Daily Inspiration: Meet Vanessa Romero

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

Hi Vanessa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2016, I was approached by a friend to go into business with her. She had retail experience and previously owned a boutique. I was hesitant at first because I was a stay at home mother preparing to embark in the world of homeschooling. I also played an administrative role alongside my husband at that time with his entrepreneurial ventures. However, with his support I decided to take the plunge and went into partnership. I immediately learned a lot about owning a local business, the complexity of partnership, relational currency and the challenges of balancing home and business. The space became a destination spot for local shoppers with a community-like atmosphere. Unfortunately, our partnership came to an end because our core values of running the business were different. My next opportunity came to me in 2018 and because of the reputation that went before me, the same building that housed the first boutique was offered to me. So my next journey to launch a second boutique began. In one month time, I managed to reopen my doors and within three months of business, I more than tripled in sales. We were starting off on a winning streak and things were looking bright. The community-like atmosphere continued with speaking events, seminars, live performances, pop-ups, make and take classes and behind the scenes with the vendors. The boutique was more than just a place to shop. It was an experience that activated all your senses. If you happened to be new to the space, you definitely would leave as a friend.

Then, in 2019, another big shift was about to take place. February I would say goodbye to my Father after a long battle with dementia and Alzheimers. March of 2019, I found myself closing the doors to my boutique. In August of 2019, my marriage of over ten years fell apart and I found myself separated and soon after filing divorce. I felt lost and defeated but thanks to a strong support system, I managed. I also made my way back to songwriting and singing. This is where I began to sing about the painful experiences I was facing. In this season, I wrote a very important song that lead to a concept that I launched “Growing through Concrete” It depicted for me, “Life will find a way”.

In December of 2019, I received a phone call regarding a film based on a true story. A story of a Mother’s courage to fight on behalf of her deceased Son with complex factors of mental illness, domestic violence and the realities of a broken judicial system. I found myself questioning whether or not I was ready to take this new opportunity on. Yet, I could clearly hear within myself that I needed to take this role because this was how I was going to receive the healing I needed. I soon went under contract and found myself memorizing scripts.

Then, in 2020, Covid hit us and operations were shut down, including the production I just signed up to be a part of. I found myself alone with my little girl, in isolation due to the pandemic. I was also still very much in a strenuous ordeal with my divorce and I remember thinking to myself, “I just want this to be over” because I felt anchored to a life I wanted to leave behind. I wanted to feel free from it and free to move forward with my life. Free to find myself again and free to explore all the things I truly longed for. 2020 had me going back to the drawing board many times. I was exploring all the different creative avenues within me, everything from my songwriting, singing, and my knowledge of business. Identifying my core value systems and why I do what I do had me digging deep and it got messy for me.

In 2021, my life started appearing more clearer to me. I was taking time to reconnect with my network and feeling more comfortable to share my stories and experiences with others. In October of 2021, I finally said goodbye to my collapsed marriage, my divorce was final. Things started to look brighter for me as an invisible weight was lifted.

Now in 2022, I am blessed with new adventures. I have speaking engagements advocating for women’s mental health and wellness. I recently have taken on a Creative Director role with an incredible non-profit organization that supports women in business in Africa. I have a role to fulfill in this enlightening and inspiring film, Sam’s Cry. My expectation is that this gripping project receives the exposure and support it deserves.

The amazing opportunities that are coming my way are enabling me to inspire others and to support others in their journeys. That’s what I am all about, connecting and community.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been a very rough journey which is why I felt compelled to launch the concept “Growing through Concrete” The terrain of life’s obstacles and challenges have been testing me all along. I’ve had the same choices as many and that is to choose to move forward or give up and settle. I’ve had to override my own inner criticism and the opinions of others. Recognizing I have a voice, a purpose and believing in me. Every new level I am presented with is requiring me to step up in self-discipline. I deal with fear and uncertainty but I can’t allow fear to reside or build space within my mental home because it doesn’t lend itself to the freedom of creating.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I use my creative talents in many ways. I am a performer who specializes in singing, song writing and acting. I am a speaker who shares my strength, hope and empowerment so others can be inspired to make it through their rough times. I am a firm believer that we can only lead people with things we have experienced ourselves. I am a support system, working with extraordinary woman that are doing fantastic things in the world. My first role allows me to personally assist a woman carrying on her late Husband’s legacy. We are on the cutting edge with software that allows us to create beautiful water imagery. Our clientele have consisted of BMW, AEG, State of the Art Las Vegas and many more. I work as a Creative Director for Baskets and Beads Kenya. This organization helps women in poverty in Africa become entrepreneurs. I design and produce product images, displays and create ideas that will enable the world to see these beautiful products on a wider scale. Getting more eyes on these products will produce more sales, enable these women to get out of poverty and live a sustainable life. Also, since taking on the lead role in the film, Sam’s Cry, my role has expanded to an executive producer. Once again, allowing me to lend greater support to a film being produced by a female producer.

I am most proud that everything I am linked to is in support to women and what sets me apart is my genuineness to serve others and provide support.

What matters most to you?
Being able to collaborate with others and leaving a legacy is most important to me. Real enjoyment is being able to journey the growth and success with others. I’m not stingy with my resources and I refuse to operate from a space of scarcity. When I look at opportunities I think,” What will this create and not what I can get out of it” Greed produces horrible results and I want to create and contribute to causes that are navigated by love. Love produces incredible things. The Beatles had it right,”all we need is love”.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessa_rising

Image Credits:
Hey Suga Studio Ehmandah Ramsey