We had the good fortune of connecting with Dustin Treinen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dustin, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I lived in Nebraska until 2011 and at that point, vegan or even vegetarian was more or less non-existent. I did a lot of touring in a couple of metal bands in the 2000’s and that was about the only place I’d encounter vegans – through the metal/hardcore scene in bigger cities. For years I thought that it primarily existed as an underground movement adjacent to punk and metal scene. Once I moved to Los Angeles I discovered that vegan restaurants exist! I couldn’t believe how prominent the movement really was!

As a guy who’s clothing style is rooted in rock and metal, I didn’t see a lot of t-shirt options that I felt were made for the concert goer so I decided to start there. I’m a die-hard Weird Al fan so food parodies and rock music felt like familiar enough territory for me to explore. I decided to start with one of my all time favorite bands and one of the most iconic band logos, Nirvana.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Another creative endeavor of mine is making music. I have been playing bass in bands for over 20 years now – mostly metal, rock, pop, and post-rock bands.

Right now the musical piece I’m most excited about is from my progressive thrash metal band Paria. We are celebrating our 20-year anniversary as a band with the release of our fourth studio album!

Getting to this point in my music career has been anything, but easy. I’ve learned that the best way to overcome the challenges that come along with it are to just keep moving forward. Hard work, consistency, and reliability are some of the most important parts. A little good luck never hurts either! I certainly have my hiccups with those attributes, but I believe that’s the key to overcome the challenges of stagnation. Newton said an object in motion stays in motion until it’s stopped right? Just don’t be the one to stop yourself.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is a great question! I actually really enjoy when people visit and getting to play tour guide. I usually make our itinerary based on the person because I think LA has great things to offer to everyone.

The Groundlings Theater is always on the itinerary because that’s a place anyone can enjoy. I have yet to see a show that doesn’t make my stomach ache from so much laugher. Always a blast.

I’m really proud of the variety of vegan spots we have here whether it’s casual eats, fine dining, or dessert, we’ve got it all! A few of the greatest hits to show off are Donut Friend, Creamo, Cinnaholic, Gracias Madre, Honeybee Burger, Crossroads Kitchen, and Jewel.

Two Bit Circus (my pre-pandemic employer) is also a must-see spot because it’s such a unique and fun place to let loose and interact with each other while playing games.

My super nerdy side loves escape rooms so if my visitor friend is into that, we are definitely going! We have the best set designers and prop makers in the world in this city and our escape rooms are a reflection of that.

Like a cliche Angelino, I love my hikes so we’d definitely be hitting Malibu, Griffith Park (might as well show them the Observatory too) or Runyon.

Lastly, we have to stop by the infamous Sunset Strip to catch a show at The Viper Room!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have a handful of friends who have been a tremendous source of encouragement for me and have made this endeavor much more fun than going at it alone. Their support not only validated that what I was doing was cool, it motivated me to continue growing and doing more. Super special shoutouts to the most prominent people in the In Vegan Veritas orbit Robin Takizawa of Ranch Island Rescue, Janet Martinez of The Humane League, THE John Oberg, Sarah Bluff of Awesomely Veg, Joseph Grescovich the architect, and Maggie Ortlieb of VegOut!

Website: inveganveritas.com

Instagram: instagram.com/inveganveritas

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustintreinen/

Twitter: twitter.com/_InVeganVeritas

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inveganveritasstore

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheBarnacleCordious

Other: dustintreinen.com instagram.com/dustout_treinen instagram.com/pariatheband pariamusic.com

Image Credits
Ben Semisch Ashley Jeanne Randy Edwards

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.