Vanessa Gerhards shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Vanessa, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
From a young age, I became deeply aware of how many people silently struggle with true self-authenticity—going through the motions of daily life, often disconnected from what truly fulfills them. I could feel the energy of those around me—family, community, society—not fully happy in their surroundings or in how they earn a living. It’s a quiet ache many carry, shaped by societal pressures and expectations that often overshadow personal joy and purpose. As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to see the beauty in aging—not just in wisdom, but in the growing clarity that life is too precious to live halfway. It’s never too late to follow your heart’s desires, to pivot, to expand, and to continue evolving. I believe deeply that we each owe it to ourselves to live fully and honestly, even if that means challenging the status quo.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Vanessa—most people know me as a lifelong dancer, teacher, and creative spirit who’s always followed the rhythm of my heart. Dance has been my world for as long as I can remember—it’s how I move through life, connect with others, and stay rooted in joy and wellness. Now, I’m pouring that same energy and passion into launching Nessi’s Naturals—a brand that was born from my own journey of staying vibrant, healthy, and grounded. Our first product, Nessi’s Ginger Shots, is a spicy little powerhouse made with real, simple ingredients like ginger, lemon, orange, cayenne, and honey—designed to support your energy, digestion, and overall glow. I truly believe in living life full-out—whether on the dance floor or in the way we nourish ourselves—and Nessi’s Naturals is my way of sharing that love with others. This is just the beginning.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I’ve always felt that my immediate family has a deep understanding of who I am, especially at this point in my life. But if I had to name someone who truly saw me clearly before I could see myself, it would be my brother. He’s always been a gentle mirror for me—helping me stay grounded, focused, and reminding me not to jump too far ahead. Beyond family, I’ve been incredibly blessed to build and nurture a powerful tribe of women—soulful, inspiring friendships that I consider one of the greatest gifts of my life. Each of these women brings something unique to the table, and together they help me see more clearly when things feel foggy. They’ve supported me, encouraged me, and loved me through every twist and turn, especially now as I step into the next chapter of my life—launching a business and choosing to evolve boldly, even later in life. Their belief in me has helped me believe in myself.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I believe that every challenge we face—pain, trauma, or heartbreak—is tied to our unique karmic path and placed in our lives with purpose. For a long time, I was good at hiding my pain, keeping it tucked away from the world. But over time, I began to transform those wounds into power. Every fall, every crash, became fuel. People often tell me, “You’re so strong,” and while I take it as a compliment, I know that strength is born from enduring and rising. I’ve learned that our true powers live within us—we just have to be willing to feel it all and choose to use them.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
What my closest friends think truly matters to me, and I’d like to believe the first thing they’d say is that I make them laugh—because bringing humor and joy into the lives of people I love is one of my favorite things. Laughter has been a core part of my life, a healing thread through everything. I also hope they see me as someone who radiates positivity and truly believes in putting out good energy and frequency into the world. I’m passionate and driven—when I love something deeply, I give it my all. I think my friends would say I’m someone who brings people together, who values connection and community. Most of all, I hope they believe in me the way I believe in them. Their love and support mean the world to me, and knowing they’re genuinely excited about my new business journey with Nessi’s Naturals gives me even more fire to keep going.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I’m gone, I hope people remember me as someone who made their world a little brighter. Through teaching dance, I wasn’t just sharing steps—I was helping people find confidence, connection, and moments of pure joy that stayed with them long after class ended. I loved to spread laughter and light, and it meant everything to know that my energy could lift someone’s spirit, even on their hardest days. I also hope people remember how deeply I believed in a healthy, vibrant life—through my work with Nessi’s Naturals and the many wellness products I dreamed of creating. My passion was to encourage others toward joy, movement, and mindful living, leaving behind the reminder that life is meant to be danced through, nourished well, and embraced with an open heart.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Nessisgingershots.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nessisgingershots?igsh=MWtxd2JuZDFiY2RuYQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1B57wZhdmG/?mibextid=wwXIfr
