Meet Jo Rodriguez: Digital Content Creator + Photographer

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

Hi Jo, why did you pursue a creative career?
I find my creative career with VeganishJ to be really expressive and freeing- mentally, physically, and emotionally. For me, working in a creative atmosphere creates a healthy environment and provides the comfort, safety, freedom and independence I personally need to thrive. I love what I do every day.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The type of content that I like to create is realistic, easy, relatable, and resourceful for those supporting my VeganishJ content. I am intentional about creating light-hearted and easy going material. Right now I dedicate my time creating recipes, taking snapshots of my everyday meals, and sharing plant-based vegan food recipes and cruelty-free products. There is so much I want to accomplish and it makes me really excited for what the future holds. I believe in starting from the very bottom so I’d say that I’m most proud of the foundation that I am trying to build for my brand- it’s honest, relatable, and resourceful. I feel that I am where I am today because of God, prayer, courage, and the support system that I have. Nothing is ever easy but it is worth the work. When I was in my late teens and early twenties I used to believe that I can do anything on my own, and that’s true, but as I’ve grown up I have realized that it takes a village and I personally feel so empowered when my support system is rooting for me and are a part of my growth. It makes me very proud. I’ve learned to not rush or force things into play. Even if it’s trendy and even if you want to stay relevant. I believe in the saying “good things take time”. I want to share with others that plant-based vegan foods can be desirable, delicious, fun to eat, and for the most part affordable without harming animals or the environment (as much as our circumstances allow). Most importantly, My space is available to anyone and everyone interested in eating wholesome plant-based vegan meals.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My sister and her boyfriend come to visit and stay at our place every month or so for the weekend. We have a healthy balance of cozying up at home binge watching Netflix crime shows, exploring some of our favorite places in Miami, and cooking at home or eating at our favorite places. Day 1: Activities: A day at The Berry Farms: must see corn and sunflower maze. Watch Netflix Forensic Files series. Play the UNO card game. Meal prep for Sunday beach trip. Must Have Food & Drinks: Breakfast: Pan con mantequilla (Bread with butter [I use vegan butter]) con cafe con leche (milk & coffee), homemade coffee Frappuccino. Lunch: BurgerFi Burgers: We place a classic order of burger and fries. Luckily, BurgerFi has a selection for an Beyond Burger in a lettuce cup which is what I typically order. We then visit the Berry Farm and order our most favorite juice at their juice bar- the Very Veggie Juice without onion. Dinner: Homemade veggie fajita tacos and our famous late night mimosas. Snacks: Popcorn and trail mix Day 2: Activities: Visit Glaser Organic Farms in Coconut Grove (Open Saturdays Only)- supporting the local farm buying fresh fruits and vegetables and from other small businesses. Wynwood! We visit the Walt Grace Vintage store- if you love vintage cars, guitars, and coffee then this is THE place for you. Wynwood walls- a place to visit for FREE to appreciate and support local and global artists displaying their colorful street murals. Must Have Food & Drinks: PlantB Cafe vegan burger and cashew coffee located at Glaser Organic Farms. Baked goods from Pamela Wasabi Bakery and coffee at the Grace Vintage store. Love Life Café- our top choices are the Cheeseburger 1.0, the picadillo bowl, and pizza verde. Day 3-Last Day: Activities: Headed to South Beach! Enjoy the water and sun, then play football and frisbee. Watch the sunset. Finish Forensic Files series on Netflix. Must Have Food & Drinks: Sandwiches, water, mojitos, vegan tacos, hummus and vegetable spreads. This can last us the day without having to break the bank while in Miami beach. If you want to go out and explore the Miami area, a good place to start would be South Beach, in my opinion. It’s perfect for a beach day, walking distances to restaurants and bars, and entertainment just about every turn you take whether it is viewing art galleries, supporting musicians, and museums. A wonderful Café to visit is Love Life Café. They are plant-based vegan and absolutely delicious. They have a decent menu and just came out with a new Japanese pop up menu called shīdo. We love them and go often.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate this shoutout to my girlfriend Susana Valenzano and my family. Susana embraces and encourages me to go after the things I am passionate about and love. She is responsible for making me write down all of the meals I would randomly make on the spur of the moment of each day, taste testing the food, and convincing me to share it all. My family is loyal, accepting, loving, and supportive. I am so genuinely grateful and lucky for all of their constant support and strength. Thank you all for being my confidants on my personal and professional journeys.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganishj/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VEGANISHJ/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDrDFSDXPJj4icWmlRGqHJQ

Image Credits
Photographer: Jo Rodriguez, @veganishj