Togetherness: Vanessa on motherhood and meaningful moments

1 January 1970

Vanessa, a mother of three, travel lover, and natural food enthusiast, shares her journey through motherhood - shaped by global experiences, deep family connection, and a love for presence. Reflecting on the lessons her children teach her, and the balance between self and parenting, Vanessa reminds us that the small, intentional moments are often the most meaningful.

Tell us a bit about yourself, who are you?

Who am I? What a question… I think I am an ever evolving mother of 3 beautiful children that loves to travel around the world, has a passion for natural food and cooking , loves her friends deeply, and is committed to her family and partner. A person that loves to love and loves to care. Someone that never sits still and always wants to learn and experience more. Always wants more, not in a materialistic way, but in a way to grow and evolve. I think I have so many different personalities that it doesn’t get boring with me. I love a challenge, but also I am not competitive. I love being at home with my family surrounded by animals, quiet and in nature. But I also love to go out and dance through the night. It’s all about balance. And finding that balance in life. Long story short - I am a person that wants to live life to the fullest with my loved ones.

How do you think your family would describe you?

Hard working, loving and loyal. Always busy in the kitchen and never sitting still, but always there for her family.

Motherhood is often described as life-changing. Did becoming a mother shift your perspective on life, career or just self-identity?

Absolutely. I had my career quite young, so when I had our first daughter I felt really ready for it. I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything, I didn’t have an identity crisis or struggle with being a mother. I just truly loved it (that doesn’t mean it wasn’t challenging at times for me) . We decided to move to the island when Luca was 6 months old, and because I sold my apartment in New York, I was quite fortunate to just enjoy motherhood and not have the financial stress to get back to work quickly (although I did a shoot 2 weeks after I had Luca but that’s another story). I loved being with my children. I love that they keep me in the present moment, they keep me grounded and they are my biggest teachers in life. Career is important, sure, but my biggest achievement is my kids. My children taught me how to say no, and how to take my life in my own hands.

“My children taught me how to say no, and how to take my life in my own hands.”

What aspects of parenthood have surprised you the most - both in the best and most challenging ways?

The constant challenge in parenthood is fighting with our own inner ’demons’ and triggers. Children can really bring out the worst and best in me. I don’t get triggered as much any more, but I can’t say never! I have to be very patient, especially when it comes to sibling rivalry and aggression. I struggle with that the most because it brings out my own childhood trauma that I had with my brother. But for the personal growth I have because of this, I am grateful. I am looking deeper into my own self and why certain things trigger me. I am reading a lot of interesting literature that I probably wouldn’t have looked into if it weren’t for my children.

“Adapting to new environments, climates, and cultures has influenced my parenting and myself.”

How has living around the world influenced your approach to parenting?

I find it really important that my children are “flexible” and adaptable in this modern age. We don’t know what the future will bring. Nothing is really guaranteed and technology is becoming more and more advanced. Adapting to new environments, climates, and cultures has influenced my parenting and myself.

How do you maintain a sense of self outside the role of parent, and what recharges you when you need new energy?

I work mainly away from my children, and because my work takes me all over the world, I naturally get enough “me” time, even if I’m working. I find it easy to talk to my team, and I often meet really inspiring people along the way. Lately, I’ve started carving out more time just for myself: horse riding, traveling with friends for fun and not just for work, doing yoga, dancing, cooking. My husband and I are a good team, and we make space for each other to recharge, because when our cup is full, we’re much better parents and partners. Sometimes, all I need is a walk around our house, surrounded by nature, to reset.

“My husband and I are a good team, and we make space for each other to recharge...”

In the midst of the daily routine, what are the small, seemingly ordinary moments with your children that feel the most meaningful to you?

My morning cuddles with them, chatting with them after school pick up. Cooking together. Playing cards. Putting my phone away and being present with them.

Looking back, are there any small routines or moments from your own childhood that you now try to recreate with your children?

My mother never had much time playing with us being a single mum, so I try to do that with my kids now. But she was an excellent cook and I was always with her in the kitchen, and I do the same with my children. We also went for walks on Sundays as a family and I try to do that every Sunday. Sometimes in summer it’s harder, but we recently got a dog so the kids, quite literally, have to go for more walks with us.

“I hope they will remember that I wasn’t perfect, but I always tried my best.”

How do you hope your children will remember their childhood and your role as their mother?

Hopefully they remember that I stopped and hung out with them. That we run through the grass barefoot and wild. That we danced in the courtyard and laughed together. That we played game. That I listened when they needed me. That I always cooked fresh healthy food for them. I hope they will remember that I wasn’t perfect, but I always tried my best.