What kind of work do you do/business do you run?
I write and edit content for cruelty-free businesses.
What do you love about it?
What I love about writing and editing is telling and amplifying the stories of businesses that are making the world a better place. Communications comes very easy to me, and I like having a positive impact with what I do for work.
What’s your ‘why’ in life? What drives you?
My ‘why’ is leaving the world a better place than before I was here. I infused purpose in my business by working primarily with socially and environmentally responsible companies.
Today, I’m doing it in a way that combines my best skills with my vegan lifestyle.
Why are you a member of the Vegan Women’s Leadership Network?
I’m a member of the Vegan Women’s Leadership Network because I’m a vegan woman, and I believe that the world would be a much better place if vegan women were at the helm!
What’s been the biggest highlight or ‘wow’ moment of your career/business/professional life?
One cool moment I had in my previous business is when I helped connect a local sustainable fashion designer to Michelle Obama, through her stylist.
My client received a letter from the office of Barack and Michelle Obama, thanking my client for the gift. I hope at some point to see a photo of Michelle wearing the item!
How do you handle failures, fear and disappointment?
I think the best way to handle failure, fear, and disappointment is having good wellness practices, and prioritizing self-care and mental health.
Today, we’re seeing a 360-degree shift in the (very masculine) hustle and overtime work culture that was seen as ideal decades ago.
The more we value ourselves and remember that failures and disappointments are only temporary setbacks and lessons to learn from, the more we can use them as stepping stones to future opportunities and success.
What would you tell your 16-year-old self?
I’d tell my 16-year-old self to be more careful when driving, and not to worry so much because she’s going to live a pretty awesome life!
Which women inspire you and why?
Women of colour who are breaking barriers in their fields—especially the vegan industry—inspire me.
Right now, I’m excited to see Kamala Harris in a leadership position and what she’ll be able to do for the American people.
What’s been the biggest obstacle you’ve faced and how has it helped mould who you are now?
The biggest obstacle I’ve faced is the decision to close my previous business. It’s moulded who I am now because I was just starting to eat fully vegan at the time, and had no idea that the lifestyle was going to have such a big impact on my professional career following that decision.
I also learned that working harder doesn’t necessarily translate to a more successful business, and that the more I take care of myself and follow my intuition rather than what “experts” say, I’m more successful, both personally and professionally.
What’s your super-power? What are you amazing at?
My superpower is working with words. While I enjoy writing, my favourite thing to do in the world is maneuver my clients’ content to eliminate errors and make it presentable, while still preserving their own voice.
In 2020, I learned I could do more of this as a book editor, so I took courses so that I could serve authors.
What brings you joy?
Hanging out with my loved ones, eating great vegan desserts, watching good movies and TV shows, travelling, and hiking are some things that bring me joy.
How do you define success, and how will you know when you’ve achieved it?
I define success through positive growth. If I’ve grown as a person (or in my business) and have had the impact I intended to, I know I’ve achieved success.
What’s your vision for yourself and your business/career for the future?
In my business, I’d like to continue building the momentum I started in 2020, helping vegan businesses thrive through communications. I’d also like to travel more.
“The Content Doctor” Sandra Nomoto is a content writer and editor for cruelty-free businesses, and copyeditor, ghostwriter, and formatter for authors. Previously she ran Conscious PR, an award-winning virtual agency, for over a decade. Sandra writes about the vegan lifestyle, and authored The Only Public Relations Guide You’ll Ever Need.