We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Veronica Rogers a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Veronica, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I am still in the process of understanding what my purpose is. I hate to admit it, but I am finding my purpose by going through challenges and trials. I am finding what my purpose is through the unspeakable loss of my oldest daughter. I believe part of my purpose is to spread love and healing; to come together with others who are living with grief.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I was not sure how I was going to move forward after the tragic loss of my oldest daughter. My world was derailed and I did not want to live. Words can’t explain the immense pain I live with to this day. I found that I was not alone, so I decided to create my, “Life After Loss,” collection in order to promote healing and love.
I initially started to paint and sketch. From there, I created a t-shirt and clothing line. My journey has most recently led me to create my personal wellness brand which I have named “Vee Wellness by Veronica,” which I have merged with my “Life After Loss” collection.
In June of 2023, I formed my non-profit organization called “Ashley Rissi Charities Inc.” This is the umbrella for which my wellness and clothing brands will be under. I want to be able to give back to the community and help fight against mental illness, homelessness, and addiction.
This is what is keeping me going. When I have my dark days, which are many, I see what I am giving birth to in honor of my daughter. This way I know I am keeping her alive and helping others who are going through grief to find their light again as well.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I believe a combination of my past life experience and challenges, prior work experience, and the ability to overcome were the most impactful attributes of my journey. Without these, I would not have the empathy and drive to do what I do and be who I am today.
Although I am new in my journey, my advice to those who are just beginning theirs is to build your foundation with, “Why,” and find out what that is. Understanding your why, as well as feeling it will be the fuel to keep you going forward with your dream. Thoughts are things, you have to feel your passion in order to bring it to life.
How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
The challenge I am facing at this moment is how to effectively implement and market my company. Now that my company is formed, I am struggling to get it off the ground and build the awareness it needs to thrive.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ashleyrissicharities.org
- Instagram: @artbyveronicahazel
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veronicahazelrogers
- Twitter: @artistrybyvee
