About Justine Mayela

A native of Washington, D.C., Justine Mayela has built a 25-year professional career as vocalist and musician. Her musical genres have ranged from country and western to folk and mariachi.

Because of her love for animals, Justine became a vegetarian at age 16. In 2002 she visited Farm Sanctuary, an experience that resulted in her commitment to a vegan lifestyle and her decision to dedicate her life to helping animals.

These twin passions led to her first efforts at songwriting and to this album. Accompanying herself on guitar and backed by eight accomplished musicians, Justine sings 10 original songs on her new CD, including the title anthem We Are All One Family. In songs that range from the humorous to the heartfelt, she stirs our souls and opens our eyes with the complementary themes of compassion for animals and a vegan lifestyle.

Vegeta-blues, for example, is a humorous portrait of the lonely and misunderstood vegan in a meat-eating world. For the Voiceless expresses her commitment to animal rights. And Peaceful Kingdom is Justine’s tribute to Farm Sanctuary and a gentle appreciation of the animals that have found refuge there.

Justine now lives in Florida with her two vegan dogs. She is publisher and editor of the Gainesville edition of Critter magazine, a monthly publication dedicated to animal adoption, rescue and education.