Jessica Cotton is the Founder and Director of Plant Powered Press, a vegan PR agency helping plant-based brands and organisations to attract the attention of mainstream consumer audiences.
An experienced journalist and publicist, Jess set up Plant Powered Press in 2018 as a passion project, soon turning her agency from a side hustle into a full-time enterprise.
With her extensive knowledge of the Australian vegan scene, spanning the business, media, and nonprofit worlds, Jess was a natural fit for the Nourish Vegan Awards expert panel, and Nourish were delighted when she agreed to take part.
Here, she shares how her personal and professional vegan journey has unfolded, and why she is a fan of the NVAs!
Nourish: What motivated you to explore veganism/plant-based living?
JC: Like most Australians, my plant-based journey was initially sparked by a desire for more healthful living. Then, as I learned more and more about the detrimental impacts caused by factory farming, veganism became a logical next step for me. It’s empowering to know that choosing a plant-based diet is the single biggest change any of us can make to reduce our environmental impact.
Nourish: How does your day-to-day work reflect your values?
JC: Every day, my food choices reflect a decision to reduce harm and live in greater connection with the planet and our animal friends. It’s a privilege to enjoy an abundant plant-based diet that aligns with my personal values.
Since founding Plant Powered Press in 2018 I have had the privilege of supporting and promoting vegan businesses and nonprofits on a full-time basis, working with plant-based brands at every stage of their development, and helping nonprofits to create impact through attention-grabbing vegan advocacy campaigns.
Jess (centre) pictured with Plant Powered Press team members Amy Flanagan, Head of Design (left) and Nicole Odviar, Account Manager (right)
Nourish: What has changed in the vegan world since you started on this path?
JC: Today, veganism is considered a more popular, mainstream consumer choice. There are so many exciting plant-based products and services available in Australia now, and it’s energising to be part of the change.
Nourish: Why did you choose to be part of the expert vegan panel for the 2022 Nourish Vegan Awards?
JC: As a panellist for the 2022 Nourish Vegan Awards, I’m thrilled to help celebrate the best plant-based products and services on offer in Australia right now. To be frank, I’d use any excuse to sample tasty vegan foods!
Nourish: What impact do initiatives like the Nourish Vegan Awards have?
JC: Initiatives such as the Nourish Vegan Awards help to create greater interest in the diverse range of plant-based products and services that are accessible within Australia today. The Awards also serve as an opportunity to celebrate new innovation and ingenuity within the plant-based space.
Nourish: What vegan product/option could you simply not live without?
JC: Tough question! Nutritional yeast goes with everything, so that has to be atop my must-have list. I’m also loving the new barista blends that make it easier to enjoy smooth, creamy coffees with plant-based milk.
Nourish: What isn’t yet widely available that you’d love to see developed?
JC: I believe there’s still room for a plant-based egg product that smells, looks, tastes, and functions like traditional egg.
Nourish: What’s next for you on your vegan journey?
JC: As a publicist and brand growth expert, I’m excited to continue supporting plant-based businesses as they increase their public profile in Australia and abroad.
***
Discover the nominees for the Nourish Vegan Awards 2022, and vote by 17 July to support your favourite businesses and enter this year’s outstanding prize draw.
