Conversations with Vanessa Hagglund

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Hagglund. 

Hi Vanessa, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hello! I am Vanessa Hagglund, a recent transplant to the Denver area from California. Yeah, I know what you’re thinking, not another transplant, but Colorado has always been a part of me. My dad was a native Coloradan, and my grandfather worked and died in the London Mine in Fairplay. If you visit the Assay office at the South Park Museum, he has a plaque there. Though it’s my first time living here, I’ve been visiting and dreaming of Colorado for over thirty years. 

I am a writer and artist with creativity in my blood. Since I was a kid, I have been doing both and thankfully understood it as my niche. I have even had my poetry published when I was 11. From an early age, I have been following the goal of being an award-winning writer and novelist while making people happy with my art. 

I grew up in a one-stoplight town in the middle of the Mojave Desert, where summers are 100+ degrees, and you literally see mirages in the distance. We made forts from discarded garbage dumped in the desert and rode miles on our BMX bikes. After high school, I was lucky enough to get a job working in the Commissary at Edwards AFB. I worked full time and commuted 100 miles back and forth each day between school and work, so I finally left my federal job serving the very best customers in the world and moved to the “armpit” of California, Bakersfield. 

Though it was hot and sticky, I was closer to school and able to work for a famous nail brand. There, I learned tons of marketing skills that I appreciate. It’s possible I named your favorite nail polish color. I also learned the brutality of the beauty industry and was often “not pretty enough” to take part in events. But that all lead me to where I am today, knowing my self-worth. Gaining a lifelong friend that is now part of the family doesn’t hurt either. 

The Covid pandemic gave me plenty of time to hone my art skills and get creative with a writing income. I revamped my freelancing work, gaining several clients needing content for a diverse range of subject matter. Then I spent my free time making people art. I experimented with resin, paint pouring, and acrylic painting. My motivation is always for someone else. My favorite to date is the John Deer tractor I painted for my grandpa. Art has also been a massive help in staying sober. I am keeping my hands busy. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
If it can go wrong, it will. I can laugh now, but life certainly has a way of keeping you on your toes. I’ve been through quite a bit of frustrating and often life-changing setbacks, but that’s ultimately all part of the journey. One thing that rocked my world far more than I could have ever imagined was the loss of my dad in 2015 and then my step-dad in 2016. My dad’s death brought up daddy issues I hoped would be resolved after his most recent stint in rehab. My step-dad helped raise me and was my “ride or die.” So, losing them both to alcohol-related diseases, back-to-back, I found myself in a grief-stricken downward spiral. I jumped into a bottle to manage my feelings, just as they did. After destroying my liver, mental health, and relationships, I experienced a massive panic attack where I was hospitalized. That’s when I knew I had to break the generational curse and save myself. 

Now, I am almost two years sober and feeling better than I have in years. Along with clarity and focus, sobriety has opened doors I thought were too hard to open and has given my writing and art a whole new life. I remember when this exact present moment seemed impossible, and I felt my story was close to over. It gets better, and there’s help out there for you. If I can do it, anyone can. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am currently working as a copywriter for an excellent Black-owned women-centric marketing firm, TC Creatives, where we specialize in working with minority business owners all around the country. It’s honestly a dream. I get to write every day, building content to drive a client’s brand while watching their business scale to exceed their expectations. In turn, they empower their local communities and other minorities and make dreams come true for entrepreneurs. I’ve worked on supplement, beauty, food, and event brands, to name a few. Not only that, but we have a fantastic team of women and minority creatives. I am obsessed with this company and what they do for people, it’s a blessing to be part of such a kick-ass team. 

What matters most to you? Why?
Mental health matters! I am so thankful society has made significant headway in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, but there’s still a fight to be had. Anyone that has experienced the depths of depression, the constant uncertainty of anxiety, or the darkness of suicidal ideation knows it’s a horrible place to be. I believe that we weren’t put on this earth to purely suffer. Life can be beautiful again. It is so important to get help when you need it and start a path of mental wellness, and it needs to be more accessible to all. I believe in housing for the homeless and better addiction treatment, but the root cause of both huge issues is better mental health services. Everyone deserves to live a life fully experiencing (and enjoying) the ups and downs. Because I reached out for help when I needed it, I’m still here and enjoy the little things again. Please ask for help; you matter! 

Contact Info:

• Email: vhagglund2216@gmail.com
• Website: tccreatives.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gnome.one.like.v/

Image Credits
Kaylee Anderson