When I first started my insta account, one of the first people I was immediately drawn to was our next guest. The fact that I actually got to chat with her and get an insight into how she does what she does makes me love the universe so much more – because ask me 3 months ago and she was just another account I stalked while wondering how tf she got to where she is/ I I wish I could be like her, you know, the classic! But it is another amazing reason that if you just stick with what you love, you could be in a completely different space even just 1 month from now.
I admired Autumn not only for her insta handle (which I think is just so catchy) but it’s the fact that every piece of content she puts out immediately grabs peoples attention, if you’re anything like me and have saved 9 of her latest recipes (I swear, I intended to make them) you’ll know what I’m talking about. She is a master at knowing what her audience wants to see next, it’s like she’s in their head – it’s why her hair’s so luscious and big (it’s full of secrets) and if you didn’t understand that mean girls reference, bye.
Like I was saying, Autumn knows what her audience wants before they even know what they want, which is genuinely the most important part of owning any type of business or brand – knowing exactly what the customer wants. So much so, that she created her own business out of it. She literally created a baking business called “She’s Plant Baked”…LIKE COME ON. Will never NOT love her handles. She literally has turned her insta brand into a business which is way fucking harder than anyone thinks.
So, I had to pick her brain. HOW tf did she get to where she is now? How did she start this brand? Why plant based cooking? All people see right now is that she’s killing it, which is great and all but now we need to find out how.
Now, let’s get to the juicy part.
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About me
My name is Autumn Clayman. I am 24 years old and live in Orange County, California. I graduated from Long Beach State University in May 2019 and received my BA in Psychology. I picked Psychology because the human brain and behavior is so complex. There is so much depth. This subject helps me understand myself and others on a deeper level. However, as much as I love this subject, the 9-5 job is not for me. I need change, freedom and room to grow. I really believe it is the Leo in me. I am passionate, creative, headstrong and like being in control, which is why I want to be my own boss.
Creating @shesplantbased has literally transformed my life. Being an entrepreneur was something I never thought about being. I wanted to be either a mom or an eating disorder counselor. I still want to be a mom and would love to counsel individuals struggling with an eating disorder, but there is so much more I want to do right now. I want to help people all around the world. Sharing my recipes and being vulnerable on my account really changed my life. When someone tells me my recipes improved their health or when someone open ups to me about their struggles after I shared a personal story about my struggles, it literally lights me up. That is really all I want. I want to heal people.
Right now I am working multiple jobs – waitressing, plant based / gluten free baking business, blog and co-creator of The Conscious Collective (@theconsciouscollective.co). The Conscious Collective is a plant based wellness event. We focus on nourishing the mind, body, soul and spirit.
My next educational goal is to attend Integrative Nutrition, so I can become a health coach. My passion for nutrition is deep because I have found mental, physical, emotional and spiritual healing through food. So many people struggle with their health and I want to guide others towards a healthier and happier life. Nutrition and cooking are closely related, so it no surprise I love cooking. There is so much appreciation, passion and love that goes into it. Food literally is medicine. Cooking allows you to take charge of your health and wellbeing.
What inspired you to start @shesplantbased ?
A few things actually. My friend Chelsea kept telling me I should start a food blog, but did not want to since there were so many already. She planted the seed. After my trip to Bali in 2017, I decided to create She’s Plant Based. The vegan food in Bali inspired and motivated me to cook and share my recipes. The plant based lifestyle is so healing. More people need to know about this lifestyle because it is so healing. It has changed my life and I know it will change others. One night I was laying in bed one and ping, She’s Plant Based popped in my head and I made my account. I seem to have the best ideas right before I go to bed. Also, when I created this account, I was going through a rough time emotionally. I needed a creative outlet and it turned out to be such a healing experience for me.
When did you realize building a health and wellness brand was something you wanted to pursue?
When I created this account two years ago. I thought about all of the possibilities and what my life could be, and fell in love with the idea of growing She’s Plant Based, because I know my purpose is to help others. Food is medicine. I want to share the magic. However, when I created this account, my focus was school and work. I did not have the extra energy to blog, but now that I am done, it has been everything I have ever wanted and more.
What was the first step you took to make your vision become a reality?
Believing in myself and chasing my dreams even if it scared me. I am constantly telling myself this what I want and there is never doubt in my mind. You attract the energy you put out. If you can believe it, you can achieve.
What were the fears you had to face to get you and your brand to where it is now? How did you overcome them?
When I first created this account, a lot of things scared me and prevented me from being my complete self on my account. Once I started trusting the process, the energy shifted. I felt more confident sharing my knowledge.
- Judgment. I was so afraid of what other people were gonna think/ say about me. This held me back in certain areas. But once I really started believing in myself and stepping into my power, I did not and still do not care what people think about me. There is no point. If people are going to judge or make fun of what I do, that is a refection of who they are. I have so much love around me and that is all that matters.
- Filming on camera. This was SO hard for me at first. For over a year, I did not filmed myself talking. However, I really wanted to connect with my audience on a different level. So I slowly started to and now I feel so comfortable in front of a camera. I feel more connected with my follower now and it makes me so happy! I love chatting with everyone and I have built some incredible friendships.
- Self-doubt. There was a part of me that wasn’t sure if I was good enough. Do people really want to hear what I have to say? Is this the path for me? What if I do not succeed? My insecurities hindered me. Negative self-talk prevented me from living my truth. After doing tons of self-work and growing, I feel so confident now. I know this is the path for me and nothing is going to stop me. Doing what I do lights me up. If doubt creeps through, I keep pushing forward.
What do you do to get inspired to create new content?
For recipes, I look around. I look around my kitchen, fridge or the grocery store. I gain so much inspiration and ideas pop in my head. I talk to my parents a lot as well. My mom inspires me so much. Also, Pinterest and Instagram! So many incredible recipe ideas.
The personal/deep posts are all based on how I feel in that moment. I always feel inspired to share something I have struggled with, advice or how I am feeling at the moment because I know many people can relate. I know my life purpose is to help people and I want people to know they are not alone.
What’s the most important part in your daily routine? Like, we CAN’T miss?
My morning routine. It sets the tone for my day. I make my bed, do breathing exercises to wake up my body and mind, stretch or flow, journal and step outside for just a second to connect with nature. This has changed my life completely.
Things must get pretty overwhelming at times with everything you have going on. How do you unwind?
Unwinding is such a challenge for me since my mind is always running. The best way for me to unwind is mediating and stretching. My practice is different each time. Sometimes I listen to mediation music and sit up right or lay down. Sometimes I meditate with a candle and focus on the flame. Or sometimes I mediate while taking a shower or bath. This helps me decompress after a long day.
Must-read book?
Untethered soul! I always go back to it and learn something new.
What is your go to meal right now at home?
Food for Life Prophet’s Pocket toasted. Baby spring salad mix with sautéed mushrooms seasoned with turmeric and Trader Joe’s mushroom blend and dressed with my ‘Sweet & Creamy Stone Ground Mustard’
Who do you always stalk on insta for motivation/inspiration?
I have so many favorites. Kenzie Burke, Cafe Binge (she also has a podcast and it’s AMAZING), Dr. Markhyman (love his podcast), Ed Mylett, Dr. Mona Vand, Melissa Wood, Nicole Berrie, Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Joe Dispenza
Where can all readers find YOU on social media?
My Instagram and YouTube is, She’s Plant Based and my blog is www.shes-plant-based.com.
Must have beauty product?
Oh my gosh. This is so hard to answer. Every product I use holds such a special place in my heart. I have to do one hair and one skin product haha.
Hair: Pureology Hydrate Shampoo and my hair has never felt and looked better.
Skin: Thena Revitalizing Night Cream has transformed my skin. I just started using it a couple months ago and my skin is never dry anymore, even in the colder months.
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THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING UNTIL THE END or scrolling all the way down to see if there was anymore pictures because who cares about the content right. Either way, the fact you took time out of YOUR day to read what I wrote with Autumn will never cease to amaze me. I’m not even kidding, thank you so much. I want to know what you think. Do you like the interviews? Who do you want to have on? Whose journey do you want a closer look at? Comment or DM me with any recommendations xo.
Still in Progress 