Meet Courtney Mitchell | Vegan Yoga Teacher & Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Courtney Mitchell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Courtney, how do you think about risk?
I trust that the Universe has my back, always, so I’m not afraid to take risks. Somehow, everything is working out and I am guided. My ultimate goal is to be happy and peaceful, so my decisions are based on what will bring me the most joy.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
After working as a public school teacher, I decided to resign and be a full-time yogi. I taught yoga for the kids after school, and taught in offices, country clubs, Three 7’s Animal Sanctuary, and at events, such as International Yoga Day at the Town Center mall! While I totally enjoyed helping others live a healthier lifestyle by practicing yoga, education about nutrition is SO important and I decided to start Palm Beach VegFest, to educate our community about the convenience and benefits of a plant-based diet. Now, both my careers complement each other. I’ve been vegan for 7.5 years and I feel like I’m getting younger. Without any effort, I weigh the same as I did when I was 17. Work smarter, not harder! No matter how much yoga or other exercise we do, we can never outrun a bad diet and I am passionate about inspiring others to try plant-based options. If it tastes the same and it’s healthier, and no animals were harmed for it, why wouldn’t we try it!? From a yogi perspective, living a gentle lifestyle and doing the least amount of harm (to ourselves and others) is the goal. I didn’t have any event experience, but everything came together really organically and I let the Universe guide me. The community has been so supportive, I’ve met amazing people at the events, and the vendors are EPIC. More than 100 years of research has shown that a plant-based diet is the only way of eating that prevents and reverses disease, and this information should be free and available to everyone. That’s why Palm Beach VegFest is always free admission and family-friendly! There are so many incredible vegan companies right here in South Florida, and I want them to have the exposure and success they deserve. My proudest Palm Beach VegFest moment was when we had more than 7,000 attendees visit the event in one day! When the vendors are selling out and asking me when the next event is, that makes my heart so happy. I definitely wouldn’t say that Palm Beach VegFest is “easy”, but it’s worth it, and it’s necessary.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Vegan food tour of South Florida! Natuurlik food truck, Inika Foods, Artichoke & Vine, Full Bloom Vegan, Darbster, Christopher’s Kitchen, Raw Juce, Reggae Beets food truck, Meraki Juice Kitchen, Pause at Swinton, Bangara Vegan, Guaca Go, Blondie’s Vegan, Veg Eats, The New Vegan, Nabati Ice Cream, Love Life Cafe, and so many others. HappyCow.net is a game changer!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My healer, Dr. Yan Ping Xu, has been my angel on Earth. She has been both emotionally and financially supportive of my yoga career and Palm Beach VegFest, and I am beyond grateful to have her in my life!

Website: www.pbvegfest.com
Instagram: @notabasicmitch and @pbvegfest
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PBVegFest