lifestyle from life long bad eating habits.

Building Vegan With Curves was not easy at all and I still have my challenges. What helps me overcome business difficulties is knowing this is my purpose. When I am feeling burnt out, I remind myself of how many women I am helping and also how many animal lives I am saving. They don’t have the luxury to “burn out” or walk away. So those reminders keep me going. I am learning that in business, you will have your ups and downs. That is life. But it is the purpose and mission that will drive you through those highs and lows.

What I want people to know about Vegan With Curves is that this brand, this mission, this purpose in my life goes beyond good tasty recipes, or having a killer curvy shape. It’s about healthy body image and self esteem. It’s about being healthy. It’s about saving our animal friends and the planet so that the energy on this planet can shift into a more harmonious direction.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well I am a proud nerd so it would be all things that could stimulate the mind but also the heart and soul.

Of course I would have to take them to the BEST vegan black owned restaurant in St. Louis, MO; Sweet Art! We would have to go there for both breakfast and lunch because there would be too many items to try. “Like their AMAZING “Zora Neale Hurston’s Spicy Vegan Chicken Sandwich”.

Then we would hang out in Forest Park at the St. Louis Art Museum looking at the beautiful abstract oil paintings. We would head toward Creve Coeur Park and lay on the sand in front of the lake in our bathing suits soaking up the sun. This park is our version of a beach like scenery.

Then in the evening we would have to visit Blue Strawberry Lounge for some live jazz music to feed the soul! The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
So many people. The first shout out I want to give to my mother Linda Faye Hoskins also known as “Fast Foxy Faye”. She passed last year and had been living in a nursing home for over 30 years suffering from chronic Multiple Sclerosis. Despite her illness, whenever I would go see here, she would always be in such an upbeat and positive mood! She was the most resilient, outspoken, bold, and confident woman I have ever known and I am proud she was my mother.

I would like to shout of my father Daniel Edward Lindsey. He is the best farther a girl could ever have! No matter how low I fall, he has always been there to lift me back up. He is the most selfless man I know and I wouldn’t be where I am today without him. He truly deserves all the credit. I am very blessed.

I would like to shout out my baby sister and brother in law Latashia and Daniel Dellavolpe. The are my best friends and biggest fans, always there to support and encourage me. They believe in me more than I believe in myself at times and I am truly grateful.

I would like to shout of Kimesha McDowell from Blaq Fire Nation. Her courses, mentorship, and guidance has forced me to go within myself and do the shadow work inside of me I often run from. She has truly opened my eyes in helping me become more self realized.

Last but not least, I want to shout out the best vocalist I know, Davontie Miguel Maclin. He has help me grow by helping me become more accountable and self aware. Through his encouraging words and sometimes tough love, I have pushed myself pass my comfort zone which has open the door to other opportunities and ignite other skills and passions inside of me. I am honored to have been in his presence.

Website: https://veganwithcurves.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_veganwithcurves/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina-marie-hoskins/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/veganwcurves

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeganWithCurves/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VeganWithCurves/

Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/veganwithcurves/_created/