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

Hi Vanessa, thanks for joining us today. Do you feel you or your work has ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized? If so, tell us the story and how/why it happened and if there are any interesting learnings or insights you took from the experience?

I definitely feel that my work, especially on Peaceful Pathway, has at times been misunderstood or simplified. When you’re working to empower women or create projects with impact, some may see only the surface and miss the intentionality, the patience, and the deep-rooted empathy that go into every decision. A lot of what I do stems from my personal journey, experiences, and a commitment to building something meaningful, but others sometimes interpret it as a casual endeavor or overlook the personal sacrifices involved.

One memorable instance was when I shared a segment of my reality TV journey, and rather than engaging with the context or the message behind it, people seemed focused on the surface details, creating a caricature that didn’t fully represent who I am or what I stand for. Through this, I learned the value of clear communication, as well as the importance of setting boundaries on what I share publicly versus privately. It’s a reminder to stay grounded in my purpose, even if it means being selective about which audiences truly understand or appreciate the full story behind my work.

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?

My name is Vanessa Valente, and I’ve had an incredible journey navigating different paths that each reflect parts of who I am—from reality TV to empowering women through Peaceful Pathway. My professional background is diverse, but everything I do centers around authenticity, empowerment, and creating meaningful connections. I first gained recognition through my appearances on Temptation Island and other reality shows, where I shared my journey with a mix of vulnerability and courage. While reality TV provided a unique platform, it was always about more than just the screen. I wanted people to see a glimpse of what self-discovery, resilience, and connection truly look like.

Outside of TV, I founded Peaceful Pathway, a project dedicated to helping women create lives of peace, purpose, and independence. I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges women face when navigating tough situations—whether that’s finding the strength to walk away from what no longer serves them or building a life they can feel proud of. My work is about creating space for these transformations. Through workshops, one-on-one coaching, and resources, I aim to help women recognize their worth and find a path that aligns with their inner values.

What sets me apart is my combination of life experience and genuine empathy. I’ve lived through many of the challenges I now help others overcome, and I bring a level of realness to my work that’s often rare. My clients know I’m here not just as a professional but as someone who understands and supports their journey without judgment. I’m most proud of the moments when a woman feels seen and empowered through my work—when she recognizes her strength and realizes that peace isn’t something you chase; it’s something you cultivate from within.

For those considering working with me or following my journey, I want you to know that my purpose is to bring out the best in people. Peaceful Pathway is more than a project; it’s a mission to help others discover clarity, confidence, and a life filled with intention. I invite anyone ready to step into their power to join me, knowing that they’ll be met with support, understanding, and a commitment to their growth. We’re all capable of creating meaningful change, and I’m here to walk that path with anyone ready to begin.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

It started subtly—small signs that something felt off, behaviors that didn’t sit right with me. At first, I dismissed them, thinking maybe I was overanalyzing or being too harsh. But the more time I spent with this person, the clearer the red flags became. There were moments of disrespect disguised as jokes, boundaries being crossed under the guise of ‘just being close,’ and a growing sense of imbalance in what I was giving versus what I was receiving.

Eventually, I couldn’t ignore what I was feeling. It was like my intuition was calling out, telling me to protect myself and prioritize my well-being. I knew then that I needed to separate myself. I had to choose peace, even if it meant walking away from someone who once felt important to me.

Setting that boundary was both empowering and painful. I spoke honestly, expressing what I’d observed and why I couldn’t continue on the same path with them. While it felt like a weight had been lifted, it also opened up space for grief. I mourned the relationship I had envisioned, and I gave myself permission to feel the loss of what could have been.

In the months that followed, I focused on healing. I invested time in reconnecting with myself and the people who genuinely support me. I explored new interests, refocused on my passions, and built a foundation of trust with myself that felt unshakable. This experience reaffirmed my belief in the power of boundaries—not as walls, but as ways of ensuring my energy and love are directed toward people who honor and respect them.

Now, I don’t shy away from identifying red flags early on, and I don’t hesitate to assert my boundaries. This journey taught me that protecting my peace isn’t something to feel guilty about. It’s an act of self-love, one that makes space for the right relationships to flourish.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

One of the most rewarding experiences for me is hearing from people who say that my work has genuinely changed their lives. Whether it’s through Peaceful Pathway, reality TV, or even personal conversations, people often tell me that something I’ve shared helped them see themselves differently, make a hard decision, or take a step they’d been afraid to take. They share stories of finding strength they didn’t know they had, of feeling understood in ways they haven’t before, and even of reconnecting with parts of themselves they thought were lost.

What moves me most is when someone tells me that seeing my journey—the courage to set boundaries, embrace self-worth, and navigate life with authenticity—gave them permission to do the same. It’s humbling to know that sharing my path can help others find their own, and it motivates me to keep being real, no matter how vulnerable that might feel at times. Those moments of connection are what make all the ups and downs worthwhile.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanillaknowsbest/profilecard/?igsh=MW16cDNieG4yam4xYg==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanessa.valenteperryman?mibextid=LQQJ4d