If someone had suggested several years ago I would now be vegetarian, never would I have believed them.

Growing up in the landlocked Midwest, meat was very much an everyday part of my diet. Despite always being an avid animal lover, as a child I never made the connection between the cows I spent hours feeding apples to on my grandparent’s farm, and the steak I was having for dinner the same night.

Over the years, one of my husband’s and my greatest pleasures has been turning up in New York for the odd long weekend and heading straight to the Post House to order filet mignons with a great bottle of red wine.

How could I possibly consider giving that up?

Five summers ago, while on vacation in Miami, my husband convinced my daughter and I to watch the Netflix documentary Forks Over Knives. I have never looked back. I went completely vegetarian – cold turkey as they say – and I am positively astounded at how easy it was, and also terribly disappointed in myself I hadn’t the gumption to do it sooner.

I am constantly being asked why I went vegetarian, and it’s for all the obvious reasons – it’s better for the environment, health and takes a stand against animal cruelty. Beyond that, however, it has given me a creative outlet I never knew I had, as being vegetarian has led me to discover ways to reimagine food and conquer stereotypes about how monotonous it is to go meatless.

For me, not eating meat has unapologetically forced me to look at making more responsible alternatives in all aspects of my life, from what I prepare in my kitchen, to my cosmetics and even my fashion choices.

Willa Phoenix came to life to reverse the stereotype that making more sustainable and ethical choices means compromising on sophistication and elegance. Ultimately, I founded the brand to give consumers fabulous, stylish shoes and handbags that are free from animal cruelty.

Willa Phoenix is for those deciding to do their part in making the world a little bit better, one beautiful pair of shoes at a time.