Natasha James: ”I want to feel strong and powerful”
Vegan dessert chef Natasha James believes in empowering swimwear and brownies that are good for your soul.
After becoming vegan a few years ago, Natasha James started baking
vegan treats for herself. She would let her family try her recipes,
and from there she started her business Raw Cells. Now she sells her
treats all over Los Angeles from her travelling food bikes.
”I figured that the easiest way for
people to incorporate anything vegan or healthy would be through
junk food, or food treats. So that’s how I started!”
Together with a team of inspiring women, Natasha James models our favourite H&M swimwear for summer. In between shots, we sat down to talk summer, swimwear and hair care.
WHAT DOES ‘HEALTHY’ MEAN TO YOU?
”Being healthy for me means that you do
something good for your body, every day. It’s about the way you
think – if you think negatively, whether you eat well or badly its
still going to affect you negatively. Whether it’s running, drinking
a juice or meditating for 10 minutes. You need to take care of
yourself because in the end of the day, you are all you have.”
WHEN DO YOU FEEL THE MOST BEAUTIFUL?
”Probably when I wake up. I just feel
‘wow, I am here another day.’ I am just thankful to be here. And
when I wake up I am all like ‘let’s take on this day’. That’s when I
feel the most beautiful.”
HOW DO YOU WANT TO FEEL, WEARING YOUR FAVOURITE SWIMSUIT?
”I always want to feel empowered, no
matter what I am wearing. But especially when it comes to swimsuits.
Your body is so revealed, so yes, I want to feel strong, powerful.”
HOW DO YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR BEAUTIFUL HAIR?
”I put aloe vera on my eyelashes and on
the roots and tips of my hair. And I use coconut oil. Plus, I eat
well! But I don’t know if it has anything to do with it (laughs).”
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE VEGAN
SNACK?
”Brownies. I am obsessed. And caramel ice cream, I
probably have an addiction. So basic but so good.”
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAVOURITE SUMMER MOMENT.
”My family is from Northern Italy, and we
go there every two or three years. My grandmother lives in the
countryside, and I always help her make olive oil. She has taught me
a lot about baking, even though she is not vegan – but about the techniques.”
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR SUMMER?
”To work on my business even harder.
Summer is the best season for sales when it comes to snacks like ice
cream, so I am just going to be in L.A, grinding.”
Click here to see the full swimwear editorial
– our cutest swimwear for summer and how to style it on and off the beach.