We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Vanessa Whitby. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Vanessa below.
Hi Vanessa, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
I believe my resilience stems from a combination of factors. Firstly, being a single mom has taught me the value of perseverance and determination. Every day brings its own set of challenges, but I’ve learned to adapt and overcome obstacles for the sake of my daughter and myself.
Secondly, my passion for my business Wild + Rae fuels my resilience. Building a brand from the ground up requires tenacity and resilience. I’m deeply committed to providing products that spark joy and imagination in girls, which keeps me motivated even during tough times.
Lastly, I’m surrounded by a supportive network of friends, family, and mentors who uplift me during difficult moments. Knowing that I have a community to lean on gives me the strength to keep pushing forward, no matter what hurdles come my way.
Overall, my resilience is a product of my experiences, passions, and the support system I’ve cultivated along the way.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Absolutely!
I am Vanessa, founder of Wild + Rae. Together, with my daughter Harlow Rae I have built a brand that is a commitment to sparking joy and building confidence in young girls through playful expression.
Our designs are vibrant, whimsical, and full of personality (mostly from Harlow’s love of sparkles and pink), aimed at encouraging every little girl to shine brightly in her own unique way. From bright colors to tiny details, each piece is crafted with the intention of weaving happiness into every stitch.
One of our most exciting offerings is our line of girls cowgirl boots. These boots are not only fun and stylish but also incredibly comfortable, making them the perfect companion for any wild one. They’re the first of their kind, designed to empower little girls to embrace their inner cowgirl and embark on imaginative journeys with confidence and flair.
We believe that what children wear should reflect their personality and make them feel good about themselves. By creating clothing and accessories that celebrate individuality and spark joy, we hope to inspire a sense of self-assurance and empowerment in every girl who wears our designs.
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?
Looking back on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have been particularly impactful:
One of the most rewarding aspects of building my brand has been involving my daughter Harlow in the creative process. Each piece we create together not only reflects her unique perspective and creativity but also boosts her confidence as she sees her ideas come to life. This also makes everything kid approved.
As a single mom, hard work has been the cornerstone of my journey. Balancing the responsibilities of parenting with the demands of building a brand from scratch requires dedication, determination, and a willingness to put in the hours necessary to make it all happen.
Understanding our target audience and prioritizing their needs and desires has been crucial in building a brand that resonates with our customers. By actively seeking feedback and engaging with our audience, we’ve been able to create products and experiences that truly connect with them.
For those who are early in their journey, my advice is to cherish the opportunity to involve loved ones in your pursuits. Embrace collaboration, stay curious, and remain open to learning and growth. Remember that success is often a journey filled with ups and downs, but with passion, perseverance, and support from those you love, you can overcome any challenge that comes your way.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
It’s definitely challenging at times, but I’m fortunate to have a supportive network of family and friends who help out when needed. I’ve also learned to prioritize and manage my time effectively. My daughter is my biggest motivation, so I make sure to carve out quality time with her while also dedicating myself to growing the business.
I also make sure to take breaks when needed and engage in activities that help me relax and recharge, whether it’s going for a walk, practicing mindfulness, or spending time with loved ones.
Overall, finding a balance between work and self-care is key. It’s okay to prioritize your mental and emotional well-being, even when things feel overwhelming.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wildandrae.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildandrae/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildandrae
Image Credits
Jessica Lynn | Photography @jessicalynn_photo Jenna Norman | Photography @jennanormanphotography
