Meet Vanessa Aka Pumpkin

We recently connected with Vanessa Aka Pumpkin and have shared our conversation below.

Vanessa aka Pumpkin , we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hops that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

OMG it’s hard to know where to start.
I think talking about mental health is so important but the stigma of it can be unbearable.

I’m grateful and so very blessed to have family that works in mental health. It made it so that I feel like I’m able to ask for help.
Mental health is a journey and I’ve gone years on and off getting help. 3 years ago I finally asked for meditation and a few months ago started going to drama therapy again.

Things that really help me:

My meds and therapy.

Sense of purpose and community.

My faith my Husband my doggy Brittany.

Giving myself Grace on the hard days.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m about to be 37!..:) on national pumpkin day.

My Instagram Pumpkinveelovesyou is a part time hobby that makes my heart so happy.
With a public platform in the beginning I felt pressured to fit into a certain niche. 3 years in and I’ve learned along with unlearning so much about community and body positivity.
All of my posts are different, outfits- foodie content- local community it’s always something different. What makes me the happiest is being a community insta bestie.
Loving and supporting everyone is my favorite!. Technically I’m an influencer but I don’t see it that way. Not that there’s anything wrong with that I just prefer the title of insta bestie much better.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I literally didn’t know what I was doing in the beginning lol …
Chronic illness in mental health get in the way a lot but my community is there for me.

A few things I’ve learned along the way:

Support and align myself with contact that makes me happy it’s led me to some really good-hearted people out there.

Give myself Grace and don’t push myself on the hard days. I try to put myself first and don’t let collabs or expectations take over my morals or goals. I’m showing up for community not for brands. Unless those brands are good vibes;) that benefit community.

Being opened to learning and unlearning unhealthy standards. Vulnerability and honesty are so important people can really see that. Its something I appreciate with all my heart. Be you authentically and things should fall into place. It’s a good way to protect your peace.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I’m looking to collaborate with people/community and brands who align with my insta bestie supportive community vibes. Unfortunately along the way I’ve learned not everybody has good intentions which has been really heartbreaking.
But!! There’s definitely more good than bad out there. I’m choosing to focus on that by continuing to grow and learn with my community.

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Instagram: pumpkinveelovesyou
• Facebook: pumpkinveelovesyou
• Youtube: pumpkinveelovesyou