We had the good fortune of connecting with Vanity Rodriguez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vanity, how do you think about risk?
When considering risk, I see it as an essential ingredient for growth and progress. Embracing risks has been pivotal in shaping both my life and career. Stepping into the unknown with God, trusting that each challenge is an opportunity for learning and advancement, has allowed me to confidently choose faith over my fear.

I love taking risks because it’s taught me to become comfortable with discomfort. It’s in those moments of uncertainty where I’ve truly discovered my strengths and capabilities. I’ve found the courage to tackle obstacles that I might have otherwise been too fearful to overcome.

As I enter my entrepreneurial journey, I’ve realized that risk-taking has been the driving force behind my decision-making. Being let go in December of 2023 due to a company wide layoff was a pivotal point in my career. Choosing not to return to the safety of corporate America was a risk, but it’s one that has led me to pursue my passions and carve out my own path. It’s through taking risks that I’ve been able to innovate, adapt, and truly step into my purpose. Being a single mom makes risks feel even riskier, but modeling faith and what it looks like to pursue purpose is such an outweighing reward.

In essence, risk-taking isn’t just a part of my life – it’s a mindset, a philosophy that fuels my ambition and propels me into Gods will every time!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My journey to where I am today professionally has been anything but easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. Initially, I pursued a degree in psychology with aspirations of becoming a criminal psychologist. However, life had other plans when I became pregnant, causing my career aspirations to take a back seat for a while.

During this time, the desire to work for myself and create something meaningful never left me. I’ve always envisioned having a family-owned business that I could pass down to my children, where I could merge my passion for entrepreneurship with my love for helping others.

Fast forward to today, and I’ve been able to turn those aspirations into reality. I’ve built a faith-based platform where I cater to all my passions. Through my entrepreneurial endeavors, I run call sessions, manage an Etsy shop offering faith-based digital products, and have multiple business endeavors in mind for the future. I’m able to use my voice and help others through my social media platforms every day. Rather that’s sharing my lifestyle content or spreading the Gospel.

Overcoming the challenges along the way required perseverance, faith, and a willingness to adapt. I’ve learned the importance of resilience, staying true to my passions, and embracing change as opportunities for growth. Every setback has been a lesson, guiding me forward on my path.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that it’s rooted in authenticity, faith, and a genuine desire to be a positive influence. My journey may have had its twists and turns, but it’s led me to a place where I’m able to serve others while living out my purpose. I hope to inspire others to pursue the calling God has placed on their lives, no matter the obstacles they may face, and to always hold onto faith as they navigate their own gifts and paths to success.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting the Dallas-Fort Worth area for a week, I’d want to ensure a diverse experience. This is what a week itinerary would look like.

Day 1:

Morning: Start the day at Ellen’s in Dallas, one of my favorite Southern comfort food spots.
Afternoon: Explore the vibrant Deep Ellum neighborhood. Look at the street art, visit music venues, and shop around.
Evening: Enjoy dinner and drinks at Pecan Lodge, followed by catching a live performance at the historic Granada Theater.

Day 2:

Morning: Head to the Fort Worth Stockyards. Watch the cattle drive, explore the shops, and visit the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.
Afternoon: Have lunch at Joe T. Garcia’s, my favorite Tex-Mex spot in Fort Worth, and then take a leisurely stroll through the Fort Worth Botanic Garden.
Evening: Experience a night in Sundance Square

Day 3:

Morning: Take a guided tour of the Dallas Arts District, the Nasher Sculpture Center, and the Winspear Opera House.
Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Klyde Warren Park and eat at all the food trucks.
Evening: Catch a Dallas Mavericks game and enjoy a performance at the AT&T Performing Arts Center.

Day 4:

Morning: Go on a scenic hike at Cedar Ridge Preserve
Afternoon: Indulge in a delicious brunch at Bread Winners Café & Bakery
Evening: Explore the Bishop Arts District.

Day 5:

Morning: Visit the Perot Museum of Nature and Science.
Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at Trinity Groves.
Evening: Take a scenic sunset cruise on Lake Grapevine, followed by dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants.

Day 6:

Morning: Spend the day at the Dallas Zoo.
Afternoon: Have a picnic at White Rock Lake Park.
Evening: A night in Uptown Dallas.

Day 7:

Morning: Relax and unwind with a spa day at the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas.
Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely brunch at The Rustic in Dallas.
Evening: Wrap up the week with a sunset visit to the Reunion Tower GeO-Deck, followed by dinner at Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck.

Throughout the week, I’d ensure my friend experiences the diverse culture, cuisine, and attractions that make the Dallas-Fort Worth area such an exciting destination!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my biological mom, Jennifer. Her impact on my life has been profound and transformative. She has became instrumental in guiding me through my journey of healing and self-discovery.

I met her when I was 23 and meeting her as an adult was extremely pivotal. It allowed me to understand her story, which in turn helped me understand myself better. She has since kickstarted my healing journey as a woman, allowed me to confront and work through my abandonment issues, as well as learn to be a better mom – all these significant steps were made possible by her unwavering support, mentorship, and love.

She is the reason I made the decision to move from San Antonio to DFW. During times of struggle when I first became a single parent, she was gracious enough to help me to get back on my feet financially and is a contributing factor to my financial stability today. She has helped me rebuild a new life.

Our relationship has not only brought healing but also immense gratitude for the journey we’ve shared. I am endlessly thankful for her presence in my life and the profound impact she continues to have on me as a person, a mother, and a woman.

Website: bio.site/Vanity_Rodriguez

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_msvanity/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanity-rodriguez-897b4a254/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@_msvanity/videos

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