Hi all, my name is Trish and I'm ready and rearing to go to cook healthy vegan foods for you all!  Veganism is on the rise and I am more than happy to be part of a movement that cares for people's health, animal's quality of life and the environment.

I started this business almost by accident.  Having worked in childcare and aged care I have observed how difficult it can be to cater for our families when we are tired, stressed and time poor.  I was fortunate to be able to work part-time and cook for friends, family and of course my greatest critics - my children.  I came up with these vegan pies in response to my children missing out on much standard foods (being brought up as vegetarians in a country town).  What gave me hope that this could actually be my thing, was my son saying one day "you know, I would buy one of these pies"!  It was my light bulb moment.  Could I actually earn a living while adhering to my ethics and continue living where I do?

I have been 'testing the market' for appoximately three years now.  I tried to buy many of my ingredients from local growers when possible.  The pies bound for private orders were wrapped in brown paper bags and I won't use foil trays in an aim to be kinder to the environment.  I do contain my goodies in plastic for sale in shops.  My veggie scraps go to my four delightful rescue goats so that very little is wasted.  

I have cooked for people as a private arrangement, sold my wares at local markets and more recently at shops that understand the growing demand amongst vegans and health conscious people alike.  In fact, many of my past customers have been non-veg people that like quality food that is easy to take home and reheat when they want.  But there comes a time where one has to reasses one's progress.  I was pretty much doing it for the love of making people happy, but not making a real living - I was surviving.  My kitchen just couldn't manage the increasing demand and my storage capacity also couldn't cope.  To make money, I needed money  and after much soul searching I decided to call it a day.

I made the announcement on my facebook page and the response was amazing.  As well as receiving messages of support from my loyal customers - I received messages of support and stories of how my pies had helped people eat well in their busy lives, particularly people who live amongst non-veg families who find the idea of meatfree eating a challenge.  So I am coming back!  My aim is to have a purpose built demountable kitchen delivered to my property at the south coast of NSW.  I will be able to get back to the markets and restock the shops that are patiently waiting my return.  I hope to add some private catering to my portfolio as well.  Healthy sweets and treats (plus a few naughty ones) will also be available.  I am hoping the veg community and people that enjoy quality animalfree meals will get behind me and help this kitchen become a reality.  Can you help?

Please note that I am hoping to receive a photo from every pledge contributor for display on my facebook page and on a supporters wall in the new kitchen.  Please forward your photo or of your animals if you are shy to: [email protected] or in a message to the facebook page below.  Please include the names (first name is fine) of the individuals in the photo.

https://www.facebook.com/Trishs-Vegan-Pies-835000833199784/?ref=bookmarks

I still have to confirm Council costs and the water engineering costs, which I will have to fund myself.

The $40,000 I am aiming to raise is purely for the kitchen to be made off site.  The quote for that was closer to $50,000 but as this campaign is all or nothing, I decided to try to raise the $40,000 and should I go over that, the remaining funds will reduce the money I have to borrow.

It will be challenging to make ends meet until I restart the business.

I am using this challenge as an excuse to get rid of everything suprlus in my life - clothes, jewellery, some books BUT not my rescue animals!

It may be a challenge to get local tradies on site when needed.