Is there a thing that Sean Wotherspoon can’t do? It doesn’t look like it, given the incredible run the 32-year old creative has had since 2013. Back then, Sean and two friends founded their first ‘Round Two’ store in Richmond, Virginia. Multiple stores in major American cities, a highly popular ‘Air Max 1/97’ and big-time collaborations with adidas, Vespa, Porsche and many more later, Sean is one of the most influential people in the worlds of sneakers and everything-vintage alike.
Yet there is one thing he can’t – or rather chooses not to – do (anymore): Eat meat and animal products. Which, as Sean has stated before, helps him big time to sustain energy and to keep focus by cutting out cravings. We talked to Sean about why he chose to adopt a vegan lifestyle in the first place, how life as a frequent traveler impacts his food choices and more.
Sean, when and why did you start to live vegan?
I started eating vegan about 10 years ago. My fiancé now, but girlfriend at the time, Ashley, was eating vegetarian. She then moved to vegan and started sharing with me the benefits etc. I wasn’t quite sold until I saw the ‘Cowspiracy’ documentary in Washington, D.C.
Then she also expressed that it would be tough to date a non vegan. All things considered, I made the switch, haha. Since then, my meaning for being plant-based has changed a lot!
How hard was it to find good vegan options back?
It was tough to find vegan options back then for sure. Especially in Virgina, where we are both from. Lots of tofu, bean burgers, and salads. Things changed slowly but when we moved to California, it was a whole new game. Vegan fast food, vegan fine dining, vegan everything, haha.
Has the availability of vegan food changed nowadays?
It’s changed a lot now because big brands like Beyond Meat and Impossible have really taken over. Rarely do you find a homemade burger or a tofu patty anymore. Vegan options seem to be super accessible now in lots of other countries too. I tend to find better vegan options in Europe than in California in some cities. Same with Japan and U.K.!
Do you prepare yourself for travelling, maybe not knowing how the diets in a certain country are?
I only prepare for traveling by checking for restaurants ahead of time, but usually I just go for it. Explore the city and see what I find. I usually find way better spots randomly walking around as opposed to a Google search.
Where do you see the future of veganism?
I see the future of veganism not be a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ decision. More just something that we all practice within our own ability. So if you can eat vegan once a week, that’s fine. If you can eat vegan five times a week, great! If you stop wearing leather but still eat meat, that’s fine too!
It’s all about just finding a balance that works for you. Not changing your whole life all of a sudden. I’m actually working with Beyond Meat now on an energy department that will cater to smaller accounts, and introduce the community in a more immersive way. Super super excited!
Talking of food: Of course we had to ask Sean for his tried and tested vegan options he turns to when travelling through Germany. Here we go!
- Vhy!, Stuttgart
- Peter Pane
- Burger King: Plant based menu (“this does not exist in the U.S.!”)
- Hans im Glück
- Super Jami Kitchen, Stuttgart
