by Jessica Carreras
Sherry Duquet of Dearborn is a multi-tasking activist. Through her and her partner's jewelry company Solstice Designs, their non-profit Project Mother's Day and now, Duquet's blog, she promotes sustainable living, giving back to the community and being more aware of how actions impact the world we live in.
1) What sparked your interest in veganism?
I've been a vegetarian for 12 years and have always been proud of my choice to eat compassionately. Yet, many times I've wondered about trying vegan, but honestly was afraid to give up dairy, especially my beloved ice cream cones! Recently,
I went to the VegFest in Ferndale and was inspired by more than one vegan presenter about how this choice has changed them in ways that are completely life-altering – from physical health to spiritual health and everything in between.
So, here I am, actually we, since my partner Sandy is the primary chef in our home, preparing to go vegan for 30 days starting June 30. I invite others to join us during this challenge with their own commitment, whether they are veg-curious, vegetarian or are a meat-atarian willing to eat one meatless meal a day. Please come along and share – everything is more fun with friends.
2) How do you think your blog will help other vegans, vegetarians or just people looking to add more veggies to their diet?
It is my hope that the real-life approach of the blog will touch followers in a way that inspires them to consider eating and living more compassionately. I believe we can change the world, one step, one meal at a time, so let's try it together.
Through the blog, I share useful information about people, places, products and all things edible that are kind to the earth. I review products, share recipes and offer humorous and honest insight to real-life ways to affect change. The blog is fun and inclusive, which is important to me. Perhaps this will resonate with others as well.
3) You also were chosen as one of 105.1 FM's Women Who Make Magic. How did this honor come about?
I was nominated and chosen for creating Project Mother's Day. Through Project Mother's Day, we raise charitable funds to buy components to handcraft necklaces. We give these necklaces to children in the care of domestic abuse shelters nationally. The children in turn give the necklaces as their gift to Mom on Mother's Day.
It is an entirely grassroots venture, born and raised in metro Detroit and impacting lives here and across the country. This year marks our fifth of this project and we are now making it a year-round venture. We have put our heart and souls into this project and it is such an honor to be recognized. More at www.ProjectMothersDay.com.
4) How does your work with Solstice Designs fit in with your ideals about living a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle?
I'm so fortunate to be able to do what I love for a living, designing and creating handcrafted jewelry. Through Solstice Designs, we make jewelry that helps women express their inner beauty. I feel this focus on inner beauty is critical because it boosts self-esteem, which is one of the first steps in being healthy.
In a more tangible fashion, we support women-based charities through Solstice Designs as part of our business model. Project Mother's Day, born from Solstice Designs, is an example of that belief. Creating jewelry from natural gemstones and semi-precious metals is "up" cycling these materials with love, and that's sustainability at its finest. See some Solstice online at http://www.SolsticeD.Etsy.com
5) How are you hoping to impact other women in your community?
Whether it is in my personal life or my professional endeavors, I strive to be present and compassionate in everything I do. I believe that if each of us reaches out to another every day and shares an insight, a smile, a meal, a gift, a donation, we will walk closer to a more inclusive and understanding community.
It really is about acting locally because we can make positive change, one person at a time and the place to start is here (I'm pointing to my heart). It is the center of compassion and I believe women embody that very notion.
To check out Sherry's latest endeavor, visit http://www.ExploitsofaVeganWannabe.com.
