Jessica is a Scottish vegan living in Dubai. Even though she has been working in recruitment for the oil and gas industry for over 9 years, Jessica loves spending her free time blogging and travelling the world. She currently has a blog called Foxes and Food where she shares her biggest passions and values, in hope of inspiring others to care for the planet and those around us. She is very passionate about animal rights and environmental conservation, and gave up meat-eating at the young age of 17. Jessica enjoys keeping fit, reading a good book, eating out and going on adventures. This year, she inspired many with her attempt to buy no clothes for an entire year with aims to raise awareness of ‘fast fashion’ and 'materialism' as well as the effects that our extreme consumption have on the lives of others & the planet.
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Blog: foxesandfood.com
Interview with Jessica Smit
1) Did you always want to be a blogger? If so, why did you choose this career?
My blog is part time, I actually work full time, but I feel so strongly about the things I care about, I just make the time to work on my blog and raise awareness! I chose to start a blog because it seemed like a great way to connect with like minded people, everyone is on some kind of social media these days so I felt like by blogging I could try and reach and inspire people this way.
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2) What did you learn from your 1 year journey where you vowed to not buy any clothes?
I am half way through my year of not buying any new clothes and I have learned a lot. I have learned to be happier with less and I have learned just how much of an impact Fair Trade clothing has on the lives of other people. I have also learned that there are much more important issues to be worrying about in the world than stressing about being photographed in the same outfit twice!
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3) What piece of advice can you give to others based on what you do?
Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself. Even if you are not surrounded by like minded people, do not fall into the trap of 'going with the flow' or comprising your passions and beliefs to make others more comfortable. Do not be afraid to speak up and follow your heart, ever.
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4) Any goals for the future?
I have a lot of ideas for the future... I guess it is hard to be precise. But when it comes to goals; I just want to continue to be happy, to wake up every morning feeling grateful and I want to continue to try and inspire people every day, I also want to travel more. The rest will figure itself out in time, I am sure of it.