'The Vegan Goddess' Gives Health Food a Sweet Reputation

Anne Lynch decided years ago to become a vegan—but that doesn’t mean she’s depriving herself of the sweet stuff.

“I try to present veganism as a joyful thing,” she said. “I try to present it as a very life-affirming choice—rather than getting people to think of what they can’t eat, I show them all of the different things that they can.”

Lynch of grew up in New Orleans, LA where a vegetarian lifestyle is largely unheard of, however, her mother raised her on tofu and minimal amounts of meat. She has been a vegan since 2000. She started her own vegan catering business, “The Vegan Goddess,” in 2006.

“It was purely ethical,” she said of the lifestyle change. “I have been interested in animal rights my whole life.”

When she moved to Pittsburgh to go to college, that’s when she began thinking about cutting out dairy and eggs as well as meat. She gave it a try and never stopped.

“I am fortunate in that I have always hated cheese and that’s a big stumbling block for a lot of people who try it—they miss cheese,” she said with a laugh.

Through her business, she enjoys spreading her own love of vegan meals without the stress of getting into a full-blown establishment.

“I have always loved to cook and during my college career, I decided I wanted to open a vegan restaurant,” she said. “But then I got a little sidetracked by —and the food industry really takes so much money.”

She figured a good way to get her foot in the door would be to make her food at different events and shows in the region. Some of her main items include finger foods, cold stuffed shells with a Greek salad, mini sandwiches from party loaves—and always something sweet in the dessert, which she is known for.

“I really ask them what foods they like and cater it around that,” she said.

Lynch loves surprising people with her delicious treats.

“My slogan is ‘Where decadence meets compassion,’ and what I love most is when someone comes up to me and says, ‘I never would have guessed this is vegan,” Lynch said. “It totally changes their mind about how good vegan food can be.”

For more information, visit www.thevegangoddess.com.