It's a new week, and as such we're kicking off with a new interview as we continue our series of Women in the Workplace (WITW). Discover inspiring stories of triumph and success as we talk with women who have mastered their careers while maintaining a sense of effortless sophistication. 

This week, we'd like to introduce Vanessa Vanacore – a Social Media Manager, Freelance Writer, and Content Creator working in NYC.

Discover how she navigated a pivotal point in her career to to chase her dreams, what it looks like a day in her shoes, and her thoughts on positivity in a world of social media.

Q: FIRST OFF, INTRODUCE YOURSELF. WHO ARE YOU, AND WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
"I’m Vanessa, a social media manager, freelance writer, and content creator living in New Jersey and working in Manhattan. I grew up a few hours away in Connecticut." – Vanessa Vanacore

Q: YOU WORK IN NYC. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT WORKING IN THE CITY?

"The energy for sure. There is so much going on here at all times. And although it's sometimes a little chaotic and loud, it's that fast paced energy that drives me, inspires me, and keeps me going everyday."

Q: WHAT IS YOUR ROLE, AND WHAT DREW YOU TO THAT POSITION?
"I currently work as a social media manager for a jewelry brand. I’ve always been interested in fashion and style, so I initially started off working in a buying office. That job became draining to me because it required lots of math and staring at spreadsheets all day long.

After a couple years I decided it wasn’t the right fit for me and decided to look at different career paths that allowed me to be a bit more creative.

Social media made the most sense as it was already a hobby of mine that provided an outlet for me to express myself and my style. I now get to do that at work as well and it’s been a much more positive experience as opposed to my old role in merchandising."

Q: WHAT DOES OUR TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?
"A typical day for me requires a lot of organization to stay on track. I like to write a to-do list of tasks to complete for every single day. I typically wake up as the sun rises and take photos or videos on my tripod for my personal Instagram account. I then head into the office around 10am and begin to answer any emails or DMs on the social accounts I manage. The afternoons consist of brainstorming different post ideas and creating engaging content. I like to end the day with something that’s more relaxing to me and that’s writing. I currently write articles about restaurant openings or events going on in New Jersey for a news company. It’s something I just started last year but am super passionate about."

Q: SOCIAL MEDIA GETS A LOT OF BUZZ THESE DAYS IN REGARDS TO MENTAL HEALTH, ESPECIALLY FOR WOMEN. WHAT ARE SOME WORDS OF POSITIVITY YOU CAN OFFER TO THE COMMUNITY?
"I spend a ton of time on social media because of my job and it can be beyond draining if you’re already in a bad mood about something and then see everyone else’s seemingly happy, perfect, curated life on social media.

It's so easy to compare your life to someone else’s and when I start to fall into those negative thought patterns I immediately close out of whatever I have open on my phone and try to divert my attention to something that won't make me feel that way.

Whether it's focusing on my work or what I need to get done that day or simply putting a podcast on. It’s so important to remember social media is a highlight reel and that no matter who you are, your life isn’t perfect."

Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND CHALLENGES YOU'VE OVERCOME?

"One of the biggest challenges for me over the past few years was getting laid off from my job during the very start of the pandemic.

I felt as if my career completely disappeared along with every other sense of normalcy as we all went into lockdown and essentially paused our lives for the next year. This was such a super hard time for me. I felt lost and confused about the career path I had decided on back when I was in college. Suddenly, it didn’t look like such a good idea anymore.

So instead of continuing to feel hopeless I decided to just pursue what made me happy...

... and that was taking pictures for Instagram. I was able to grow my following by 5,000 in the first few months that I got started. I then applied to social media jobs and landed one. Over the 2 years that I decided to make this pivot in my career and in life, I feel as if so many other opportunities to connect with other creatives and collaborate with amazing brands have fallen into my lap.

I’m grateful for the decision I made to just go for it and not worry about what other people would think."

Q: FUTURE GOALS AND PLANS FOR YOUR CAREER?
"I’m obsessed with clothes so having my own clothing brand one day has always been a dream of mine."

Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES AND PASSIONS AFTER WORK HOURS?
"Going out to eat! I’m lucky enough to live in a city with thousands of great restaurants. It’s so fun to try new food and take in the ambiance each restaurant has to offer."

Q: HOW IMPORTANT IS PERSONAL STYLE TO YOU, AND HOW DO YOU REPRESENT THAT AT WORK AND AFTER HOURS?
"Personal style is hugely important to me. Being able to express yourself and have fun with clothes and accessories is one of my favorite parts of my day to day life.

Since I work in New York, I pretty much walk everywhere so my clothes and shoes have to be super functional. Heels are great in theory but when it comes down to my style at work and after hours I like to dress super sleek, I always wear neutral colors, and my outfits are more easy than they are complicated."

Q: HOW DOES NAKED FEET FIT INTO YOUR LIFESTYLE?
"Every shoe I’ve ever owned from Naked Feet has been so comfortable! Walking around the city all day can seriously take a toll on your feet so comfortable shoes are an absolute must. But on top of that, Naked Feet also has super stylish designs that help me channel my style and confidence."

Feel inspired by her story? Follow Vanessa's personal style on her blog and social channels!

Instagram: @alwaysvaness
Website: www.awaysvaness.blogspot.com

 Have your own story or know someone you want to shout out for their gusto in taking over the world boss-mode style? Hit us up, you may be featured next as we continue our series of Women in The Workplace #WITW

LOVE HER STYLE? SHOP VANESSA'S FAVORITE PICKS