Vanessa Whaits | ” 20 Women, 20 Stories” Women’s Portrait Campaign Experience

VANESSA WHAITS

CURATOR OF RAINBOW THINKERS

Where are you from and Where have you settled? 

Born of the Rainbow nation, drawn to places of great natural beauty, currently exploring the gentle countryside of the far northeast of England. 

Home for me is a feeling rather than a place – my heart settles in the company of like-hearted people, wherever in the world they or I may be.

 

3 words your friends would use to describe you? 

Post-conventional, Unconditional, Non-judgmental.  

I’d describe them as the quintessence of life. 

 

What is your big hairy audacious dream? 

Empowering an economic powerhouse of authentic intelligence and creativity. Celebrating & connecting multi-generational creatives, healers, leaders, and visionaries—Rainbow Thinkers.

Original minds and bold doers using their gifts to make the world better, brighter, and more beautiful. Bridging inspiration with opportunity, artistry with industry, and vision with action.

A space where ideas become reality, careers are nurtured and success is redefined— as leading with presence, living in balance with self and creating in harmony with others. Pure human alchemy in action.

 

What was your journey to your current career and what drew you to it? 

A series of deliberate choices and happy accidents—spanning expert, executive, and consulting roles in law, payments, IT, philanthropy, and education.

Along the way, I’ve developed a knack for seeing the big picture while untangling details and overcoming obstacles.

What led me here wasn’t a single ‘aha’ moment, but a series of insights: people need clarity more than complexity, creativity more than convention, and the courage that grows through conversation and feeling seen and heard. 

 

What does success look and feel like for you?

Leaving a place or person a little better, brighter, or more beautiful than before our interaction. Success is about contribution and impact.

It sparks joy to help others connect, overcome obstacles and take their next step with conviction and confidence.

 

How do you start your day? What does your morning routine involve?

Early. With my ‘morning pages’- a place for quiet contemplation – creating clarity. 

 

What do you enjoy doing most and why?

Believing in the magic and watching dreams come true. 

 

Is there a woman who inspires you and really stands out for you and why?

Not one, but many women. I have yet to meet a woman whose works or words, wisdom or wit, wonder or woes haven’t moved me—to believe, to think, to feel, or to act.

 

What is a personal mantra or quote that motivates you?

“The strongest tool available to us whilst we are in this body is our mind—the mind that makes us happy or unhappy, rich or poor, healthy or not so healthy.

It is high time we practise hygiene of the mind.” — Annelize Cowley

 

What is the one thing you wish more people knew about you?

Those who need to know – know and those who don’t – don’t. There is a certain enchantment in the unfolding of the mystery of the unknown.  

 

What personality characteristics do you love about yourself?

My practically perfect pragmatism.

 

What is your greatest strength and how has it helped you on your journey?

My curiosity and lifelong love of learning – I’ve never been lonely.

 

What does self-confidence mean to you and how have you cultivated it?

Really listening to and trusting that deep inner sense of knowing.  

Practice – and I’m very much still a work in progress. 

 

What are you most proud of in your business/personal life?

That I have continuously strived to maintain balance—not between, but within.

That I have realised I can have it all—just not all at once.

And most powerfully – that I raised two strong and sensitive feminists—both of them boys.

 

If you could share a piece of business advice for someone starting out, what would it be?

You own your input, not the outcome. Really internalise that. 

 

What is a piece of advice you would give to your younger self?

Think of this as Earth School—a place to learn. Know the lessons are almost certainly about love. Stay open-hearted. When you have the chance, step up. When it all feels too much, step back. Perspective changes everything. Always lead with light.

 

How did you feel about being photographed?
That I was in expert hands. It was a joy to work with two consummate professionals—each with well-honed skills, deep understanding, and palpable passion for their art.

 

What feelings emerged when you saw your portraits for the first time?
What a privilege to be part of this project and to keep and treasure so many beautifully curated perspectives of myself.

 

Hair & Makeup: Laura Mitchell Makeup

 

Vanessa had initially booked me for some personal branding portraits. I mentioned my “20 Women, 20 Stories” Women’s Portrait Campaign Experience to her, and she said YES! We had the most fantastic time in the studio, sharing stories and laughing.