Vanessa Toro

Migrant Entrepreneur supported by MourariUP.

I am Vanessa Toro, originally from Chile. I always knew that at some point, the nomadic life I was leading would make me settle somewhere, and I used to think: “when it happens, it happens.” Portugal wasn’t part of my plans; I was just passing through, but I fell in love and ended up staying in 2020. Because of the pandemic and being unable to travel the world, I embarked on a journey even deeper and more transformative—an inner journey. Lisbon became the cradle of my rebirth, both personally and professionally.

I started Vanegan at the end of 2022, driven by the desire to dedicate myself to something meaningful. Despite logistical challenges—especially not having a car and needing to move and transport everything on my bike or via public transport—this project has been a journey of resilience and self-overcoming for me. I participate in markets, events, and festivals, always aiming to offer healthy, delicious, sustainable, and accessible vegan food. I love being on the move, making connections in every place I visit, and hearing people say they feel cared for and nourished by the dishes I prepare.

Over the past year, I’ve achieved significant milestones, including the participation at Waking Life Festival as one of the festival’s chefs, as well as leading the kitchen at the Boa Onda Festival, where I fed a team of over 100 people. It was an intense experience, from coordinating the team and creating creative menus to facing some resistance to vegan food. However, the positive feedback and the support I received strengthened my resolve. Every step of this journey has been an opportunity to learn, grow, and make an impact.

I believe my project goes far beyond food. I promote health, sustainability, and community bonds, making the most of available resources and avoiding food waste. Everything I do reflects love, dedication, and the desire to build something meaningful for myself and others.

In the future, I want to expand my efforts with Vanejando Experience, a project that combines bike rides, picnics, and activities like meditation or dance. I feel this is the next step to connect people with nature and create memorable experiences. I am working to overcome the challenges that exist, just as I did when I started my Vanegan project, and I know that with persistence and passion, I will achieve this new goal.

Written by: Maria Inês Almeida.

Edited by: Ivan Bustillo.