Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Fonte.
Vanessa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Reminiscing back when I was little, I was known to be the sassiest little girl. I remember the excitement on my face when my parents would tell me someone was coming over. I would run to my room, open up my closet, and layout three different outfits on my bed. Once the guest was settled in my house, I would try on my first outfit, blast the radio, and create a runway for my guest. I would strut with my outfits like I was the next America’s next top model, LOL. All of our family friends would love to come over and see the sassy/fashion lover/drama queen little girl I was.
As much as I love fashion, I also love being around kids. Starting my education career, I decided to get my bachelor’s in Early Childhood and a Master’s in Educational Leadership. Having the summer off, I knew I wanted to do more in my career. I decided to open up an online clothing boutique. I started reaching out to influencers and trying to make my brand known. I attend pop-up shops all over Miami. I have so many dreams that I would love to achieve. My dream is to tie in my boutique with non-profit organizations. I would love to raise money and fly out to different countries and be able to instill a love for passion to kids. I want to be able to donate clothes to boys and girls and see that big smile on their faces when you receive new clothes, just like I did when I was little.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been an easy road. Opening up your own business is TOUGH. A lot of sleepless nights and tears have been shed. Not only do I have a full-time teaching job, but I also tutor until 6 pm every day. Teaching in itself is not easy, it drains you mentally and physically. There are days that I don’t have the energy for my boutique, but I still try to put in the work and try to stay consistent. Consistency is the key to success.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a 3rd-grade math/science/social studies teacher. I have been a teacher for almost five years now. I have been working with kids since I was 19 years old. I started off as a paraprofessional at a low-income school. Knowing that I was making a difference in those children’s lives made me really fall in love with teaching. After being a teacher for three years, I did my master’s in Educational Leadership. I aspire to be a leader for a school and guide teachers in the right direction.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
When I think about Miami, I think of the diversity in this city. The different types of food, music, styles, backgrounds, etc. I don’t think I can ever move away from Miami. I truly fall in love with this city when I’m on the way to South Beach or Key Biscayne, and you see the skyline from your car. You start appreciating where you live a little bit more. It’s true what they say, “I live where you vacation.”
Contact Info:
- Email: shopvboutique1@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/shopvboutique_
