We’re looking forward to introducing you to Vanessa Castellanos Valencia. Check out our conversation below.
Vanessa, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
Definitely wandering life… in my own little world
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Vanessa Castellanos Valencia, and I am an exotic animal curator!
I make sure any kind/type of animal is well taken care of within its enclosure. As well as raising anywhere from neonatal to premature animals. I have raised all kinds of big cats, domestic cats, primates, apes, reptiles, canines, arachnids, hoof stock, and I don’t know I lost count a couple years ago!
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
When I was 8 years old I was watching a documentary on cable television and it was about Jack Cousteau and that moment I realized that he was the person I wanted to become. My whole world after that moment was about animals. I was obsessed!
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, losing babies or an animal after knowing that I had tried my best and did everything I could. Many times you want to give up and just walk away; but that’s the moment that you realize that NO ONE else can do what you do. And that’s these animals completely rely on you.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes and no, I’m actually very introverted unless I have an alcoholic beverage. Besides that what most people see on social media is myself but after a couple takes. I also don’t take myself very seriously so I laugh at everything and sometimes it ruins the photo or video. Whatever I’ve come to realize at 33 that I don’t care what anyone thinks about me. I’m just me.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
Oh lord, so many… I hope I leave a positive impact on the world and a funny but also positive story that people will share. I honestly can’t pinpoint one single story, my life is constant chaos. So everyday I have a new story!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Vanessa.castellanos_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ht9xCwLao/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Mario Tabraue
Vanessa Castellanos
Maritza Meneses
