Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Vanessa Verdeaux. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Vanessa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

From a very young age I remember wanting to be an actress. I was always singing and dancing, or putting on shows for my family and friends. My Mum used to moonlight as a dinner theatre Director in downtown Toronto, and I always remember feeling so comfortable in that environment, like it was my kind of people. I couldn’t see a movie without recreating my favourite scenes after the show. I just have always loved the feeling of expressing myself, and connecting with others.

Vanessa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

When I think of my career up until this point, it’s interesting, because I started out wanting to be an actress, but what I’ve realized is that I’m a storyteller, and everything I’ve done and loved supports that truth. I started acting when I was young and studied acting for Film & Television at The William Davis Centre, in Vancouver. I then went on to study at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, in NYC for musical Theatre. I dedicated a lot of my 20’s to acting, then worked in Advertising for several years. After I had my first 2 kids back to back, basically, I had a massive desire to talk about parenting and to connect Moms. I created 2 shows on Rogers TV around Motherhood, along with several very successful social media channels. Again the theme was finding connection, and creating content and stories to inspire, educate, and connect. What I learned through my parenting shows is that I love supporting other women. Like LOVE IT! So I started another show and social media platform dedicated to sharing women’s stories called, HERStories.. It was a wonderful experience and a great example of how every women has a story and we are all so much more alike than we ever know. Then Covid hit and like many Moms of kids I had to be a teacher, and a 24/7 caregiver. Wow, I’m glad we are all past that! Now, I’m back Acting, Hosting, Producing and doing all the things I love. My biggest takeaway is that we can truly do anything we believe, if we’re willing to do the work and have unwavering faith.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

For me the goal, and or mission is always to connect, and to inspire others to live their best lives. I believe our pain is our purpose, so I’m very open about the struggles I’ve had in life. Like losing my Mother at very young age in life, being estranged from my Father, and living on my own as a teenager. I think the struggles I’ve had create a lot of the desire to share in a way that I feel will help others be seen.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I had to unlearn the story that society tells you.. I came from a broken home. My younger years were full of struggle, neglect, and survival. In societies eyes I felt like a ‘”Loser” a failure, like I didn’t deserve to succeed, or be in certain places because of my troubled childhood. For many years I believed that narrative, which is why I stopped acting on my 20’s. The minute i looked into the eyes of my first baby, I found and saw this love and acceptance I had never known. It changed me forever. I absolutely found myself in mothering and the healing began. I’ve always been a strong person, but my true self love came through my kids. And they made me realize I can do anything, and that not only do I matter, but it’s my purpose to share, it’s why I’m here.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessaverdeaux/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-rempel
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@vanessaverdeaux

Image Credits
Denise Grant – Photographer