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

Vanessa, appreciate you joining us today. Is there a heartwarming story from your career that you look back on?

One of the most heartwarming transformations we’ve witnessed at VW Wellness was with a 13-year-old girl who came to us struggling with severe acne. She was quiet, withdrawn, and so self-conscious she barely made eye contact—she didn’t want anyone to see her face. Her mom had tried everything and was heartbroken seeing her daughter lose her confidence at such a tender age.

Over five months, we guided her through a gentle, holistic treatment plan using Chinese herbal medicine, microneedling to help with scarring, and acupuncture to support hormonal balance. Slowly, her skin began to clear—but more importantly, so did her spirit.

By the end of her treatments, her acne was 95% gone. She smiled more. She held her head higher. And before heading into 8th grade, she asked if we could help her with a “glow up.” We were honored to do just that.

She walked out of our clinic beaming—radiant, inside and out. That’s the magic of what we do. We don’t just treat skin; we help people feel like themselves again.

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’m Vanessa Wesley, founder of VW Wellness. I’m a licensed acupuncturist, herbalist, and cosmetic tattoo artist with a deep passion for helping people feel confident and at home in their bodies. My work blends the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine with modern dermatology and holistic wellness practices to offer a truly personalized, transformative approach to health and beauty.

My path into this work wasn’t linear—but it was deeply personal. Like so many of my clients, I’ve navigated periods of physical and emotional imbalance, and I know what it feels like to want to feel better in your own skin. That’s why VW Wellness exists: to create a space where healing is gentle, results are real, and people feel deeply cared for.

At VW Wellness, we specialize in natural, effective solutions for skin health, hormone balance, graceful aging, and weight loss. We treat everything from acne and rosacea to hair loss and perimenopausal symptoms, using a combination of Chinese herbs, acupuncture, microneedling, cosmetic tattooing, and our signature Life Point Reset weight loss program. We also offer custom facial treatments, light therapy, and nano infusion—all designed to support your skin and overall well-being from the inside out.

What sets us apart is the way we see and support the whole person. We don’t just chase symptoms—we get to the root of what’s going on, and we walk alongside our clients with empathy, curiosity, and real solutions. We believe you deserve to feel empowered and beautiful—not just in how you look, but in how you live.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the deep trust we build with our clients. Whether it’s helping a teenager clear their acne and walk into middle school glowing with confidence, or guiding a woman through menopause with less pain and more peace, the transformations I get to witness are nothing short of sacred.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about VW Wellness, it’s this: you don’t have to choose between natural and effective. You can have both. You can feel radiant and supported. And we’re here to help you get there.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been building genuine relationships—both with my clients and with trusted referral partners. Word of mouth has been incredibly powerful for VW Wellness, and I believe that’s because we put so much heart into what we do. When people feel truly seen, supported, and cared for—not just as a symptom or a skin condition, but as a whole person—they naturally want to share that experience with others.

I’ve also found tremendous value in cultivating strong networking partnerships with professionals who share similar values—whether that’s naturopaths, estheticians, other acupuncturists, or even fitness and wellness coaches. These relationships are built on mutual respect, trust, and a shared commitment to our clients’ wellbeing. When you align with people who really understand and believe in your work, those referrals come from a place of authenticity—and clients can feel that.

At the core, my strategy isn’t about sales—it’s about service. When you care deeply, create meaningful results, and foster a safe, empowering environment, people become your biggest advocates. That kind of organic growth is not only sustainable—it’s incredibly rewarding.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots in my life was shifting from a career as a professional chef into the world of Chinese medicine and holistic skincare. Food was my first love—and it still is. I’ve always been fascinated by the way what we eat affects how we feel, and how nourishment can be a form of healing. That passion naturally evolved into a deeper desire to support people’s health in a more integrative, long-term way.

Even though I left the professional kitchen behind, food and nutrition continue to play a huge role in the way I approach wellness today. Whether I’m working with clients on acne, hormonal balance, or weight loss, I often bring in food therapy and functional nutrition as part of the healing process. It’s still about nourishment—just in a more holistic, soul-centered way.

Another major pivot came a few years into running VW Wellness. After pouring so much into building and growing the business, I realized I was running on empty. So I made a bold choice: I downsized. I let go of the pressure to do it all, and instead focused on creating more work/life balance and caring for my own well-being.

Ironically—but maybe not surprisingly—that decision opened the door to the most fulfilling chapter in my practice. My client base grew, not because I was hustling harder, but because I was aligned, rested, and able to show up fully. It was a powerful reminder that when we live what we teach—when we slow down, create space, and truly care for ourselves—everything else flows.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vwwellness.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vw_wellness/