About Us
BeAnimal Journey Foundation got founded in June 2017 with the mission to spread the message of holistic sustainability. We believe that sustainability is not only about the environment but it starts within ourselves. We're talking about holistic health - mental and physical, nutrition, financial sustainability as well as minimalism and how to switch to a more earth friendly life style in general.
Sustainability can be incorporated into every aspect of our life starting with permaculture and waste management and ranging all the way to sustainable time management to reduce stress.​
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Why BE ANIMAL?
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We are all part of Gaia, mother earth. In nature everything is created to live in balance and harmony. Plants and animals don't damage the planet only our human species does by bringing things out of balance! That's why we say: 'Be animal! Remember your roots and reconnect to nature. For a better planet, for a better future for all of us!'
Our Team
Vanessa Zwick
Co-founder | Vegan nutritionist | Designer
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Vanessa is the design and nutrition head at BeAnimal. She's in charge of our plant based gourmet meals at the Happiness Café and Sunday Brunch Club. She is from southern Poland though she's spent her entire childhood growing up in Bavaria, Germany. An architect by profession, she has an eye for detail and will make sure that everything we do meets the highest quality standards. Her heart is in design and creative work of all kinds. She's a lover of life and generally fun to hang out with. She likes painting abstract art, fruits, yoga, cooking, travel, fermenting foods and swimming in the ocean.
Lakshman Badami
Co-founder | Eco architect
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Lakshman handles planning and operations at BeAnimal. A free-spirit and dreamer since birth, he is on a mission to revolutionise the way we humans live with the natural environment. With experience in the natural sciences and a degree in Architectural technology and construction planning from VIA University, Denmark, he is well prepared to design a new wave of sustainable buildings for the world. He is interested in permaculture, sustainable technology, design, riding his road bike and almost everything in between. You'll find him out in nature enjoying the bliss.
Mukul
Hostel manager & Happiness Café Barista​
Mukul is our allrounder - he will know all answers to your questions regarding the hostel and he's also our head barista. His passion for coffee made him start his own coffee brand. When he's not at BeAnimal you will find Mukul at the gym, Café hopping with friends or spending time with his golden retriever Kiara.
Fabin
Hostel Manager​
Our fabulous Fabin is one of the kindest souls you will ever meet. Always at peace, he will make sure that you are well taken care of - be it during your stay at the BeAnimal Hostel or while enjoying Happiness Café goodies.​
Pushpa
Pudducakes Expert​
Pushpa joined our team in 2022 and has been in charge of Pudducakes ever since. She knows all secret recipes by heart and could surely make Pudducakes in her sleep. She is also an irreplaceable help in the kitchen doing a lot of prep work, making fresh coconut milk and keeping the kitchen in order.
Padma
Happiness Café Barista & Chef​
Padma is a full power force in the kitchen - from making your favourite Coconut Iced Coffee in 30 seconds to baking the best cookies. She is responsible for all the yummy food and drinks at the Happiness Café in the afternoon hours.
Alimelu
Housekeeper​
You will always find Alimelu smiling while going about her work. Always in a good mood she makes sure that our space stays sparkling clean and shines bright like a diamond for you.
Suhasini
Project Manager​
Suhasini joined the team to manage our sustainable publication projects - Life Mapping Journal, Encyclopaedia of Sustainability, Sunday Brunch Book and Business Basics. She's a teacher at Prakriya school and passionate about holistic education.