10 Questions: An Interview with Kristy Turner of Keepin’ It Kind
This post is part of an interview series in which I’ll be asking fellow bloggers ten questions, with the goal being to share both a little about each of them and also their top advice when it comes to veganism, blogging, and overall happiness.
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I am so, so excited to be sharing today’s interview with you! Kristy is one of my most favorite bloggers and it was love at first post when I initially clicked over to Keepin’ It Kind. The gorgeous photos, courtesy of her talented husband, Chris, were what immediately caught my attention, but her writing is what keeps me coming back. Kristy’s goal is to “make the world a kinder place, one delicious meal at a time” and her warm, friendly personality is definitely in line with that mission. I often feel like I’m reading something I could have written, and this was no exception when I received her thoughtful responses to my ten questions (especially #6!). She offers great advice on transitioning to veganism, starting a blog, and especially on what she believes to be the key to happiness.
Thank you, Kristy, for taking the time to share your thoughts! xo
1. What is your food philosophy?
I don’t like the word “diet” and I don’t like restrictions when it comes to what I eat. The only restriction I enforce 100% of the time is that I will not eat food that was a product of violence. I’m vegan for the animals so as long as it’s not a dead animal or animals didn’t have to suffer for me to eat it, then I’m open to trying it. With that said, I also believe in moderation. As much as I want to, I won’t feast on pizzas and cupcakes all day (except maybe if it’s my birthday).
2. If you could give one piece of advice to new vegans, what would it be?
One of the hardest things when you first go vegan can be dealing with friends and family and their reactions. You may get ridiculed or argued with. I know it’s hard, but try not to take it personally. Seek first to understand and second to be understood. They may be feeling defensive of their choices, afraid of your judgment, or perhaps they truly don’t understand why you’ve made this life change. The best thing you can do is stay positive and be a happy role model for how fun, healthy, and delicious veganism is. It may take some time, but they’ll come to accept your choice.
3. Why do you blog?
I blog to show people how fun, easy, and accessible veganism is. Chris (my husband and blog photographer) and I hope to inspire people to make kinder choices and live more compassionately, and for many people, that starts with the food on their plate. I also love the vegan blogging community as well as the small community I’ve built with my readers (they’re just the best!).
4. If you could give one piece of advice to new bloggers, what would it be?
Stay true to yourself. Be genuine. Use your own voice and share your own ideas. And keep doing it. Over and over and over again. It may be slow at first but soon your voice will begin to resonate with people.
5. If you had to choose a favorite and a least favorite word, what would they be?
I love words and I get certain words stuck in my head more than I do songs. My all-time favorite word is “phantom,” but lately I’ve been muttering “ubiquitous” to myself quite a bit. As for my least favorite word… At the risk of sounding like I’m 97, I don’t like some of the words teenagers (I live with a couple) use these days. Words like “totes,” “obvs,” or “bra” (instead of “bro”). How hard is it to just say “obviously?”
6. If you weren’t you, who would you be?
I really like being me. I can’t think of another human I’d rather be. Sometimes I think it would be nice to be a dog, though. They’ve got it all figured out.
7. What is your idea of happiness?
Having no expectations is the key to happiness. As long as I’m not expecting anything, everything feels like a gift.
8. What makes you unhappy?
Judgment makes me unhappy. I don’t like judging others and I don’t like being judged. As soon as you start to judge anyone or anything, you’re setting yourself above everyone. Putting yourself on that pedestal can be awfully isolating.
9. What is your best-kept beauty secret?
My best-kept beauty secret is such a secret that I don’t even know what it is! I’m so not the person to ask about beauty. Smile, laugh, love- doing these things seems to make everyone look wonderful.
10. If money did not matter, how would you spend your days?
I’d probably do pretty much the same thing I do now, but maybe with more traveling.
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Kristy Turner is the writer, recipe developer, and food stylist behind the blog, Keepin’ It Kind. Former fromagier and mutterer of the words “I could never be vegan,” Kristy now loves her compassionate lifestyle and works with her photographer husband, Chris, to make veganism accessible, fun, and delicious for everyone. You can find Kristy at Keepin’ It Kind or on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram.
