Thanks for chatting with us, Lucy! Tell us, what are your biggest passions right now?

Of course! I have many passions, most of which I’m lucky to work with such as food and jewellery. I’m extremely passionate about my businesses but also animal rights, those two topics won’t be going anywhere any time soon! I’ve been cooking a lot recently as well as focusing on my fitness.

You’ve got an impressive portfolio of achievements — which are you most proud of?

Thank you! Winning the BAFTA while on Made in Chelsea was definitely up there. I would also say my first vegan cookbook, Feed Me Vegan, which became a bestseller, was definitely a proud moment for me. Then just this year, my non-profit organisation “All Hearts” managed to raise over £50,000 to help save the wildlife during the bushfires in Australia. We look forward to hosting many more fundraisers for worthy causes.

You’re an award-winning author of two vegan cookbooks. Do you have any favourite recipes from within their pages?

I’m a sucker for anything pasta related, so I have to say the mushroom mac and cheese from my first book, and potentially the dumpling and vegan chorizo stew from my second book. I have many favourites!

What are your top tips for people who are new to veganism and plant-based diets?

Research and motivation. Read up about why to do it, whether it’s for the environment, the animals or your health. Watch documentaries and find your fuel going into it. I like to follow activists/vegan food bloggers because they inspire me and keep me motivated. And then perseverance is key: soon being vegan will become second nature, but you have to allow yourself time to adjust.

What do you think are the biggest misconceptions about plant-based foods?

I guess that it’s boring — I used to believe this too. But it’s really not! It’s colourful and full of flavour and texture. There’s not a lot you can’t do with plant-based food and that’s been proven by many innovative food companies/people.

At ZENB we’re all about plant-based foods that don’t compromise on flavour. Which plant-based ingredients do you reach for the most when you want to pack flavour into your dishes?

I love sesame oil with a stir fry, garlic is also a big go-to for me. I think herbs and spices are your best friend when cooking plant-based and some of my faves are paprika, cumin, oregano and dill.

Summer’s here — what are your favourite seasonal vegetables to cook with and eat at this time of year?

There’s so much to choose from! I love strawberries in summer and just berries in general. I love cooking with cauliflower, it’s very versatile. From cauli wings to cauliflower cheese or even cauliflower rice, there’s so much you can do with it.

Your work with PETA is inspiring. Can you tell us a bit about how you got involved?

Thank you. I approached them when I went on TV as I really wanted to use my platform to raise awareness of animal cruelty. It’s something I had been passionate about my whole life and I finally had the chance to use my voice on a greater level, so it seemed like a natural fit. I’ve loved working with them over the years.

Tell us about your company All Hearts. What are its goals to help the environment?

Currently we’re working to raise awareness of animal cruelty and environmental impacts. We hope to throw a few fundraisers a year for causes close to our heart and just generally educate the public on how to be kinder to others and the planet.

Do you have any quick tips that people can introduce into their lives to have a positive environmental impact?

A vegan diet is one of the easiest things you can do to help reduce your impact on the planet. Following that, I like to buy local fruit and veg that isn’t packaged in plastic, buy sustainable or second-hand clothing and always bring a reusable with you when you’re out — whether that’s a shopping bag or a water bottle.

And finally, what’s coming up next for you?

My jewellery line, Creature, is launching a new collection at the end of the June. We’re also going to start working with recycled gold/silver which I’m so excited for. I have a few other business ventures coming up that align perfectly with everything else I'm currently doing, and I can’t wait to share them with everyone.