Today we’d like to introduce you to Sexton (they/them).
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
When I was 14 years old, I watched a documentary on the factory farming industry and was appalled at the animal cruelty I witnessed. From that day on, I never ate meat again. As I got older, I began to learn more about dismantling systems of oppression and realized that veganism is a way of unlearning my internalized hierarchical beliefs. To live a more ethical life, I had to cut out some cruelty from my diet.
Dairy cheese was one of my favorite foods and the thing I craved most when transitioning to a fully plant-based life. I just couldn’t find a vegan cheese option that slices, melts and shreds just like dairy- until I created my own!
I put hours of research and experimentation into creating a cheese that would satisfy my cravings. I was posting my experiments on TikTok and a food truck took notice. They asked me to do a popup shop at a vegan farmers market they were hosting. I made as much cheese as I could, wrapped it in compostable parchment paper, and set up shop. To my surprise, I had a huge line and sold out!
Today, one year later, I’m working out one of Austin’s oldest vegan restaurants, Counter Culture, and selling Peace Cheese at farmer’s markets, a grocery store, and even to a food truck. Even with all these increases, I still make each and every batch of cheese by hand.
My brand of activism encourages education and accessibility over shame, so I created Peace Cheese as a vegan alternative for those looking to include more plant-based options into their life.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The outpouring of support I’ve received from both the vegan and queer communities in Austin has helped me overcome a lot of struggles that happen when trying to start a small, niche food business- especially during a pandemic. One of the biggest struggles I’ve run into is single-handedly meeting the demand that exists for a good vegan cheese like Peace Cheese.
We’ve been impressed with Peace Cheese, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Peace Cheese is not only known for its melty vegan cheese but also for creating a space for LGBTQIA+ and Vegans to come together in community and enjoy something delicious and dairy-free. Peace Cheese prides itself on being Trans, Nonbinary and Queer owned, something that I, Sexton (pronouns they/them) remind everyone who stops at my table. The word Trans is clearly visible on Peace Cheese packaging, the market display, and my own business card. I’m not talking about Trans Fats, I’m talking about Transgender. Especially as a Texas-based company, a place where Trans Rights are under attack, Peace Cheese creates a space where trans youth can feel safe when they see my flag at the farmers market. I want trans youth to know that there is space for Trans and Nonbinary people in the small business, artisan, and culinary sphere.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Over the 14 years that I’ve been plant-based, I’ve seen a huge amount of growth in the vegan industry. From amazing products like Beyond Meat to big vegan food festivals happening all over the world. As we collectively continue to make more environmentally conscious decisions, the vegan industry continues to rapidly grow. I don’t see that changing.
Contact Info:
- Website: peacecheese.square.site
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/peacecheese_
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/PeaceCheeseATX
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@peacecheese_
Image Credits
Hannah Kaminsky
