Melisser Elliott is the author of the  book  The Vegan Girl’s Guide to Life, as well as the blogger behind award-winning blog, The Urban Housewife and her beauty blog Cruelty Free Face. I recently had the opportunity to catch Melisser in Italy (on her book tour) for this interview.

You express your narrative to non-vegans instead of purely reactionary which is unconventional was that a pragmatic choice to grab their attention before laying out your ethical choice?

I always set out to be approachable, but also to be myself. In my years of being vegan, I’ve learned how to navigate explaining veganism to people, without making them feel inferior. It can be difficult, as many people get defensive, but ultimately, it’s so important that we bring people in to the fold. Being harsh or judgmental is not going to do that, so sometimes you have to find that balance between how you feel and what is best to say, but still the truth. I’m a bit of a strong personality, so I also wanted to use my voice and hope that people could relate to it.

What differentiates the American palette from the rest of the world in your opinion? Do you believe it shortchanges how Americans view other cultures?

I find that the American palette is typically about taste and not quality. There seems to be little care to use seasonal produce and spice dishes well, when they can just use a lot of fat and salt and people will enjoy it. The fast food culture is a prime example of this. Sadly, it seems to be spreading to other countries as well. Luckily, the European veg dining scene tends to use a lot of vegetables, especially in places like Italy. I would like to think a vegan diner would be open to trying food from all cultures, as we’re happy to find a cruelty free meal. As for an omni American, they tend to be closed off to vegan food, so that close mindedness may extend to food of other cultures as well.

How has compassionate animal activism influence how you source ingredients in your baking?

I like to use organic ingredients, as they’re better for the environment and in turn, the animals. It can be so difficult to source ingredients that are the best option for animal welfare, but also are affordable, so my business is sustainable. I know there’s an issue with orangutans and palm oil right now, which has left a lot of vegan bakers scratching their heads about what to use.

Have you done treat baking for your companion animals on the road? Would you consider creating a treat line for animals?

I’ve done baking for my little pup, Strummer, but she’s so tiny, even the smallest batch of dog cookies can feed her for weeks! That’s the rub of having a 2lb companion animal. A treats line for vegan animals would be fun; it’s not something I had considered!

Who continues to inspire you professionally? Why?

You know, I tend not to compare myself to others when it comes to career. I’ve always marched to the beat of my own drummer, and I always have ideas or ambitions that pop in to my head at random times. I do admire many vegans that give their all and inspire others though; cookbook authors, event organizers, activists, people who are making a difference in the world make me want to make a difference as well. So, I suppose that’s who inspires me; people who are changing people’s minds about veganism, although I can’t say it’s professionally, it’s personally.

Do you have a common thread or theme when you write for the Urban Housewife blog and Cruelty-Free Face or do the inspirations usually come independently?

I tend to try to keep things cohesive, but I am not married to a theme for either blog. The Urban Housewife tends to be about travel, as I’m currently living in Europe and recently embarked on a 55 day book tour. When I’m home, it’s about the food I’m cooking and eating. Cruelty Free Face is about cosmetics from the latest vegan products, to tutorials on how to apply it.