We were lucky to catch up with Vanessa Dunn recently and have shared our conversation below.
Vanessa , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your professional career?
Oh, I love this question because I believe everything in life is preparing us for the next. My first love and career in life is dance. Dance has shaped me and the trajectory of my life in more ways than anything else! As a professional ballet dancer my career started at a very young age. By the time I was 15 I was living on my own, dedicating every waking moment to the art form I loved so much. The discipline, persistence, and drive that was required to succeed as a young dancer gave me purpose, and a clear path. Not once did I second guess my decision or regret what I might be ‘missing out’ on not having a more traditional childhood. My goal was clear, and dedication unwavering.
Having such a strong passion and purpose early in life ingrained habits and behaviors into my very nature, which, in retrospect, has enhanced every area of my life.
Dance taught me patience, perseverance, attention to detail, discipline, work ethic, grit and grace.
Through dancing I learned to always find a way forward, follow my heart, and that the most rewarding moments are on the other side of fear.
These lessons have served me well past the studio, and the stage. Now as an author, business owner, wellness and movement coach I am still on the artist journey, but I have taken it to a new level. Now I am the dancer, the choreographer, the director, and the producer. My current mantra is ‘every choice, challenge, and lesson learned has prepared me for this present moment’.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am a movement/mindset coach, and founder of Mantra Moves™️. My mission is to share tools and rituals that will allow you to thrive, one day at a time! Through movement, and mindfulness we can transform ourselves from the inside out. I offer classes, workshops, retreats and have created a line of journals to align our thoughts, words, and actions towards our true self.
Mantra Moves the class infuses verbal mantras into the physical practice increasing your awareness, focus, and keeping you grounded into the present moment. The journals help to rewire our brain towards positivity, gratitude and joy. I truly believe our mindset is the most powerful tool we have, and we must exercise it!
This Spring, I am so excited to be leading a week long retreat in Baja California, Mexico. (March 10th-16th) Together in community we will reset, recharge and rejuvenate the body, mind and soul. The week will be full of yoga, Pilates, Kundalini, sound healing, chanting, reiki, journaling, ocean dips, siestas on the beach, hikes and so much more. Immerse yourself in nature, and allow yourself the time and space to truly unwind and detox from the busy-ness and stresses of everyday life. One of my favorite parts of this retreat is being serenaded to sleep each night by the sounds of the ocean from your private cabana on the beach! We’d love to have you join us! Everyone is welcome! Reservations are now open at
www.flowwithvanessa.com/retreats
In addition to retreats, I lead events and classes around Los Angeles. Check out my website for the most up to date offerings, and join the mailing list!
One more event I’d love to share is happening New Year’s Day! This local event will be at The Heated Room, located near The Grove. Collectively we will strengthen our intentions and wishes for 2024! Ignite your year with a heated yoga/pilates based flow, followed by a meditation to ground and center our energy, and finishing with sound healing to seal our intention into our hearts and minds. Each attendee will receive the newest edition Mantra Moves journal for 2024, along with a gift bag full of goodies to inspire your year ahead!
If you are looking for gift ideas, Mantra Moves journals makes a stunning gift for anyone on the journey of personal growth, mindfulness, happiness, or self care. These journals are one-of-a-kind. Beautifully designed with love and energy flowing from every page. Check them out for yourself!
www.flowwithvanessa.com
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
People are attracted to energy. Whatever you’re seeking you have to put out in the world. Embodying the work has been the most important part for my self and my business. I believe wholeheartedly in the power of mindful movement and intentional living. Also, patience, nothing happens overnight. Like the saying goes- it takes 15 years to become a success!
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Deepak Chopra, The 7 Spiritual Laws of Success have been my guiding light, and a book I return to again and again. Another one I constantly return to is The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, which is always a great reminder to not take things too seriously.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mantramoves.com
- Instagram: @flowwithvanessa @mantramovesjournal
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/FlowwithVanessa
- Other: Email: [email protected] www.flowwithvanessa.com
Image Credits
Will Tee Yang