2024 the year that nearly broke Vegan Style

A message from Justin and Gav, founders of Vegan Style

2024: What a year. It’s been tough for everyone, and our small business has been no exception.

Surviving Covid felt like a huge achievement, but if we’re being honest, this past year has been even harder. There were times we doubted if we could keep going. Medical professionals even told us we needed to close Vegan Style for the sake of our health. We’ve had to make some difficult decisions, redefine what Vegan Style looks like, and go back to basics as an online store.

It’s been heartbreaking to see so many vegan businesses close their doors—both internationally and here in Melbourne. Fitzroy, once a vibrant vegan hub, feels so much quieter now. The closures have left a void, and we know many of you feel it too.

During this time we also had to move house, which was tough. 

For us, this year nearly broke us. 

Navigating tough times

The economic challenges of 2024 have hit hard. Rising costs, workforce shortages, and falling retail spending have created a storm that’s been incredibly difficult to weather. According to the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia, 57% of business owners are dealing with extreme stress due to financial strain. We can absolutely relate—this year has tested us in ways we never imagined.

Despite these challenges, we kept showing up. Between our day jobs and running Vegan Style, we’ve worked 80-90 hours most weeks. There were moments we questioned if it was worth it—moments where giving up seemed like the only logical choice. But the truth is, we love what we do. And more than that, we believe in why we do it.

Gav cleaning our empty store, preparing it for a new owner

Closing our Fitzroy store

One of the hardest decisions we’ve ever made was closing our Fitzroy store. It wasn’t just a shop—it was our home base, a space that grew with us and allowed us to connect directly with our community. From our first shared shop on Smith Street to the standalone store on Brunswick Street, it represented everything we wanted Vegan Style to be. But rising costs, a deteriorating building, and the weight of running a physical store as a two-person operation became too much.

Making the call to close wasn’t easy. It felt like letting go of a dream. But we knew that to protect our health and the future of Vegan Style, we needed to step back, regroup, and focus on what we could sustain. Moving to online-only sales and offering appointments at our warehouse has been a tough adjustment, but it’s one that gives us the best chance to keep Vegan Style alive.

Vegan Style shop, empty for the first time in 8 years.

Building a kinder, more sustainable world—with you

One of the most frustrating parts of this year has been putting our big plans on pause. Innovation is at the heart of what we do, and we were so excited to bring you ground-breaking vegan materials and new styles, like:

• Mirum, a premium plastic-free alternative to leather
• Expanded ranges of corn leather, mushroom leather, and apple leather
• New designs for our Ciaran and Zette sneaker ranges
• Vegan school shoes (sneaker designs), stylish bags, and so much more

These are the kinds of projects that fuel our passion. And while we’ve had to shelve them for now, we haven’t given up. We’re holding onto these ideas for the future, and we hope 2025 will be the year we can make them happen—with your help.

Your support isn’t just about buying products; it’s about being part of a movement to create a kinder, more sustainable world. Every purchase, every kind word, and every recommendation you make to your friends helps us keep this dream alive. Together, we can show the world that compassionate, sustainable fashion has a place in the future.

Thank you for standing with us

We know times are tough for everyone. The cost-of-living crisis, inflation, and uncertainty weigh on all of us. But through it all, you’ve been there—supporting us, cheering us on, and reminding us why we started this journey in the first place. Vegan Style exists because of you, and we’re deeply grateful for every single bit of encouragement.

We’re not out of the woods yet, but we see glimmers of hope. Green shoots are starting to appear, and we’re holding onto them with everything we’ve got. We have loads of stock (more than we carried two years ago!) and plenty of amazing vegan styles for you to explore.

Our goal for 2025 is simple: to keep going, keep creating, and keep fighting for a kinder world—together with you. We hope you’ll stick with us as we navigate this next chapter. Your support means everything, and together, we can make the future brighter—for Vegan Style, for the planet, and for all of us.

With gratitude and hope,
Justin and Gav