Jessie Vestner and Kelty Lewis are gearing up to roll-out Nude Smoothies: Toronto’s first vegan smoothie truck!

Vestner, a raw vegan and produce connoisseur, has a decade of experience in the food industry. Lewis has done it all – from stylist to makeup artist to bartender. Now, she’s harnessing all of her talent to change the food truck scene for the better. The pair have launched an Indiegogo campaign to help outfit the inside of their food truck and secure their curbside permit.

We caught up with them this week.

SDTC: When did you start eating raw vegan? What was behind your choice?

Jessie: I suffered from a debilitating illness for most of my life that eventually left me bedridden. I took it upon myself to dive deep into health, and through being my own advocate, I was led to raw veganism. I’ve felt so good in my body and athletic ability that it’s become my lifestyle.

Walk us through a typical day in your life, from getting up til going to bed.

Jessie: I wake up naturally most days, eat fruit, check my emails, walk my dog, go for a run and then spend time grocery shopping or working on Nude in cafes. My nights are usually spent bartending to pay the bills.

What has been your career/education trajectory up to this point?

Kelty: I always wanted to work for myself and am artistically driven, so I decided to go to school for makeup artistry six years ago. I still do this as a freelancer today. I have been a barista, a jeweller and am still to this day a cocktail bartender. I like living a prolific lifestyle so that I don’t get bored. Entrepreneurship is something I knew I would do from day one. I am excited that Nude will unfold this dream for me.

Why do you think it’s about time the city needs a vegan smoothie truck?

K & J: Toronto, although ahead of the game in many aspects, is severely lacking healthy vegan options in a large part of the city. If you’re in the park or at a festival, you will be LUCKY to come across a veggie dog. We want to fill that gap and bring people nutritious, portable options no matter where they are.

What is your favourite flavour that you’ve developed?

Kelty: We are constantly developing new flavours depending on what is in season. My favourite right now is pumpkin spice, but yesterday it was spicy mango. I can’t choose!