We recently had the chance to connect with Vanessa Symoné and have shared our conversation below.
Vanessa, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are for me. I typically wake up around 5:30 am and then head to the gym. I typically do the stair master for about 10-20 minutes and then lift weights. Let’s be real, I don’t actually enjoy waking up early but the way I feel after a morning workout makes me feel incredible as though I can conquer the world. After working out, I typically come home and make breakfast and a matcha latte before showering and heading to work. i try to listen to something profound or meaningful during my workout/morning but it is typically a combination of tiktok, music or a podcast. Lately I’ve been enjoying the “Rich Habits” podcast. After getting ready, I typically head to work in the Denver Tech Center. That is what the first 90 minutes of my day typically looks like.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I am Vanessa Symoné. My brand is honestly me running my mouth with whatever comes into my head at the moment. I was born and raised in Denver, have traveled to over 17 countries solo, and enjoy showcasing the journey of life. This puts me into the Lifestyle category because it is a combination of travel, fashion, deep discussions on a plethora of topics ranging from pop culture, fashion, politics, day to day issues, and more. I really enjoy showcasing my home journey and life in Denver as a part-time creative. I also run a community called Blooming Affaire which helps women tap into their talents and strengths to search for their next career path and build a network to propel them into the next phase of their life.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Hands down it is any time I did something for myself where I kept it a secret and just did it. From starting photography, to hosting events and fashion shows, creating Blooming Affaire with my co-founder, to up and moving to NYC, from my first solo trip to turning creating my own home rental. I’ve always felt powerful when I took a risk and was creative, but my earliest memory of feeling powerful was probably when I was in elementary school and I’d make little magazines of people who looked like me on the cover. Mind you this was over 20 years ago but I felt very powerful to be going against the grain of what I saw and to express my creativity.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Some defining wounds have been always feeling like I am never good enough or pretty enough. This came heavily through religion and going to church. There was always shame and guilt for things that I felt shouldn’t be wrong but then there was so much praise for things that to me felt incredibly inauthentic. To be honest, I am still healing from these wounds but have come a significantly long way. Part of that has been actually learning the cliche term of what it means to love yourself because part of what makes life frustrating is that beauty and the way you present yourself is a form of currency (unfortunately), and can get you in the door of places you want to go. I wish that we as humans were not as superficial as we are and that character was a visible trait from the beginning. With religion, this is a daily practice of thinking critically and embracing who I am. I will let you know when I am healed from these wounds.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, especially on TikTok because that is where my mouth just runs non-stop. On Instagram, it is definitely more polished so I actually do not think that it showcases the full extent of who I am but I am really working on trying to bring more authenticity there.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
Oh dear, call me out why don’t ya? Definitely the amount of time I spend on TikTok. I just love TikTok because it has connected me to people, I never would have had access to, and has made me realize, there are more people going through similar things to me and I love listening to think pieces from others. To be fair, I do try to counter it by not going on social media on the weekends and I try to post something before I am allowed to scroll.
I also need to be significantly better with time management and understanding my limits. I have so many goals and dreams that I will take on 73 things at once, do them all decently (or poorly), then I burn out, disappear and repeat the cycle. I am still trying to figure that out.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bio.site/vanessasymone
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessa.symone/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Vanessa.Symone
- Other: TikTok https://tiktok.com/@vanessa.symone
Image Credits
All of these images were by me
