Sean A. Russell sits down with V Collective founder Maday Rodriguez live from the Plant Based World Expo. They explore her journey to Veganism, the early seeds planted by the people around her, and the single book that shifted her path. Maday opens up about building V Collective from scratch as a solo founder, why conscious shopping matters, and how she curates ethical products with intention. The conversation highlights the power of community, the heart behind value-driven brands, and the shared mission between V Collective and Vegans Explore.
1. Maday’s Vegan Origin Story
- The subtle influences that shaped her early understanding
- The book that changed everything
- How her personal awakening guided her mission
2. The Birth of V Collective
- Why she created a conscious shopping brand
- How she curates ethical, Vegan products
- Building a values-centered business from the ground up
3. The Challenges of a Solo Founder
- Balancing operations, vision, and creativity alone
- What kept her committed during difficult seasons
- Lessons learned in resilience and purpose
4. Conscious Shopping and Ethical Storytelling
- Why mindful purchasing matters
- How stories behind products shape consumer behavior
- Bridging education and empowerment through retail
5. Community as the Heart of the Movement
- How V Collective nurtures connection
- Why welcoming people at every stage matters
- The shared values between V Collective and Vegans Explore
6. Partnership and Growth Opportunities
- Ways brands can collaborate with V Collective
- How collective visibility elevates the movement
- Inviting early adopters into the Vegans Explore Passport community
Featured Mentions
About the Show
The Vegans Explore Podcast is on a mission to record a new episode every day until November 1, 2026, spotlighting Vegan topics, changemakers, nonprofits, and brands from around the world. Explore additional episodes.
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