Plant-based love

Brittany Martens and Caitlin Sikora are business owners and trailblazers on a mission.

Since last year they’ve been putting in the time, the work and the commitment to create Herbivore Haven, a large-scale vegan market. Now they’re riding high on their labour of love and working on the next chapter.

The two creative innovators have been fully immersed in building on Herbivore Haven’s success. With strengths that work perfectly together, the dynamic duo managed to create two hugely thriving market events so far and are already working on a third for early next year.

Interest in all things plant-based continues to grow and not only for those already living a vegan lifestyle.

“In July, there were more non-vegans there. Many said they were not vegan or vegetarian, but heard great things about the first market and curiously came down for the day. Folks left happy, full and helped with the community support big-time as a result. I felt we hit the nail on the head,” Sikora said, adding visitors included those with specific dietary needs for cultural or health-related reasons.

The business owner, who creates witty hand-embroidery sold under the name Real Swanky, shares her home with two rabbits, Frank and Gus. Sikora believes strongly in DIY, supporting local and being part of a vibrant community effort.

Last month’s market at the Winakwa Community Centre featured 64 vendors showcasing everything from vegan jerky to sauces, baked goods, body care products, edible flowers, handcrafted art and crocheted plushies.

Visitors showed up to learn, shop and support local creators, growers and business people.

“Vendors, visitors, the venue, they were all pleased as punch with our volunteers,” Sikora said.

Herbivore Haven now has its own zine, created by Sikora, which includes a Google Map Guide with over 175 vegan-friendly dining options in Winnipeg and the surrounding area. Users can scan the QR code and be on their way.

“Dining out shouldn’t feel stressful, nor should people ever feel excluded because their dietary lifestyle is different. We’d love to help ease up on any obstacles by sharing this resource with the community. We’re always adding to it when we find a new spot,” she said.

The increased interest in veganism has led to curiosity about learning more about what’s available to facilitate that transition, which keeps the Herbivore Haven founders busy.

“We’re excited to get moving, with ease, with intention, with compassion,” said Sikora, who has been vegan since childhood.

“There is absolutely a demand for more and we’re over the moon about it. Brittany and I have fairly full market schedules with our respective businesses, but understand the need for this in the community is crucial.”

Martens’ passion for baking led her to start her Plant Kitchen and Bakery business in 2022 and she hasn’t looked back. When she’s not baking and market planning, she and her partner try to keep up with their two cats and two dogs.

Vegan since the age of 16, Martens originally made the switch for health and environmental reasons, but has stayed vegan for the animals.

“I believe that eating meat isn’t a necessity, especially when we have grocery stores full of plant-based options that can keep us healthy and satisfied. I feel deep compassion for all animals and try to reduce harm in any way I can,” Martens said.

For Martens and Sikora, Herbivore Haven started as a fun project to bring the vegan market scene to Winnipeg in a bigger way. The Robert A. Steen Community Centre in Wolseley has held a few vegan markets and both Sikora and Martens were happy to contribute there as much as they could.

“The Herbivore Haven market last month was only our second one and we were thrilled to see around 1,000 visitors come through the doors,” said Martens. “We saw people of all ages. It was amazing to meet some lon-time vegans and older attendees who were just as excited to be there. We love creating a space that feels safe for everyone, regardless of their lifestyle or age.”

For Sikora, plant-based love is more than just a catchy phrase — it’s a mindset rooted in compassion, sustainability and conscious living.

“By promoting a vegan, or vegan-forward lifestyle, we’re encouraging people to make choices that are kind not only to animals, but to the planet and their own health,” Sikora said, adding that on the environmental front, plant-based diets have a significantly lower impact compared to animal-based ones.

“From reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving water to preserving biodiversity and reducing deforestation, every plant-based or plant-forward meal is a step toward a more sustainable world. It’s a tangible way for folks to reduce their ecological footprint and contribute to climate solutions. But it’s also about leading with kindness.

“Choosing a vegan or vegan-forward lifestyle aligns our values with our actions, extending love and respect to all living beings and the ecosystems that support us. ‘Plant-based love’ is our way of reminding the community that what’s on our plates can reflect the kind of world we want to live in: one that’s greener, gentler and more just.”

Martens said she’s seeing more curiosity and openness about this lifestyle than ever before.

“A lot of folks are looking to reduce their meat and dairy intake for health, environmental or ethical reasons and they’re excited to find plant-based alternatives that are familiar and delicious,” said Martens.

“To me, ‘plant-based love’ is about leading with compassion towards animals, the planet and other people. A vegan lifestyle is a small but powerful way we can reduce harm and make more intentional choices. Instead of focusing on being perfect, I encourage others to find moments of kindness in their everyday routines. I believe this is what truly leads to great change.”

Martens and Sikora want to continue building a welcoming space where people of all backgrounds can come together to explore plant-based living. Behind the scenes, they’re already collaborating with companies to make their next event even more memorable.

“There’s definitely a demand for more events, which fuels us to work even harder,” Sikora said.

The next Herbivore Haven market will be held March 22, 2026. For updates and resources follow @herbivorehavenmarket on Facebook and Instagram.

fparts@freepress.mb.ca