Sean A. Russell interviews Veronica Menin, co-founder of Love Life Cafe, one of Miami’s original Vegan establishments. Veronica shares the cafe’s journey from its beginnings inside a yoga and wellness studio to becoming a cornerstone of the Miami Vegan community. She discusses the importance of conscious business practices, community connection, and staying authentic amid financial pressures and changing food trends. The conversation also explores her partnership with John Mackey (former CEO of Whole Foods), her decision to buy back the business, and Love Life’s ongoing evolution through education, catering, and creative initiatives.
Topics Discussed
Origins and Inspiration
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Veronica and her husband Diego started Love Life Cafe from a wellness center focused on holistic living.
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Their goal was to combine healthy plant-based eating, yoga, meditation, and community.
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Early growth was entirely organic, supported by the local Vegan community.
Growth and Reinvention
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The cafe expanded from a small counter to a thriving Wynwood restaurant.
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Faced multiple reinvention points, including hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Adapted operations by adding take-home meals, outdoor dining, and market offerings.
Partnership with John Mackey
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In 2021, Love Life Cafe was acquired by the former Whole Foods CEO.
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Veronica maintained creative control, aligning with a shared conscious business vision.
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When the parent company’s direction shifted, she and Diego bought the business back to preserve its integrity.
Challenges in Miami’s Evolving Scene
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Post-pandemic rent hikes and economic challenges in Wynwood.
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Gentrification and loss of small creative businesses are impacting community culture.
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Collaboration efforts with local leaders like Zak the Baker to revive community energy through markets and events.
Commitment to Conscious Food
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Dedication to whole food ingredients, handmade products, and natural oils.
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No refined sugars, fried foods, or seed oils used since opening in 2015.
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Balanced approach to menu creation, offering both indulgent and nourishing meals.
Purpose and Ethical Business
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Veronica identifies as a “conscious business owner,” not just a restaurateur.
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Refuses to compromise Vegan principles for financial gain.
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Emphasizes creativity and diversification through catering, recipe development, and granola products.
Community and Future Vision
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Launching school culinary partnerships, including a Montessori program teaching plant-based cooking.
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Developing a Love Life recipe book and expanding catering options for events and schools.
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Offering live music on Saturdays and seasonal holiday menus.
Personal Journey
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Originally from Brazil, Veronica’s upbringing on an organic farm shaped her values.
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Moved to Miami as a teenager and built her business from the ground up.
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Now focused on sustainability, education, and long-term community impact.
Closing Message
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Veronica expresses gratitude to the Vegans Explore community for amplifying awareness and collaboration.
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Reaffirms her mission to create a better, kinder world through food, compassion, and shared purpose.
Love Life Cafe
Award-winning Vegan café in Wynwood offering vibrant plant-based comfort food, smoothies, and full-service dining in a welcoming space.
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