by Native Foods Cafe
Greer Clement is a jewelry designer from Michigan who loves to cook, garden, listen to music… oh, and she works at Native Foods Lakeview in her spare time! Greer is one cool gal, so make sure to say hi next time you are in Lakeview…. and check out her jewelry shop on Etsy!
Native Foods Cafe, vegan, vegan food, vegan restaurant, etsy jewelry
Where are you from?
Originally Ohio, but I lived most of my life in Michigan so I claim that as my home state.
What is your sign?
I am a libra. Oct. 8th.
What inspired you to become vegan/vegetarian?
Growing up I didn't really like meat. Once I had the choice not to eat it I didn't. I had been vegetarian for roughly 10 years before going vegan. My boyfriend had read The China Study and asked me if I wanted to go Vegan with him. It is the best decision I have ever made.
When and why did you start making jewelry?
I started making jewelry 7 years ago when I moved to chicago. I wanted to wear jewelry, but wanted it to be different from anyone else. It just made sense that I would make it myself. I sell my handmade art currently on Etsy. You can find my work at www.archboldmoss.etsy.com
Native Foods Cafe, vegan, vegan food, vegan restaurant, etsy jewelry
Do you have a favorite jewelry designer, someone or something that inspires you?
I don't have a favorite jewelry designer. I draw inspiration from nature and contrasting colors. I love asymmetrical necklaces. I like my work to be bold.
Who or what do you think has had the most impact on the growing vegetarian/vegan movement?
I think the health issues. especially affecting Americans today, is opening people's eyes to a plant-based diet. Forks Over Knives is a great documentary that explains the health issues related to a meat and dairy diet, but shows how to correct health problems by switching to a plant based diet.
If you could come back as an animal?
Well I love to swim so I would choose a whale shark. Just big enough so nothing would bother me. Also they are such majestic swimmers:)
Native Foods Cafe vegan restaurant uses this photo courtesy of National Geographic: Photograph by Brian J. Skerry
Do you have any pets, if so what are their names?
No pets. But I walked dogs for four years before working at Native Foods. I definitely had some favorites. I created a bond with a bulldog named Turtle, I walked him since he was a puppy. I also love my sister's dog a pug named Oscar and of course two lab mixes Pepper and Koda who I have dog sat for four years. I guess they are all my favorites. They have so much personality without ever saying a word. And the expressions!! This is Oscar:
Native Foods Cafe, vegan, vegan food, vegan restaurant, etsy jewelry
What do you want to be when you "grow up"?
Well I think it would be pretty wonderful to support myself from my art, but I will also be happy working and creating art & living a simple life.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
I would love to live in a house someday with a yard. I love gardening and I think it would be so fun to plant a huge garden. I have learned in life that locations do not always make you happy it is who you are with that matters. If I had to choose I would say Northern Michigan or the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Both would be great!!
What is your favorite menu item and dessert at Native Foods?
I like the Caribbean Jerk Kale Salad. I love the creamy cilantro & jalapeno dressing and the avocado, mango and kale of course. I eat gluten free so I would have to choose the Peanut Butter Parfait for dessert.
Native Foods Cafe, vegan, vegan food, vegan restaurant, etsy jewelry
Do you have a signature dish you prepare at home?
I fry brussel sprouts in earth balance butter w/ a bit of liquid amino Bragg's. Served on top a bed of mixed greens with vegetables and fruit with a hummus balsamic vinaigrette. And some nutritional yeast on top ( if we have it:)
Do you have a favorite band or musician?
Right now I have been listening to a lot of Iron Horse. They are a bluegrass cover band. Picking on Modest Mouse is great and also A Whole Lotta Bluegrass a tribute to Led Zeppelin is what I am listening to now. Neil Young is my all time favorite.
Native Foods Cafe vegan restaurant uses this photo courtesy of Wikipedia.
What was your first concert ever?
My sister surprised me with Horde Tour tickets when I was 14. The headlining band was Blues Traveler and I remember being excited to see the Spin Doctors. While I was saving the lawns seats I heard the very first act. A guy came out on stage and slammed his metal folding chair down, it echoed loudly. He softly said into the microphone "Hi I'm Ben Harper." I didn't know him before that but instantly loved his music.
Do you like to dance?
If you see me dance it is rare. Once in a blue moon I dance. I really enjoy music though.
Do aliens exist?
I'm not sure. It's a real thinking question, one to really ponder. I haven't actually devoted the time to definitively saying yes or no they exist, it seems possible though. Maybe.
What do you do in your free time?
I have lots of house plants that I love taking care of. I recently planted some herbs and lettuces and kale on my deck that I love to check the growth of. I cook at least once or twice a day. I enjoy doing art in all forms and spending time with my boyfriend and good friends.
Native Foods Cafe, vegan, vegan food, vegan restaurant, etsy jewelry