Read on for real insight and expert advice from these entrepreneurs. It’s an honor to share their stories — when we hear their experiences, we’re instantly encouraged to embrace our best selves!
What dream do you pursue?
I do freelance illustrations, creating art for everything from wedding stationery, to logos, to children’s books!
Why do you illustrate?
I have a passion for illustrating that I can’t always express through my work as a graphic designer. In my spare time, I love to stay creative by taking on projects that inspire me! I also love working with clients and bringing their vision to life. I worked on a children’s book with a self-publishing author that was inspired by our Indian heritage, and it was amazing to see the positive response from our community.
Why is it so important to chase your dreams?
I believe my freelance work makes me a better artist and designer. Being creative genuinely makes me happy and to do it for a living is very fulfilling.
What advice do you have to other women thinking about starting something new?
Don’t be afraid!
What VB styles are you drawn toward?
I love the Campus Backpack. As I’m starting to travel more, it’s been a lifesaver! The many zippers and pockets allow me to stay organized on-the-go — it has a convenient pocket for my laptop, plus it seems to fit anything and everything. It’s my go-to bag at the moment!
How does VB help you on your journey?
What dream do you pursue?
I create content with a focus on beauty and lifestyle. I love sharing anything from the latest drugstore makeup releases to my favorite recipes for moms in a pinch.
Why do you share content?
I love getting to show my creative side. Sometimes, as moms, we can get so caught up in taking care of everyone around us and forget about setting time aside for ourselves … filming and editing isn’t just work, but my time for self-care and creativity. I love how my job has allowed me to connect with so many other women and I’ve been very fortunate to have such a positive community. My favorite moments are when they interact and help one another in the comments!
Why is it so important to chase your dreams?
You could call being a mom my favorite “job.” I always want to be a great example for my son, Landon. I can’t expect him to be goal-driven if I’m not chasing my own dreams. I believe in leading by example. Was posting my first YouTube video terrifying? Absolutely, but it’s given me so many great opportunities, such as working with Vera Bradley and meeting so many new, inspiring people. My son has personally watched how chasing my dreams has made big things happen — and he has quickly followed suit.
What advice do you have to other women thinking about starting something new?
What VB styles are you drawn toward?
I’m a HUGE fan of Performance Twill styles. The colors are so fun to mix and match and the water-repellent material is a great bonus.
How does VB help you on your journey?
What dream do you pursue?
I’m a photographer! I started photography in college when I was getting my BFA in Drawing and Painting. I wanted to capture beautiful images to paint from, but then I started getting requests to photograph gallery openings, grad photos, theatre headshots, weddings, maternity photos, family photos, etc. I discovered that my passion for painting portraits was directly translatable to photographing people. It creatively satisfies me in a similar way.
Why do you take photographs?
It’s fulfilling to capture the beauty in people. I get to immortalize joy, love and intimacy. It truly feeds my soul.
Why is it so important to chase your dreams?
I think having creative passions outside of your day job will give you purpose. Having multiple passions gives you multiple perspectives and that opens up the door for more opportunities and adventures.
What advice do you have to other women thinking about starting something new?
I enjoy staying curious. Half of the work is about always being willing to try something new. Feeling occasional discomfort, stress or uncertainty about a project really helps people grow professionally and personally.
What VB styles are you drawn toward?
How does VB help you on your journey?
Vera Bradley gives so much opportunity and support. I work with such an incredible team that believes in the power of their people. I’ll be forever grateful!
Modeling has been my side hustle for years — I love it!
Why do you model?
I love being able to express myself through movement. Modeling allows me to inspire other women to be more confident. It gives me a platform to help show other women that while our beauty is not our greatest strength, it is one of our superpowers. It brings me joy to see and work with models of all shapes, sizes and ethnicities … it’s exactly what makes the world more beautiful!
Why is it so important to chase your dreams?
We only have one life to live. I want to encourage people to do things that make them happy and bring them joy. I encourage people to step outside of their comfort zone and not be afraid to color outside of the lines. We grow when we do things that make us uncomfortable — and we learn that way, too!
What advice do you have to other women thinking about starting something new?
Do it NOW! Don’t listen to your doubts, don’t listen to your fears. Do it now and own your abilities.
What VB styles are you drawn toward?
I love every backpack made with sustainable materials. The bright solid colors always put a smile on my face.
How does VB help you on your journey?
What dream do you pursue?
I create custom artwork for clients and paint for album covers, podcasts, portraits and more. I even led a painting session for a bachelorette party — we created art of the specialty cocktails that were going to be served at the wedding!
Why do you create custom artwork?
I’ve always loved to paint, and it gives me the opportunity to create new and interesting subjects that I might not have otherwise chose.
Why is it so important to chase your dreams?
I think being creative outside of work (even though I get to be creative at work as well!) is a great reminder of how I fell in love with the arts. It also brings me to more of a zen place where I am fully present in what I am doing, and having that kind of peace is so important.
What advice do you have to other women thinking about starting something new?
Just do it. No one is going to do it for you.
What VB styles are you drawn toward?
Oh, everything! Any material, all types of prints and solids, all different types of bags. I’ve been with the company for awhile, so I may or may not have collected quite a few bags over the years …
How does VB help you on your journey?
I use my bags to carry ALL sorts of things, from painting supplies to towels and suits for my kids’ swim lessons! And, of course, to get me and my wallet to the art supply store — truly the happiest place on earth for an artist.