Meet Vanessa Henderson

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Vanessa Henderson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Vanessa, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Through experience I learned at a very young age that no matter what I had to give 110%. Being the only person of color in the room, so much more was always expected of me. No matter where you go in life you have to be able to stand on your own 2 feet and carry your weight. Even in the present day, it’s an ever learning process. I was always having to do research and study nonstop to move myself forward because primarily almost every job I’ve had I’ve been the only Black woman in charge. At times it was extremely hard because growing up in the south, a lot of whites people did not want to work for a black woman. Especially coming from a small town, even my own people gave me a hard time by saying things like I thought that I was white half or you think you’re white or you better than us because you got a management job. Even when I ran my own full service bridal salon, I found that my own people didn’t care to cater to my business because they felt that I thought was better than them and that my success and hard work was a blemish or setback on their own lives.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m from a small town called Reidsville, North Carolina, where I attended school and finished at Reidsville Senior high. Later on in life, I attended Rockingham Community CIllegal, where I majored in business administration. After each of my 3 children left to college I decided to move to Atlanta Georgia, at 43 years old to pursue my degree in fashion design. I shared a dorm with 3 18 year olds which was an experience in itself. I received my degree in 2003 from Bauder College, I was also the designer of the year for 2003 and received one of every award that the school had to offer during my time there. Since then, I have a had an opportunity to be a part of stage television and film. I presently I work as a wardrobe stylist on numerous film projects. I look forward to designing more beautiful and timeless pieces as well as bigger opportunities to showcase my work. Ruth Carter is my mentor and I really aspire to be in her space so presently I’m moving more into the costuming area to do that type of work. I recently won a design competition entitled “fashion project”. We had a design to what fashion will look like 100 years from now. I also showcased several pieces at the Rialto Art Center and the Fox Theater. I’ve traveled to several theater stages and my favorite theater was Madame CJ Walker’s in Indiana. My next project that I am extremely excited about is having been invited to LA fashion week this October. That is really amazing so I just look forward to continuing to be a designer and celebrating my 66th birthday on June 7 .

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?

My three areas of resilience would be to stay focused, be at overcomer and always look for the best in yourself. My advice for those that are early in their journey would be to know that it’s lonely at the top and that a lot of times, you will find yourself on the journey alone even though people tell you they’re out there with you. Always make sure that you learn to love you in spite of everything else because self love is most important.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

The number one challenge that I have at the moment is funding to be able to move my brand into a manufacturing space. Currently, everything I create is and has always been by hand. I realize that as I have become a seasoned adult that it’s harder to be able to acquire true and genuine investors. Therefore funding for manufacturing is a huge need for myself and my brand. As far as overcoming this obstacle, I know that I need to broaden my circle and attend events and spaces where there are investors, true influencers, and people that are in the industry that have a means to invest into my project.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @vanmillerinternational
• Facebook: House of VanMiller

Image Credits

Perris Hull Photograhy
Alexandra Zak Photography
In Vogue Photography
Photos by Rodell
Photos by Rodell