VEGAN PERSONALITY
A superwoman with a passion for animals
An interview with influencer and animal rights activist Victoria Müller
Victoria has what you might call a wide horizon. On her blog, the author, (radio) presenter, influencer and animal rescuer deals with a whole range of highly topical and fundamental life issues. These include equality and feminism, but also mental health, self-care, social issues and food. The central issue in her life has always been animal welfare. She is passionate about everything, but for animals she is now an activist, having already been vegan for a long time. In this interview, Victoria tells us all about how she came to be a vegan, what her exciting life is like and what she still has in mind.
VELIVERY: You are a philologist, so you studied German and English, and are also an aspiring historian of science. What are your motives for this and how does it fit in with your modelling and animal rights projects, for which you are well known in your community?
VICTORIA: I actually studied German and English before I started working in social media. I simply have a great passion for language and literature, as well as history – but more on that in a moment. During my studies, I built up a large community on Facebook and was already talking about topics like anti-racism and veganism.
That was in 2011 – a long time ago. I never really applied the content from my studies there; it was only when the debate about gender-inclusive language flared up that I had to contribute my expertise in the field and put the heated debate into a factual context. I came to the history of science because I am very much against animal testing, initially in an academic context. I am researching the historical basis of the gold standard of animal experimentation and looking at current research and debates about the transferability and scientificity of animal experimentation – especially in biomedical research. I’ve always wanted to talk more about this on my channel – a good New Year’s resolution for me 🙂
VELIVERY: You were born in East Germany just before the fall of the Berlin Wall, grew up in the countryside near Frankfurt am Main, spent time in London and Berlin and now live in a village in Brandenburg. A wild mix, you might say! Is there still a common thread?
VICTORIA: The common thread is probably the contrast between East and West, the country and the metropolis. I’ve thought a lot in recent years about what it means to me personally that the country I was born in, and where my family was shaped by its society, no longer exists. I am very grateful that it did come to an end and that I can live in freedom.
From a tattoo model to an animal rights activist
VELIVERY: You started your career as a punk and tattoo model with green hair. You also took part in your first political demonstration at the age of ten. You then continued as a blogger.From 2011 to 2020 you were on the road under the name „Victoria van Violence“. What was that about, and out of all this what is Victoria still doing today?
VICTORIA: I had a stage name for a long time. These kinds of names come from the world of roller derby and I found them fascinating. But I have always discussed political issues, although sometimes more superficially than today. Actually, what I was doing online was always a pretty good reflection of what I was doing myself, who I was and am and what drives me.
VELIVERY: You have also presented on the radio and written a very personal book about depression. You seem to have a talent for almost all media and are not afraid to show yourself as you are, with all your facets and inner struggles. Is this the secret of your success?
VICTORIA: I was at Radio Fritz for a long time but left quite a while ago. In fact, when I am asked to do anything (because I was asked at the time if I would like to present on the radio), the first thing I do is say yes if I’m interested. Then I realise that I still have a lot to learn. But I’m always ready for new challenges and tasks. I believe that this fearless attitude has helped me to get to where I am today.
VELIVERY: In your appearances and on Instagram, you share all the content that is close to your heart. As an influencer, do you have a certain responsibility as a role model?
VICTORIA: You definitely have a responsibility when you’re in the public eye. You influence people, which is where the term „influencer“ comes from. And that influence can be on many levels, whether by encouraging people to purchase goods or by sparking political conversations. I want to encourage people to think about social issues and to question why people sometimes believe people uncritically. I am also critical of the fact that „we“ in the public eye often get a lot of attention and are often believed.
From dog lover to committed vegan
VELIVERY: One of your great passions is animals, and you stand up for their rights and protection on your social media channels and as an ambassador. Where does this passion come from and what causes do you support?
VICTORIA: I am not an ambassador for an association, but for my own association, ddao Tierschutz e. V. Animals have always been close to my heart, and I was a dog lover as a child. 16 years ago I decided to stop eating meat because I didn’t want to support the meat industry anymore. I’ve been vegan for 13 years. So I have adapted my own consumption and try to educate myself online and offline about issues such as factory farming and animal testing. I support various associations in their educational work, have accompanied undercover investigations into factory farming, have liberated animals and am active in animal rescue, including in war zones. And more recently I have been running my own small farm. Animal welfare and the fight for animal rights is my life.
Victoria’s sanctuary grows
VELIVERY: Do you live with animals?
VICTORIA: Yes, I have three dogs from an animal shelter: Rambo from an animal shelter in Berlin, Kiwi from the Ukraine and Rocky from a dog killing station in Romania. There are also six Peking ducks on the farm at the moment, which were released from fattening before Christmas. In 2025, three more mini-pigs from another sanctuary and ducks will be added and then we’ll see how the sanctuary develops.
VELIVERY: You’re a committed vegan out of love for animals. What role does veganism play in your professional life?
VICTORIA: I realised that I didn’t want to support the animal agriculture industry through my consumption, nor did I want to eat dead animals. My commitment to animal rights determines my professional activities to a large extent. When it comes to collaborations, I naturally make sure that they are compatible with my values, and it’s not uncommon for me to turn down lucrative jobs because of this. And now, most of my content is about animal welfare.
Recipe tips from Victoria – for when it needs to be quick
VELIVERY: What are your favourite plant-based dishes and treats?
VICTORIA: I love vegan lasagne, and I’ve perfected it by now. But I’m also a fan of baked tofu, in any form. Another thing I love is fruit and vegetables. I love a good salad, baked vegetables or fruit salad.
VELIVERY: Can you share with our community three of your recipe recommendations for dishes that are easy to fit into a busy lifestyle?
VICTORIA: What I like to eat when it needs to be quick and easy is bread salad. Cut the (old) bread into pieces and fry them in a pan with olive oil and garlic. Chop the tomatoes and red onion, mix everything with the fried bread, and add olive oil and balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. Always delicious. I also love wraps – for them you don’t even have to use the oven. I like soy yoghurt alternative, lettuce, tomato, avocado and tofu. And I like to eat my own creations when I need to eat quickly but also want something hearty: fry gnocchi in a pan, add onions, peppers and soy cream substitute and briefly bring to the boil. Add salt and pepper and a pinch of Kala Namak and it’s ready!
Be a rebel!
VELIVERY: Your latest book is called „Be a Rebel!“. What is it about? And are there any new projects that you are throwing yourself into with your usual level of commitment?
VICTORIA: The book is about activism. I decided to write a low-threshold book, aimed at those who feel that something has to change. But maybe they don’t know how or where to start. I talk about how I became politicised in my youth, how activism emerged and changed our world for the better, and how you can become active yourself. I have tried to make the subject of activism as broad, entertaining, uplifting and authentic as possible, so that when you read it, you think, „OK, let’s do it!“
At the moment I am setting up the Wilder Spreewald sanctuary with an attached wildlife station. We will also be rescuing animals in our area and working with the fire brigade, for example. I am also constantly learning about evidence-based wildlife management and would like to do a lot more educational work in this area. So it never gets boring!
VELIVERY: Is there anything else you would like to share with our flexitarian and vegan readers for an authentic and contented life?
Stay critical and live authentically and contentedly
VICTORIA: Always stay critical, including of yourself. That’s something I had to learn too. Nobody is perfect. We all don’t know everything and it’s always good to question yourself and the world around you. Especially when it comes to our treatment of animals, the planet, the environment and other people. I think that if you are always open to conversation and debate and willing to say „I was wrong in some way“ you can really live authentically and happily.
VELIVERY: Thank you for your suggestions and insights into your life! We wish you all the best!
VICTORIA: Thank you very much in advance.
Victoria’s quick recipes
Victoria loves delicious recipes that are ready in no time. How about trying one out today?
