Today we’d like to introduce you to Leigh Saluzzi.
Leigh, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
The idea for Atlanta Veg Fest began to take shape in 2011 after the decision was made to close the vegan specialty e-commerce shop I co-owned with my husband for seven years. With our shop, it felt like a form of activism to help normalize the concept of veganism by providing a place for small vegan businesses to have their products showcased. We were also able to help consumers who were either vegan or interested in veganism get their hands on products that, at the time, were not readily available in chain stores. If finding a great vegan cheese or chocolate bar was the one thing that kept someone happy and on track for pursuing their cruelty-free lifestyle, then we were serving our purpose.
At that time, there were only a few Veg Fests in the country, based mostly in major cities. We used to participate in Veg Fests and conferences as a vendor during our time at the shop, and once we closed it seemed like a great time to bring a Fest to the Atlanta area. Atlanta Veg Fest began as an idea that I workshopped with a friend over email, and in the past eight years has developed into the largest vegan annual event in Georgia. Atlanta Veg Fest is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a board of directors. I serve as the Founder & Executive Director, and as the Director of Vendor Relations. We are a volunteer-run organization.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Nothing worth doing is ever a smooth road! Even though I had participated as a vendor at events prior to 2011, I had not coordinated an entire event of this scale. So there was a learning curve as far as venues, crowds, parking, insurance, permits, etc. And the more we grow, the more moving parts there are and the more personal time it takes to put the event together. I also work full time and I’m the parent of a young child, and so I’m always busy!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Atlanta Veg Fest story. Tell us more about it.
Atlanta Veg Fest is an annual event that draws upwards of 5,000 people to learn more about the vegan lifestyle. Our exhibit hall has a great selection of vegan-friendly vendors who sell and sample food and products, which I know is what our attendees are always the most excited about. I am most proud of the educational component of the event, as we book some of the most awesome presenters from the vegan community to speak on the important topics related to veganism, including animal rights, health, environmental issues, humanitarian issues, and more. We also love to bring great chefs and speakers to educate on how easy it can be to go vegan and stay vegan.
Atlanta Veg Fest has grown so much over the years, that we have grown out of every venue we’ve booked so far. For 2019, we moved the event to the Infinite Energy Center in Duluth in order to allow the most possible space for attendees to feel comfortable while in the venue, to be able to showcase way more vendors and to keep parking free. We want to keep the Fest as accessible as possible to anyone who wants to attend, so we ask for an optional $5 donation per adult at the door to help offset the growing cost of the event.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t know that I really believe in luck when it comes to business. I believe in hard work and putting in the hours to create something I want to happen. I spent so many long nights practically begging companies to participate so we could have enough money to pay for our venue, and worrying if we would have to cancel the event due to lack of funds. It still feels like that sometimes! It might not always work exactly the way you want it to, but at least try and see what comes out of it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.atlantavegfest.com
- Email: leigh@atlantavegfest.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/atlantavegfest
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/atlantavegfest
- Twitter: twitter.com/atlantavegfest
Image Credit:
Seth Pajak is the photo credit for the exhibit hall photo, the entrance photo, and the presentation seating photo.
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
