Hello...
Meet The Founder
Dawn Feles Tossie is a dedicated chef, entrepreneur, and wellness advocate committed to making plant-based living both delicious and accessible. Her culinary journey started as a side hustle, cooking and baking for years before officially launching her business after winning the 2024 Retail Launchpad. She takes great pride in her role as a Chef at Cherubim Charm Camp, where she inspires young ladies to embrace the art of cooking and baking. Through her passion for food, she helps nurture a love for cooking that will last a lifetime.
My Story
With over 25 years in Information Technology and more than two decades dedicated to the State of New Jersey, I've honed my skills in analysis and problem-solving. My educational credentials include degrees in Information Systems and Culinology from Mercer County Community College, as well as training under renowned chefs and two entrepreneurial development programs: Leada's Women's Business Academy and Chef Lisa Brooks' Six Figure Personal Chef Accelerator Program. My culinary path also included an internship at the prestigious Parc Restaurant in Philadelphia, where I spent five months immersing myself in pastry arts.
In November 2020, a health crisis unexpectedly transformed my eating habits. What initially seemed to be a mild stomach virus quickly escalated and was then diagnosed as COVID-19, leaving me unable to work for four weeks due to ongoing stomach issues. Seeking relief, I consulted my doctor, who prescribed medication. However, I felt frustrated by the lack of investigation into the root cause and chose to pursue a healing journey instead. By January 2021, I turned to the Daniel Fast, a familiar practice from my church, Grace Cathedral Fellowship Ministries. This time, as I followed the plan of consuming only fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, I was amazed to find my stomach issues vanished. This revelation led me to realize that what I once viewed as restrictions was actually a pathway to a vegan lifestyle. The relief was profound, but I found myself questioning how to cook, dine out, and sustain this new way of eating. Seeking guidance, I reached out my dear friend, Wanda, a long-time vegan, who imparted invaluable advice: avoid processed vegan foods, as junk food is still junk, and focus on whole foods as nature intended. This conversation marked the beginning of my transformative vegan journey and ignited my passion for creating plant-based dishes...enriching my life with knowledge, awareness, and a renewed approach to nourishment for both body and soul.
To explore more about my vegan journey, be sure to check out our book, From Scratch to Shelf, available on Amazon.
Our Brand
What started as Happy Vacay Vegan was born out of necessity in 2024—created to provide delicious, nourishing plant-based options that don’t compromise on flavor, culture, or experience. This personal journey has grown into a vibrant brand rooted in wellness, creativity, and the joy of good food. In August 2026, we changed our name to The Happy Vegan LLC in order to better represent our brand.
What makes us special is our ability to blend comfort, culture, and conscious living into every bite. We believe eating well should feel like a getaway—elevated, satisfying, and full of life—whether you’re fully plant-based or simply exploring better options.
On our website, you’ll find a curated mix of offerings designed to support your lifestyle: from handcrafted vegan treats and wellness-focused products to cooking classes, events, and inspiration for your own journey. We are more than a brand—we're your destination for feeling good, inside and out.
At The Happy Vegan, we believe food should nourish your body, excite your taste buds, and support a healthier planet. Through creativity, education, and experience, we aim to inspire a new perspective...one where choosing plant-based is not only good for you, but also a powerful step toward caring for the environment and living well.
Our products are available for purchase at Curate Noir in Moorestown Mall, Moorestown, New Jersey.
