From Hobby to Heart-Centered Brand: Becoming Your Dream Girl with Vanessa Ruiz

In this episode, I’m joined by makeup artist, beauty educator, and lifestyle creator Vanessa Ruiz of My Vanety, a Tucson-based brand known for soft-to-full neutral glam and girls-girl energy. We dive into how Vanessa stopped waiting for permission, turned her passion for makeup into a thriving business, and stepped fully into her dream-girl era as a mom, creator, and entrepreneur.

Vanessa shares the honest, behind-the-scenes story of building her platform, from early hustle to becoming the face behind a community of thousands of women who come to her for beauty, confidence, and real-talk inspiration. She opens up about the identity shifts, self-belief, and bold decisions required to move from “this is my hobby” to “this is my brand and my life’s work.”

You’ll also hear three powerful, practical makeup tips you can start using today to feel more magnetic on and off camera, plus the daily rituals that help her stay grounded, creative, and in her main-character era. If you’ve ever wondered how to transform what you love into a business and become your own dream girl along the way, this conversation will leave you activated and ready to make your next brave move.

My Vanety Instagram 
https://www.instagram.com/myvanety/

Vanessa’s personal Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/ruizvane/

TikTok – My Vanety
https://www.tiktok.com/@myvanety

Vanessa's Website: https://myvanety.com/

Transcript

Theresa Cesare: 0:06

Welcome to Heart to Talk the podcast. I am the host and creator Theresa Cesare My intention for this podcast is to deliver to you wisdom, inspiration, and consciousness. Through solo episodes and conversations amongst insightful people. It is my greatest honor to bring to you talks that come from the. Hey, loves. Welcome back to another episode, y'all. I am so excited for today's guest because she is someone I have been admiring for a long time and truly get inspired every time I see her content and witness her evolution. Today's guest is the one and only Vanessa Ruiz, the Face Behind my Vanety a Tucson based makeup artist, beauty educator, and lifestyle creator who is redefining what it means to glow from the inside out. With her signature soft to full, neutral glam, and a community of nearly 60,000 women, she seamlessly weaves together beauty, wellness, motherhood, and entrepreneurship into one unapologetic heart-centered brand known for her raw honesty, cinematic content, and girls, girls energy. Vanessa isn't just teaching makeup, she's teaching women how to step into their main character era and become their own dream girl. Friends, I'm so excited to bring to you my conversation with the amazing Vanessa Ruiz girl. Welcome to the podcast.

Vanessa Ruiz: 1:37

thank you, girl. Thank you so much for having me. I'm so honored, honestly. Even for like Tucson. Tucson, you know, so

Theresa Cesare: 1:44

I'm just the biggest fan because I know what it takes.

Vanessa Ruiz: 1:47

Yeah.

Theresa Cesare: 1:47

And I've seen your evolution and I'm just so proud of you. By the way, you're the only influencer I like follow

Vanessa Ruiz: 1:53

well I'm honored girl. I'm honored. And that's why showing up counts because I have people that I follow intentionally. So if I'm that girl for somebody else, I need to post with intention too.

Theresa Cesare: 2:02

I would love for you to share the backstory, because people see This incredible success, this incredible large audience that you have cultivated and built, but what. What's the backstory? How did you become this version of yourself?

Vanessa Ruiz: 2:15

It's like there's so many backstories because I can go as far as when I started creating content, which was a long time ago. I remember in like my teen years when I was 20, I would always document stuff and keep it for later. So I was the girl at the family events that would put together that video that. Light show so that everybody could see and be entertained. So it was always like that director mindset. Right? So that kind of started something. And then when I was younger, playing softball, like beauty always came as something that I was really curious about. So even playing softball, helping my girlfriends pick out an outfit. So I loved being a girl's girl from like. A long time ago, fast forward, got married, had two kids just divorce hit, and so I needed some sort of an outlet to feel creative and to post my alter ego without being so judged. So I made a separate Instagram account. Yeah, my personal one kind of kept it really easy. And then this one was more of that, like bigger than life energy character. And so that's where it started and I started posting whatever I wanted there, and that's the one that started taking off. So that's where I feel like that. Was the alter ego that just turned into a brand.

Theresa Cesare: 3:22

I love it. So like the personal one, safe. But then the other one, you can be that unlimited version and show up, but that's what people really want. And I could relate. Yeah, because I really hid behind Affirmation Babe So how do you feel now, like having the two of them side by side? Have you gotten over kind of that judgment, the fear and all of that? Yeah,

Vanessa Ruiz: 3:41

for sure. It's hard though. Saying that maybe you'll relate, having to, I'll call'em identities because one is your, you know, the, your brand and then who you really are. So we were just talking about that, how I am out and about and I am an extrovert and doing all of the things, but then I also need to recharge and be a mom and be private and, dating and that kind of stuff that, that gets no exposure. So that's where it's just like finding the balance between those two. Not letting one overtake the other one. Just feeding both of them is exhausting. One takes a lot of masculinity'cause you're an entrepreneur and you wanna like show up and work out and do all these things, but I'm also a soft woman, so I need to be the mom and all. So it's just switching over is exhausting sometimes.

Theresa Cesare: 4:24

How has this last year evolved for you and changed the most?

Vanessa Ruiz: 4:29

So much, so much girl. This last year humbled me a lot. I went through a lot of quiet time, I'll call it. So I separated myself from a lot of things to find out what I really wanted, and kind of going back to that like identity crisis that I was having versus who am I gonna feed into and who needed me the most, because there's a time and a point where. A lot of people want my vanity, and she is out there doing events and galas and working hard, and I neglected who I really was to the course. So this year, that quiet time made me slow down a lot and look within, and so I became, I think, a better mom. I looked into wellness a lot more. The lifestyle creation in me started getting a little bit more inspired versus just makeup. So. I, I think I expanded a little bit with that, but it had to do a lot with um, not caring what everybody thinks. Just putting boundaries aside and just doing what I want and not what anybody else expected of me.

Theresa Cesare: 5:25

I love that.'cause as you evolved, the brand evolved and I think that's so important. Like you're allowed to, that's the point. If no one sees someone changing, and I think that's takes courage too. Especially if you have a lot of positive feedback in one area. And it's like, oh, what if I do this? Are people gonna still accept and approve?

Vanessa Ruiz: 5:43

it's Been very easy to just show up and be me because it's accepted, but I'm not doing it for the audience. It really was just more for the healing. Right. Just like showing up and this is, mm-hmm. I did this. Maybe it will help you because one of the first things I do in the morning, and even now that the new year is gonna come, my algorithm is gonna define who I wanna be. Oh. So I am. Fitness and wellness and motherhood, and just that person is who I wake up and as soon as I start scrolling, I'm inspired and I stay inspired throughout the day. So social media is kind of one of those tools that if you use it wisely, it becomes really powerful. Yeah. And that that inspires me to inspire others.

Theresa Cesare: 6:19

I liked how you talked about just like identity. It is so huge. Especially when you're shifting. I don't know if you notice, it's like a weird. A death happens of the old version.

Vanessa Ruiz: 6:28

Ego death, girl. It's a real thing. Ego death is real. Yeah.

Theresa Cesare: 6:31

It's so crazy. But I love that you said that the algorithm changes. Yeah. And you can see where your identity is and what you're attracting.

Vanessa Ruiz: 6:38

And that's life too. Who are you hanging out with? Yeah. And where are you going and what situations are you putting, what rooms are you putting yourself in? Mm-hmm. So this year I was like, example, I was bored in the summer. I didn't have a lot of business, so I'm like, okay, I need to do something with my, with my life. So I reached out to a few people. There was a suggestion for behind the scenes at, Swim Week, and I'm a big fan of Miami Swim Week. Big, big fan. So I sent the girl a DM and I'm like, I'd love to offer my services. Like I, I'll volunteer for tribute, whatever you need. And they're like, well, what, what do you wanna do? Like makeup or what do you wanna do? And I'm like, whatever you want. Like, I'll go up there, huh? And the next day I get an offer to be the host.

Theresa Cesare: 7:12

Oh

Vanessa Ruiz: 7:13

my God. After they looked at my profile in the presents, they're like, you know what? We'd love to have you as the host. I came on right then and there, Theresa. I'll never forget this feeling. I'm on stage, dressed up in the designers and everything is ready. There's people, I got my mic ready and the co-host tells me how many, uh, fashion shows have you ceed? And I said, I've never been to a fashion show.

Theresa Cesare: 7:33

I love that. That right there is so incredible.

Vanessa Ruiz: 7:36

Yeah. Yeah. So I was just like, I need to put myself in these difficult situations.'cause I know I'll be growing.

7:41

Yeah.

Vanessa Ruiz: 7:41

And if I don't, like I don't do it. But this also targets different audiences for me, like the models of photographers, the designers, and I loved it. So I was like, okay, inspiration kept, you know, that is that data kept. So I think it's smart for everybody to do that.

Theresa Cesare: 7:54

I love that. And it helps you, when you put yourself in new roles. And I like that you talked about quiet seasons. Never underestimate the power of just sitting down and getting clear because you come back with a lot more energy. Clarity and intention

Vanessa Ruiz: 8:08

Yeah. Yes.

Theresa Cesare: 8:08

Like just alignment.

Vanessa Ruiz: 8:09

I think more people need to know that that's okay.

Theresa Cesare: 8:11

Yeah.

Vanessa Ruiz: 8:11

To normalize that, so

Theresa Cesare: 8:13

yeah.

Vanessa Ruiz: 8:13

Yeah. It's not weakness, it's not vulnerability. It's like you wanna be soft. Like I can be powerful but I can also be soft and be like, oh, I need time. You know? So And that's one thing I also put to like boundaries in my work. I'm not gonna take this kind of clientele. I'm not gonna work past three. I'm not gonna book myself with 12 people anymore.

Theresa Cesare: 8:29

Love the way you really solidified, like you said, boundaries and then when it came to like the signature, look how you're like, this is how I'm gonna do it. That such a powerful model. I love that. Yes.

Vanessa Ruiz: 8:39

Yes. People when they reach out to me, they're like, okay, how do I book you? I'm like, right here. You're talking to her.

Theresa Cesare: 8:43

Yeah.

Vanessa Ruiz: 8:43

Like, uh, but the reason is I need a filter to see if you're a good match. Love, you're coming to my house, my space. So if you come in and you want a green cut crease, I'm not your girl. Yeah. You know? But if you need somebody who does, I got you. So it's just like, it's the connection. And I think people always come back to me for anything because of that connection that I established.

Theresa Cesare: 9:02

I love that. So I really wanna talk about how you pivoted to the full-time entrepreneurship creator

Vanessa Ruiz: 9:08

Been doing makeup for, I, I've been saying 15 years for like the last three years, so probably longer than that. But I was doing a 95 full-time medical assistant, laser tech, and then I was tired of doing that and makeup, and so I started working at a med spa and she's like. I'll be flexible. Just work with me. I'll be very flexible with your makeup career. And I said, okay, bet towards kind of the latter part of the year I was getting, flown out to, New York City and Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, and we were doing a lot more of makeup. So she put me, between a rock and a hard place She said, you have to pick makeup or working for me because you can't do both now. And so if she wouldn't have done that, girl, I wouldn't have left my steady job. Oh. And my dad was super against it because we grew up like with scarcity of money, right? Yeah. Oh gosh. And my sister's an accountant. She's like, live like you're poor for three months. Let me see if you got this. And I did. Wow. Wow. No fashion Nova shopping for a while. Yeah. And after that I was like, you know what if worst case. I will go back to something I know.

Theresa Cesare: 10:09

Yeah.

Vanessa Ruiz: 10:09

And it's been two years already so it, yeah,

Theresa Cesare: 10:12

that is incredible. I'm so proud of you. Like just for anybody listening, like there is something powerful about taking the leap'cause there's never the perfect time.

Vanessa Ruiz: 10:19

No. No

Theresa Cesare: 10:19

amount of money to make you feel ready.'cause you think if I save up as an entrepreneur, like three to five months. No. Like, maybe it's the time, but like,

Vanessa Ruiz: 10:26

no. And I've told this to actually men before who say they're not ready. I'm like, being ready is a decision. It's not a feeling. Love. Like I decided I love it. I was gonna be ready and, and that's what I needed to take. And so my daughter, Mia, my oldest, is very much taking after me. She's, I love it. Eller, she's doing photography, she's in clubs, she's doing it all, but she sees that possible. So I love to be able to provide that. And it's because I document that. I don't think I work harder than anybody else, Theresa.

Theresa Cesare: 10:53

You figured your flow. It's authentic. And I love, like you said, you're like the example for your daughters and I love to hear that your oldest, I love seeing them helping you. Yes,

Vanessa Ruiz: 11:02

I know. Record. They don't like to come on camera very much, but they're there.

Theresa Cesare: 11:04

Hey, at least they're like wanna be part of the process.

Vanessa Ruiz: 11:06

Oh no.

Theresa Cesare: 11:07

And it's, they like

Vanessa Ruiz: 11:08

the benefits when I'm like, Hey, we got invited to this dinner, so pay for, they're like, okay, but do I have to be on camera? I'm like, film or be on camera. One or the

Theresa Cesare: 11:15

other. Oh my gosh. What has been thing that you didn't expect you would experience on this journey as like the influencer and content creator and growing your audience? Like what was unexpected?

Vanessa Ruiz: 11:24

I did not expect. People to come to me, for me to work with them. Because there's trade right? In my business, like people will trade all the time. And I used to do that all the time, but now it's just like, let me do this for you and I'll pay you to come and do something with me. So it's just like I don't have to reach out to people or it's just them coming to me gives me a lot of good feelings because they believe in me. And even with that, there's people I turned on because I, I can't promote your product. I can't promote your service. There was a dildo company that that asked me if I would promote them. I'm like, no. Yeah, yeah. Or restaurants that promote very unhealthy food. So as much as I like them once in a while, but it's just not my brand. Yeah. I love that, especially

Theresa Cesare: 12:04

staying in alignment with your brand and knowing Yes. Not to say yes to everything and that's okay. Yeah. Because then you get more like the right things will come your way. Yes. Yeah. You have room for that.

Speaker 3: 12:12

That's a hard lesson

Theresa Cesare: 12:13

that would men,

Vanessa Ruiz: 12:14

because at first you wanted

Theresa Cesare: 12:15

men in business.

Vanessa Ruiz: 12:16

Yeah. And everything you wanna do everything you wanna say yes to everybody. But I'm like, I actually hate doing bodybuilding makeup because it's not what I like to do. But I tried it.

Theresa Cesare: 12:24

Yeah.

Vanessa Ruiz: 12:25

So, yeah. Yeah. You gotta

Theresa Cesare: 12:26

try it all. What would she say is your biggest mission and the work that you do?

Vanessa Ruiz: 12:31

I think the more I do this, the more I wanna build confidence in women and get them in that season of I wanna be the best version of myself. Oh. And that, that's not with makeup. Like makeup's such a like intro to it and it makes everybody feel good. And I think that's what started me on this journey, but it's getting everybody to the point. True. Remember who they were before they lost themselves and connect themselves with that. So just being that person online, posting about something that they've thought about a long time, and then that being that sign. Oh, so that's really where my. Heart is going right now. I've drifted a lot with my content with makeup and lifestyle and wellness, And that's what really inspires me right now, just

Theresa Cesare: 13:09

women. I love it. Yeah. Yeah. And I just think it's because you're like the walking testimony of that. Think about we both have been divorced and we know what that, you know, talk about the identity in that. Yes. And then the building, and then a brand and a business.

Vanessa Ruiz: 13:20

That's it. Because everybody knows you as the person's ex-wife. And so, especially with my,

Speaker 3: 13:26

I,

Vanessa Ruiz: 13:27

I never left

Speaker 3: 13:27

my

Theresa Cesare: 13:27

house for

Speaker 3: 13:28

five

Theresa Cesare: 13:28

years.

Vanessa Ruiz: 13:29

Yeah, yeah. No, same. I was a year and a half working hard, not talking to anybody celibate, just like healing. Mm-hmm. It was the most hardest, but I gained a lot of weight that year. It was just like you, you pick up some areas and you lose some, so there's always gonna be like, there's never a perfect balance and the worst can. Ruin you or it can reshape you. And, and I decided to like have it, you know, gimme

Theresa Cesare: 13:55

purpose. Yeah. It almost like you said, just gave you the power. Yeah. Even though it was like a pain, like turning the pain into power, your wounds into wisdom, and then literally like you did transform. Like you're always so gorgeous. I would always see you be like you, like you freaking best style. Can I borrow her clothes?

Vanessa Ruiz: 14:10

Yeah, girl. Yeah.

Theresa Cesare: 14:12

But like your physical body, going to the gym and literally transforming your body. Mm-hmm. Tell us about that. Because that's not easy. It's not wants,

Vanessa Ruiz: 14:20

it was to wake up and go to the gym. No, no, it didn't start there. Like, I, I needed help, I needed medical help, I had a lot of medical issues, so I did get a gastric sleeve.

Theresa Cesare: 14:28

Okay.

Vanessa Ruiz: 14:28

Um, that's on record. That was in 2020 and that was one of those things that I started paying attention to signs and I started seeing people have that. And then people post about, you know how the algorithm is. Yeah. But also in life like it, you're attracting that. So I remember being at Ironwood Dermatology when I was working and I had three clients talk about that. And so I was just like, that's my sign. And it was right during COVID and my parents were like, we are not agreeing with this. And I'm like, I'm doing it anyways. I'm an Aries. Don't tell me what to do.

Theresa Cesare: 14:54

Yeah. Don't tell me what to do.

Vanessa Ruiz: 14:56

Don't tell me what to do. Straightforward. He. Majority of people gain weight back. If you don't change your lifestyle, you'll gain weight back. And I was like, I'm not gonna be that girl.

Theresa Cesare: 15:06

Wow.

Vanessa Ruiz: 15:07

And so, yeah, that's why I had to change so many things. I broke up with food. I just see this version of myself and I'm like, okay, what do I have to do to be here? And so every single day, the decisions I make that day are, that's the goal.

Theresa Cesare: 15:19

I love that you shared that, because that might be the one thing to start someone on that weight loss journey. Yeah. Oh

Vanessa Ruiz: 15:24

yeah.

Theresa Cesare: 15:24

You know, and I think that's what I love about how you put yourself out there. You're authentic. You always say,

Vanessa Ruiz: 15:29

no, I have to be no

Theresa Cesare: 15:30

gatekeeping.

Vanessa Ruiz: 15:31

No, no. I'm on the GLP one. I'm semi my glue side and micro Noosa. Yeah. I like, I've helped so many people because they're scared of asking and then they're scared of trying. And then here's this person exposing it like, Hey, I'm shooting myself up this, it's okay. You can do it too, and here's where I go. And so even that opens the door for my family, my friends. I want everybody to be good,

Theresa Cesare: 15:50

so do you have any exciting announcements that you wanna share with this audience?

Vanessa Ruiz: 15:55

I can't say too much. But there's gonna be a product coming out soon with my brand. Aha. It's all in the works. And I'm also. Very much full-time with that social media company. I advertise a lot by Connic. Okay. I'm gonna start working for them because I do also like helping businesses grow, and I'm a prime example of how I started with 7,000 followers and then went to 60 in less than six months. So it, it can be done. It's just like knowing, having the right guidance I think is really important.

Theresa Cesare: 16:25

I love it. That is so exciting. We can't wait to just follow you on this journey. So for those who are not following yet, I know after listening, they're gonna be like, oh my gosh, where can we find you? Like, sign me up. Where can we find you? And what can, what do you offer right now? Because I know you're in transition with these new incredible opportunities. So certain services change. Yes. I know you have educational, like glam education.

Vanessa Ruiz: 16:46

Yes, I do. So mainly my main source of exposure is, the platform on Instagram. So my vanity and it spells like my name. So it's not vanity, like vanity, right? Like what we have. It's vanity like Vanessa. So I wanted to make it a little clever. So M-Y-V-A-N-E-T-Y. And then on TikTok, I'm doing a little bit more. It's funny how things, just random things just split up in TikTok and Instagram. And then my website is v www my vanity.com and that's where I have my master classes for sale at a very affordable price. You just get me talking to you as your teacher and I also offer them in person as well.

Theresa Cesare: 17:21

Okay. That's incredible. So are you booking anymore makeup sessions? Yeah. Or glam sessions?

Vanessa Ruiz: 17:26

Yeah, currently. Okay. I do it all. Yep. Makeup on the weekends, makeup during the week. My makeup classes are a little bit limited just because soccer, mom and carpool and the gym is also priority for me. So I literally have a set time, take or leave it, makeup class, that kind of vibe. I

Theresa Cesare: 17:42

love it. Okay. Mm-hmm. So do you have any glam tips for anybody listening right now? It would be like one to three glam tips.

Vanessa Ruiz: 17:47

Yes. I actually have three really good ones. Number one, skin is everything. And I worked in dermatology for 18 years and I had never taken care of my skin like I do now because the makeup shows up better. So good skin number two, balance. Everybody thinks like, well, I'll never get my makeup, do a lot of makeup on on me. It doesn't really favor everybody. So I always say balance out your face. If you like a filter on Instagram, Snapchat, it's probably because you get good lighting. It's not because they're giving you a red lip. And a black smokey with, you know, so balance it or your outfit, your hair, everything needs to be balanced. Is my opinion.

Theresa Cesare: 18:25

I love

Vanessa Ruiz: 18:25

that. And then number three, layer with intention. Makeup is not about coverage. It's just like, why are we doing this layer of makeup? Make it count. Why are you starting your makeup here versus here? So understanding why we do things is gonna turn out a lot better on your face than just falling a tutorial.

Theresa Cesare: 18:41

I love all of that. Great tips and such reminders and everyone. I'm gonna drop the links to contacting her. The website? Yeah. In the show notes.

18:49

Of

Vanessa Ruiz: 18:49

course like, if there's a time and a place where I post something and you wanna know, like don't be afraid of asking. There's so many people that reach out to me and I answer every single DM unless you're a guy.'cause that's, yeah, sometimes I love that. Yeah. That gets mixed up in there. But women, I'm so happy to help. It gives me a lot of purpose. I don't do it for. Clout or popularity? I do it because, okay, you wanna know something, let me tell you where I bought it, or the link, or you know. So always ask me, I, I'm a cool girl. Or even at the gym, people approach me all the time. They're like, Hey, what do you do for this? Okay, let's do it. So that's really, I think just ask, don't be.

Theresa Cesare: 19:22

I love it. That's so refreshing that you're like approachable. So it's not intimidating, just being beautiful from the inside and out, and I have a question. Have you become your dream girl?

Vanessa Ruiz: 19:32

I'm gonna be 41 in March, and I feel like I am at the peak of my life.

Theresa Cesare: 19:37

I'm sorry,

Vanessa Ruiz: 19:37

but the journey's way more rewarding than having the end goal. You know? It really is because that shifts the end goal, right? Yeah. This is just more about like being healthy on the inside. Like I, I, I love. Learning about unconventional things to do, but also wellness and biohacking and peptides and skincare and that. You know what I mean? So it's just like there's so much information out there that I wanna take what I learn and then just like filter it through and then this is what works for me, you know? So

Speaker 3: 20:06

I love

Vanessa Ruiz: 20:06

that. I think, I think I'm my dream girl actually right now. I

Theresa Cesare: 20:09

love it.

Vanessa Ruiz: 20:09

Love it. Which is, I'm single.'cause it's just so hard too, like. You like could find that dream guy.

Theresa Cesare: 20:15

Yeah. And that being said, are you open to love?

Vanessa Ruiz: 20:18

Yeah, no. You know what a couple of days ago when people would ask me my year's resolution, it was to fall in love. Like that was gonna be like the goal to fall in love. But that changed. It did. It did. It was just like, you know what? Maybe I'm not ready growing yet. Whoa. To like fall in love. Maybe I still need to like pour into myself and other people before I calm that area, Dom, because in the past when I have it, it stumps my creativity a little bit, you know? So it's just like, maybe I'm not ready for it. So it's in God. Hands, obviously.

Theresa Cesare: 20:47

I love that realization. Having that awareness. Yeah. It's gonna come at the right time and you'll know it when no one messes with your momentum or creativity. There's nothing like a, nothing like a distraction as an entrepreneur. Like my, my business.

Vanessa Ruiz: 21:00

No, you, it's a distraction. Your period, your bloating. I, I didn't get my order on time, you know? Those are those distractions right now. I can't, like, you didn't text me, I don't wanna worry about that. So, yeah, it's just, and also I think being this person online, it comes with a lot of expectations I can't settle for just anybody'cause that's what I preach. Mm-hmm. You. Yeah. You hold

Theresa Cesare: 21:24

yourself accountable. I think that's why I do the work that I do. Yes. Because I'm like, I have to practice what I preach

Vanessa Ruiz: 21:28

and that's hard. Yes. I had a client once call me out because I was telling her about my situation and she's like, I'm actually surprised you tolerate that. And that was just like,

Theresa Cesare: 21:40

yeah.

Vanessa Ruiz: 21:40

Okay. Okay. Yeah. Alright, let's, let's start over.

Theresa Cesare: 21:43

But that's real talk because powerful women. We're powerful women could still be in disempowering situations. Oh, I've been, and that's why I've like made this my life work.'cause I never wanna do that version. But it takes a long time to break up with those habits. Like if you stand up for yourself, you to know you're gonna lose somebody. It's the weirdest thing

Vanessa Ruiz: 22:01

It's easy when you're outside the box. Like when I tell my friends of rice, I'm like the smartest girl you'll ever know. And then when I have to follow and I'm like, well, I don't want Chad pt. You're wrong. So, but those hard moments shape you. Mm-hmm. So I'm okay having them. I love it. Like we talked about, like if, if I fall in love and it goes bad, you know, what did I learn from this? But definitely getting smarter from those experiences is a priority for me. I think that one of my favorite things to do also maybe mentioning to whoever listens is I love to collaborate with. Businesses, especially women owned businesses. So if there's like a boutique or if there's somebody selling a service, if I'm not contradicting somebody else's contract that I already have, like I love to put them on a platform too.

Theresa Cesare: 22:43

I love that.

Vanessa Ruiz: 22:43

Do you know what I mean? Like you need a head start, you're a single mom, say less, lemme go over. And that's kind of how I met you was Veronica. At the fashion show. So it's just that kind of thing. I feel like the community. In women is so important, and so let's all be a community together.

Theresa Cesare: 22:59

It's just so powerful the network that we have here. But like opening it up to everyone and normalizing, supporting each other and inspiring each other and there's no jealousy. You know, when you see someone do something and you're jealous, that means deeply you have that desire. That's what I believe. So don't, there's no shame in it.

Vanessa Ruiz: 23:15

It's, it should be ignition, I think. Like I don't, and I tell this to men all the time, I'm like, I don't get jealous. Like, if you're trying to make me jealous, you're gonna, I I get turned off.

Theresa Cesare: 23:24

Yeah.

Vanessa Ruiz: 23:25

But I, if I see a pretty girl, I am like, okay, I wanna look like her. What is she doing? But that's not jealousy, that's inspiration. And so you're either triggered or inspired.

Theresa Cesare: 23:35

Love that so much. All right, so I'm gonna wrap up with the traditional ending questions, okay. Because I love affirmations. Vanessa, what is your favorite affirmation or mantra that keeps you motivated?

Vanessa Ruiz: 23:46

I am becoming the woman that I once prayed for. truly, truly am becoming

Theresa Cesare: 23:51

that is beautiful. Yeah. And one of my favorites by the way, it's Love it. Yeah.

Vanessa Ruiz: 23:55

Thank you.

Theresa Cesare: 23:56

What inspires you, your work and creativity?

Vanessa Ruiz: 23:59

My daughters for sure. My daughters, I want them to see me happy, thriving, confident especially, and showing a good example inside out. So they're number one. And number two is having the platform, honestly, because if I don't post for a couple of days, I'll get a text from one of my friends, what's going on? Are you okay? Or if things shift, I have people who I'm really connected with, they expect it, or they're like, how come you haven't been posting? So they inspire me a lot too, and keeps me from. Losing my purpose.

Theresa Cesare: 24:28

Yeah, I love that. Oh my gosh, I love that. Last but not least, what are you most proud of?

Vanessa Ruiz: 24:36

I feel like I am proud of taking a hobby and making it a brand with no investors, no rules. It, it was just my hobby, my, my passion. And it just turned into a. My income and my brand and why we're here today. I wore a sweater today to the gym and it has my logo, my vanity, and I wear it so proudly, so that's, what I'm the most proud of, just having a name or people going up to me anywhere actually, and they're like, oh, I follow you. You inspire me, or, I know who you are, I'm really, really proud of what I've become and what I Stand for.

Theresa Cesare: 25:15

Thank you so much for tuning into this episode. Please download, rate, subscribe, and share this podcast. Also, be sure to visit my theresacesare.com to check out my inspirational merch, connect to my social accounts, and much more may you continue to be filled with wisdom, inspiration, and consciousness. Otherwise, friends, I will be back for another episode of Heart to.