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Life & Work with Savannah Kelmanson of Toluca Lake

Today we’d like to introduce you to Savannah Kelmanson

Hi Savannah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My mom had a huge heart for animals and was always rescuing stray cats or caring for injured squirrels. She taught me the importance of compassion and looking out for those who couldn’t protect themselves. But while my heart was always with animals, I grew up in an environment where the concept of veganism was foreign. No one around me was vegan, and I didn’t fully understand the impact of my food choices on the very beings I loved so much.

That all changed when I met my partner, who had been vegan for eight years and had even started his own cat rescue. His unwavering commitment to animal rights opened my eyes to a reality I hadn’t fully grasped—the cruelty and suffering inherent in the animal agriculture and factory farming industries. It was a difficult truth to confront, but it was also a turning point for me. Together, we’ve spent the last three years rescuing cats, and our home has become a sanctuary for these animals, with as many as 20 cats living with us at any given time and a steady stream of fosters coming and going. Through this work, I’ve come to realize that it doesn’t make sense to save some animals while contributing to the suffering of others. This realization has been the driving force behind my journey into veganism.

We Soy Tasty was born out of this journey, with a mission that is deeply personal to me. I want to show the world that a vegan lifestyle isn’t just compassionate—it’s vibrant, exciting, and deeply fulfilling. Through We Soy Tasty, I aim to shatter the misconceptions about veganism, revealing not only the harsh truths behind animal agriculture but also the incredible benefits of choosing a plant-based lifestyle. I believe that food is a powerful medium for change, and by creating delicious, innovative vegan dishes, I hope to inspire others to make more compassionate choices.

We Soy Tasty is more than just food. My partner and I share a passion for storytelling, and we’ve channeled that passion into our production company. Our goal is to help vegan businesses and brands flourish by creating content that not only showcases their products but also tells a story—one that resonates with people on a deeper level. We want to make veganism look as good as it feels, helping brands succeed while advancing the broader mission of animal rights.

Looking ahead, we have big dreams. We envision our production company growing into a well-known entity that creates films that we love, all while continuing our mission of saving animals. We’re also working towards opening a cat café that offers delicious vegan food and showcases our favorite films – a place where our love for animals, great food, and cinema all come together. It’s our vision of the ultimate hangout.

At the heart of everything we do is a deep commitment to making the world a better place for animals and people alike. We Soy Tasty is our way of sharing that vision with the world.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of our biggest challenges has been building We Soy Tasty from the ground up with no budget, no team, and very little experience. Everything we do—whether it’s rescuing animals, creating content, or helping vegan brands—comes from a place of passion, but it’s not without its difficulties. Balancing the demands of running a brand while caring for up to 20 rescue cats at a time is a daily juggling act.

Scaling the business has also been tough. With limited resources, it’s hard to reach the wider audience we know is out there, and we often find ourselves stretched thin, trying to meet client expectations with the minimal tools and time we have. We’re constantly navigating the fine line between delivering quality work and managing the practical realities of what we can achieve.

But despite these challenges, our commitment to the cause and our belief in what we’re doing keeps us moving forward. We’re learning as we go, and every obstacle is just another step on the journey to making We Soy Tasty the brand we know it can be.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We Soy Tasty is dedicated to helping vegan brands and businesses stand out through high-quality content creation. Whether it’s crafting recipe videos that showcase innovative vegan products, highlighting unique items like cat jewelry on our rescue cats, or producing promotional content for vegan restaurants, we bring creativity and professionalism to every project.
With professional-grade cameras, lighting, and audio, we manage every detail of production to create content that truly stands out. While our primary focus is on vegan businesses, our broader production company, Andromeda Films, founded by my partner Joshua Yuzon, extends its expertise to various entrepreneurs, producing podcasts, ads, and more. However, We Soy Tasty remains committed to elevating vegan brands, helping them connect with their audience and flourish in a competitive market.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The vegan industry is experiencing remarkable growth as more people recognize the ethical, environmental, and health benefits of a plant-based lifestyle. With the rise in vegan products, restaurants, and innovative businesses, the industry is moving forward at an impressive pace. However, reaching mainstream audiences and dispelling misconceptions about veganism remain significant challenges.

We see the future of the vegan industry as one where plant-based options become mainstream, making veganism more accessible and appealing to a broader audience. As the industry expands, the need for authentic storytelling and standout content will be crucial for businesses to thrive. We’re committed to supporting this evolution by helping vegan brands connect with their audiences in impactful ways, contributing to a more compassionate and sustainable world.

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