Recognize this girl?
She’s a pint-sized violinist busker. She plays her violin on sidewalks around the area, collecting money for animal causes.
Jovee Holmes made a name for herself in other circles as well.
She’s a celebrity 5-year-old vegan.
She gained national exposure as one of the top four girl finalists in PETA’s “Cutest Vegan Kids of 2016” contest. The winner was announced Monday. It wasn’t Jovee, but she still gets bragging rights.
Jovee has eaten animal-free meals since birth. She counts persimmons, hummus, cashews and raw carrot cupcakes among her favorite snacks.
She does YouTube videos about violins and veganism under the name Jovial Gems. If you search for her channel, you can watch her play “Swallowtail Jig” on the violin or talk about what vegans eat.
Her parents, Taylor and Derek, became vegan after she was born.
“Because we wanted to provide the absolute best nutrition for her as possible and because we wanted to teach her how to be compassionate to living things,” said her mom, a materials administration manager at Granite Construction in Everett.
Jovee was diagnosed with diabetes at age 4. Her stay-at-home dad also has Type 1 diabetes.
Jovee, who is homeschooled, lives with her extended family on a 5-acre property with 22 different fruit and nut trees. She scolds carnivorous relatives for eating meat.
“She’s a unique child,” her mother said.
They learned of the contest on the PETA kids website, which has games, comics, videos and activities. Entrants were required to be vegan, meaning that they don’t eat, wear or use any products made from animals.
What are you wearing?
Pants with birdies; a shirt with a unicorn that says “Wild for Daddy!”; and my (insulin) pump pack.
What’s your most proud moment?
Going onto the stage at McIntyre Hall and performing with my violin.
Who alive or in history would you most like to have a raw carrot cupcake with and why?
Grampy. Because I love him a lot.
What are three things in your fridge?
Strawberries. Kale. Carrots.
What books are on your nightstand?
“Coco and Goofy’s Goofy Day.” “Mabel and the Label.” “Peanut Butter and Cupcake.” “Riddles Riddles Everywhere.” “Fancy Nancy Sees Stars.” “Dogs.”
What’s the best place to busk?
Skagit Valley Food Co-op.
If you could busk anywhere in the world where you busk?
The co-op.
What do you like about the co-op?
Busking and sometimes getting samples.
What are your favorite songs to play?
My symphony song. “Rice Pudding.”
How much do you earn?
I normally make around $12. I gave it to help animals. (One time she made $33.)
Is it scary to play in front of people?
Of course not.
What is the number one way you like to help animals?
To not eat animals and busk to make money to help them.
What is your pet peeve?
Eating bananas plain (without cinnamon).
What is your guilty pleasure?
Heidi Ho vegan cheese.
— Andrea Brown, Herald staff
We had an impromptu visit from former #TheChat interviewee Jovee Holmes, a 5-year-old violinist and @peta vegetarian pic.twitter.com/VlDSSCqBe7
— The Herald (@EverettHerald) May 20, 2016
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