Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Barrera.
Vanessa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
“They say we have two lives. The second begins when we realize we only have one”. I solely believe that!! My name is Vanessa, 36 years old, wife and mother of two wonderful children, two times cancer survivor, cervical and breast cancer. Fast forward to today, I just can’t believe that almost two years ago, I was receiving my last chemo and right now I am presenting to you my brand My Pretty Little Gift. Pretty Little Gift was born right after I was recovering from chemotherapy treatments. Hair loss due to treatments is devastating so I could not stop thinking – how do children with cancer can cope with this? So I created a chemotherapy doll, completely bald, that helps to understand children hair loss due to cancer treatments (therapeutical and emotional support for kids).
We have for sale beautiful dolls and headbands, handmade with ecological fabrics and for every item purchased, one chemodoll or one headband is donated to childhood cancer. Today I feel so blessed to be called a survivor. I have to give back. Cancer has changed me for the best. Each day is a gift and not given right. Every time I have the chance, I share my testimony of faith and love. Without the love of God and my family, I would not have been able to overcome cancer. At the end, it’s all about love.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I had two challenges, first – how do I introduce, if we can say, this new product to the mothers? You will be offering a bald doll to their daughters (cancer fighters) how are they going to take it? How are they going to feel about this gift? Now, I can say, mothers LOVE the doll, they are so grateful for this gift, also when a girl receives the doll, the first reaction – the doll is like me!! Girls love the doll, they feel empowered by it. This is priceless!! Second challenge – these beautiful handcrafted dolls are made in Venezuela. Venezuela is going through a terrible humanitarian and political crisis, we employ artisan women who benefit with employment in the midst of the chaos.
Please tell us about My Pretty Little Gift.
Our mission: for every doll sold, one chemotherapy doll is donated to a child with cancer or alopecia. “Every act of kindness changes the universe for the better.” We are so proud to be the pioneers of this kind of product. We empower kids showing them that you can be bald and beautiful and we also empower artisan women with fair trade opportunities.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Christmas with my family in Venezuela.
Pricing:
- Fairy dolls $39.99
- Headbands $9.99
Contact Info:
- Website: myprettylittlegift.com
- Phone: 5616182024
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: myprettylittlegift
- Facebook: My Pretty Little Gift
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