It's been awhile since we've written about our approach to raw materials + with the rapid change occurring in this space, combined with enthusiasm around the question of 'whats to come next for Sans Beast?', our founder, Cathryn Wills, has written an overview of our material roadmap.  Read on for a recap of where we've come from, where we're at + where we're going.  It's an evolving space + with collection leadtimes being 11+ months, combined with development cost investment challenges, it's one that moves slowly (but surely) for this independent, small business.

2023 is nearly upon us + with January about to arrive - so too does Veganuary. The team behind the Veganuary initiative encourage people to take the pledge to try a vegan diet - and we're joining in with words of encouragement plus some enticing plant based suggestions to get you started.  The animals, the earth + your health will thank you.  Read on to discover more.   

We're not nutritionists, dieticians or chefs.  But we do like food, and we love discovering plant based recipes to add to our repertoire of cooking options.  With the winter chill in the air in Melbourne, we're reaching for home cooked, whole food, plant based recipes that ensure we remain healthy in our body + mind.  Get tempted, ditch the constant takeaway, buy up those veggies + tap into your inner gourmand.

Cathryn reflects on her visit to Mexico in early 2020, just prior to the COVID-19 crisis escalating in Europe / US / Australia + across the globe.  One of the highlights of the trip was time spent with the founders of Desserto Pelle, the innovative business behind the cactus derived faux 'leather'.  

Easter 2021 is nearly upon us, and the Sans Beast team are looking forward to enjoying a short break.  Perhaps even a Long Lunch with family (see what we did there..) that includes some dairy free sweet treats. 

Vegan chocolate is becoming far more readily available in Australia.  For some, the opposition to dairy consumption may be about an intolerance to lactose - for us (and an increasing number of people), it's about saying no to animal exploitation. 

Here are some fabulous dairy free options to keep your sweet tooth happy this Easter.

An overview of 2020 + the lessons learnt for Sans Beast, from the perspective of our founder Cathryn.  It's been one hell of a ride + we feel we've come out the other side wiser, braver + more resilient - ready for all 2021 has to throw at us.  One key lesson out of all of this has been to reaffirm our mission + recommit to the business of Sans Beast.  We can't wait to show you what we have in store for the year ahead + hope you'll continue on this journey with us.

We've put together a vegan gift guide of some Sans Beast bag suggestions, along with a list of favourite vegan + ethical small businesses in Australia, that would no doubt love your support in these (still) challenging post pandemic times.  Happy festivus from us to you.

Emma Hakansson has been a friend of Sans Beast, as well as an occasional face of the brand, since 'the beginning'.  She is a woman who wears many hats, and applies her talents + time, to making a difference in this life.  A passionate advocate for animals, a soon to be published author, a model + a content creator, Emma is someone who walks her talk.  We hope you'll enjoy reading about this inspiring creative creature.

Joanne Lee is an animal advocate who operates a vegan micro sanctuary in The Dandenong Ranges, around an hour outside of Melbourne. Her most notable residents are The Weetbix Gang - a flock of rescued sheep who have found sanctuary, fun + friendship together.

2020 has been tumultuous so far + Sans Beast has not been immune to the challenges.  As a niche, vegan handbag brand celebrating our second birthday in March, it was a rude awakening to follow the blowing out of the birthday candles with a new acronym + lifestyle - WFH.  However this post is not about doom + gloom, it's about celebrating creativity, getting excited about a new collection, recognising the power (and importance) of collaboration + enjoying the notion of blooming again.

Pam Ahern is the founder + owner of Edgar's Mission. A former equestrian champion, a chance encounter with a trotter named Edgar Alan Pig saw her give up her full time job + create a haven for farm animals which she built from the ground up. We caught up with her to talk about her incredible + inspiring journey.

When we think about freedom for everyone on the planet, we tend to think of humans only.  But did you know there are people fighting, every day, for the freedom of intelligent, thoughtful, sentient beings who have been mistreated by humankind? Mickey Suzuki is one of these people.  Her story of how she came to work with the Non human Rights Project, the ongoing struggle to win rights for non human animals + her inherent compassion for all living beings, is a compelling one.  Read on to learn more about the NhRP, what the difference between animal welfare + animal rights is, and discover encouraging stories about how cases are being fought + won, through legal avenues.