Photo: @erinhogue
For Tofino native, local business owner and frothing surfer, SHARON WU, closing time at her vegan café means clockin’ in some quality slide time—rain or shine. We caught up with this Sanuk lover to learn about her journey, dive into her happy place and see what keeps the smile on her dial….
Hi, Sharon! Tell us a little about you.
Sharon: I grew up in a suburb of Vancouver, under a roof with three generations of women. There was my grandmother, a dignified and stern woman. My mother, a hard-working single parent and selfless care giver. My three sisters and I. Our house was chaotic at times, but always filled with endless imagination, creativity and love.
When did you start Yayu vegan cafe in Tofino?
YAYU CAFE is located in the small town of Ucluelet, B.C, on the south end of the Pacific Rim National Park. Yayu opened it’s doors this summer! July 2019.
What led you to want to start a vegan cafe?
I started eating a plant-based diet nearly ten years ago, and it has slowly evolved into a vegan lifestyle for me. Starting a vegan cafe allowed me to use my love for food, the planet, and animals, as not only an educational platform, but for advocacy. It is my way of giving back, and sharing the wealth of benefits- physical, emotional, environmental…the list goes on!
Photo: @erinhogue
Give us an idea of what a normal day looks like for you.
Sunrise, getting coaxed out of bed by my partner, Dylan, followed by some light morning stretches. Head to work. We work everyday at the moment, on average, 10 hours. 5pm: surf check, rain or shine. Sunset, yin yoga, tea, sleep!
Being a business owner can be demanding but you’re great at work/life balance. How do you find time to do things you love outside of your business?
It’s not always easy to allow myself to relax or have fun, but self care is a big priority for me. If there is surf…you will definitely find us at the beach! And if there’s not, I try to make sure I at least stick my toes in the sand to ground myself after a long day.
Photo: @erinhogue
What makes Tofino your happy place?
Ucluelet is stunning in every way. I love the towering old growth cedar trees. I love the howling wind and the foggy shorelines. I love the rain, and I love how when the sun shines- everyone appreciates it that much more. I love the wisdom of the first nations people and how the community is diverse with all walks of life in one small town on the edge of Vancouver Island. I love my friends here, and the slower pace of life.
Photo: @erinhogue
Anything else you’d like to share with us?
My dream is to inspire others and encourage them to make the connection between diet and lifestyle. I want people to engage in conversations that are bigger than just the food on our plates. To inspire others to lead a more sustainable and earth conscious lifestyle. One of my favorite mantras have always been “Be the change you wish to see in the World.” -Mahatma Gandhi
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For more on Sharon and her kick-ass café, follower her flow on the ‘gram: @SHARONSHANTIVIBES & @YAYUCAFE.