Amélie Strens chimed in with Mirjam, owner of Vega-Life, about principles, plant-based living and products that make sense.

Where it all began

"I hadn't been eating meat for years, but was working with leather. That didn't feel right."

In the heart of Amsterdam, Mirjam has been running Vega-Life for more than 16 years. What started as a mail-order company for leatherless shoes has grown into a shop full of sustainable and completely vegan products. In the bright corner building, you will find not only shoes, but also plant-based cheese, chocolate, supplements, socks and bags. All without animal ingredients, with an eye for quality and sustainability.

"We consciously choose good alternatives to leather. Not plastic, but materials that really add something."

Cheese tasting and art

Vega-Life moved, survived the corona period and always stayed true to its mission. To attract new visitors, Mirjam regularly organises cheese tastings and art exhibitions.

"Those evenings are full of local residents. Some come for the cheese, but then also discover the shoes."

With regular customers from Amsterdam and international visitors from cities like New York and Berlin, Vega-Life has become a place where ideals and taste come together. A shop that thinks beyond fashion or food and offers an alternative that rings true.