Entrepreneur's mission to support Harrogate's vegan community

Over the course of the four years since she set up Miss Claire Rose gift shop, Claire Rose has evolved her business on Commercial Street from a local ethical craft shop to a vegan-focused enterprise stocking organic vegan food, confectionary and vegan fashion items (bags, shoes, hand made lingerie and Claire's hand made jewellery and own artistic cards) as well as a range of environmentally-friendly household products.

Now this ambitious and ethically-driven entrepreneur has taken the next step by launching TheOnlineVeganMarket.com

Both an online business and shop, Claire said she wanted to play a part in building a vegan community in Harrogate.

Talking after a visit by Andrew Jones, the town's MP, she said: "As a small business I try to support sustainability and prefer small independent suppliers that provide choices that are not available in your traditional supermarket.

"I would strongly encourage everyone to try vegan food as there are so many healthy choices and meat substitutes available now and their are proven environmental and animal welfare benefits in reducing meat and dairy consumption."

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As well as running her business, Claire has also been hosting regular vegan social events in Harrogate, including snacks and meals at local eateries and bars.

The most recent events have been at held at craft beer bar Major Toms Social, advertised through her website and social media platforms.

Hailed as a "vegan guru" on TripAdvisor, which are are among the best in Harrogate, her shop also displays Claire's abstract paintings to create an aesthetic shopping experience.

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