Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Nottingham
Hi Vanessa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I owe where I am today to a combination of hard work and the incredible support of the people around me. My journey began back in South Florida when I started acting at the age of eleven. From the very beginning, my parents, family, acting teachers, coaches, and friends have been my biggest champions, and their encouragement has been instrumental in shaping my career.
Success in this field truly takes a village, and I make it a point to never lose sight of the people who have helped me along the way. It also requires unwavering dedication, and I approach every single day with a commitment to improving my craft and pushing my boundaries.
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?
This industry feels like a rollercoaster—full of exhilarating highs and sudden drops. Some days, you’re climbing, and everything is falling into place; it’s an incredible rush. But other days, the momentum shifts, and you find yourself on the way down, often without warning. For me, the hardest part is navigating those moments of uncertainty when work slows, and opportunities seem scarce.
The “come down” can feel daunting—one moment you’re hustling with exciting projects, and the next, you’re wondering what’s next. But I’ve learned to face those lulls with resilience. When there’s no job on the horizon, I create my own. I tell myself, “Alright, there’s nothing lined up—time to make something happen.” That’s why I co-created Divergent House. It was born from that same drive to take control of my career and collaborate with others who share my passion for storytelling. Now, when work isn’t coming to me, I can build opportunities, not just for myself but for others too.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m an actress, producer, and director, best known for my work in the popular kids’ series Dhar Mann. Beyond acting, I take pride in my ability to wear multiple hats in the filmmaking process, from conceptualizing ideas to seeing a project through to completion.
What I’m most proud of is my relentless drive and dedication. I don’t wait for opportunities to come to me—I create them. Whether it’s acting, producing, or directing, I approach every aspect of my work with the same level of passion and commitment.
What sets me apart is my hustle and my comprehensive understanding of the filmmaking process. I don’t just stay in one lane; I dive into all aspects of production, which gives me a unique perspective and the ability to adapt to any role behind or in front of the camera. Even in my free time, I keep busy by creating my own projects, collaborating with friends, and finding new ways to tell stories that inspire and entertain.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My biggest advice is this: don’t wait for opportunities—create them. It’s easy to fall into the mindset of expecting others to open doors for you, whether through connections or favors, but the truth is, you have to take charge of your own journey. Go out there, seek out jobs, build relationships, and most importantly, make your own art.
If you truly love performing, you’ll discover that the joy lies not just in the finished product but in the process of creating something meaningful. Embrace the hustle, trust your passion, and remember that the more you put yourself out there, the more opportunities you’ll create for yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vanessanottingham.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessanottingham/
Image Credits
Dhar Mann Studios
