Muse: Vanessa Vacario. Photographer: Jim Jordan. Dress, Rita Vinieris. Necklace, Mahrukh Akuly. Earrings and bracelet, White Cross Collections. Ring, Burak
With her passion for empowering women and children through wellness and her artistic pursuits, Vanessa Vacario has crafted a unique identity that intertwines family, art, and philanthropy in the serene, artistic community of Laguna Beach. A dedicated mother of two sons, – Sean & Joshua, one of whom has special needs, Vanessa’s journey into wellness and advocacy is as personal as it is professional. Through her work, she has created a powerful narrative around healing, wellness, and creativity, inspiring others to embrace their lives with resilience and hope.
Dress, Oksana Mukha. Bracelet, White Cross Collections. Rings, Burak.
A vision of wellness rooted in family
Vanessa’s commitment to wellness stems from her personal journey as a mother. Living in Laguna Beach with her sons, she finds daily inspiration in the calming ocean and creative energy of her surroundings. Her experience raising her son, Joshua, with special needs has profoundly shaped her understanding of resilience, healing, and the importance of inclusive communities that support families with unique challenges.
Speaking about her son, Vanessa says: “Joshua has taught me more about life than I could ever teach him. His strength, creativity, and unique perspective inspire everything I do. Being his mother is both a privilege and a motivation to create a world where children like him are celebrated and supported.”
This journey has taught Vanessa the value of support networks and shared experiences, fueling her advocacy for compassion and understanding. Through her platform, she openly shares her family’s story, creating a space where other families can find connection and hope. By doing so, she strives to foster a ripple effect of empathy and support across society.
Dress, Oksana Mukha. Earrings, White Cross Collections. Rings, Burak.
Focus on mental health for women and families
Vanessa’s work focuses on empowering women with tools for mental and physical wellness. Having experienced the struggles of balancing family, personal growth, and well-being, she understands the pressures women face. This fuels her mission to make wellness accessible, emphasizing self-care, mental health, and holistic health practices.
As a mother of a child with special needs, Vanessa knows the challenges families face in finding support and resources. She also champions mentorship, believing role models help build confidence and resilience. Her advocacy for children’s healthcare aims to reduce gaps in services, especially in underserved communities.
Dress, Rita Vinieris. Earrings, Mahrukh Akuly. Bracelet, White Cross Collections. Ring, Mahrukh Akuly.
Mental health is central to Vanessa’s mission. She understands its impact on women juggling multiple roles and on children navigating today’s world. Her initiatives offer practical tools to manage stress, anxiety, and other challenges, creating lasting positive change. Her influence in the wellness industry and her work as a social media personality have made her a leader in wellness advocacy. She places empathy and advocacy at the forefront of her work, using her platform not just for personal gain but to uplift others.
One of her standout projects is for the TERI Campus of Life, where she led a program offering free counseling sessions and stress-management workshops for women balancing caregiving and personal growth.
Her impact is evident in testimonials from those she has helped. Rachel, a single mother of two, recalls: “Vanessa’s workshops gave me the confidence to prioritize my mental health and taught me strategies to manage stress. Her encouragement changed my life.”
A creative soul: art, music, fashion, and beauty
Vanessa is a creative spirit who weaves her love for art, music, and beauty into her everyday life. As a singer, artist, and social media personality, she shares her passions with a growing online audience, offering glimpses of her world as a mother and a creative professional. From her artistic projects to her love for fashion, hair, and makeup, Vanessa’s social media reflects her vibrant personality and authentic self.
Total outfits and jewelry, White Cross Collections.
For Vanessa, beauty and fashion aren’t just about looks—they’re a form of self-care and a way to empower others. She shares beauty tips, makeup routines, and fashion ideas, showing how personal style can boost confidence and celebrate individuality. Her genuine approach has struck a chord with followers, inspiring them to embrace their unique style and explore their own creative sides.
Vanessa Vacario has built a career centered on wellness, empowerment, and advocacy, driven by her dedication to helping others thrive. Her work reflects her belief that every individual, especially women and children, deserves support and the opportunity to flourish. By inspiring others to embrace wellness, self-expression, and compassion, she has positively impacted her community, promoting resilience and unity while encouraging people to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
As Vanessa says: “Life is full of challenges, but it’s also full of beauty. By embracing every part of our journey, we find strength, healing, and purpose.”
Dress and ring, White Cross Collections. Earrings and necklace, Mahrukh Akuly.
Talent: Vanessa Vacario @vanessavacario.
Photographer & Creative Director: Jim Jordan @jimjordanphotography.
Production: White Cross Productions @whitecrossproductions_.
Studio: White Cross Studios @whitecrossstudios.
Producer: Yan Xi Toh @thoryanxi.
Stylist: Jim Jordan @jimjordanphotography.
Stylist Assistant: Emily Ledesma @emilyledesmaa.
Wardrobe: White Cross Collections @whitecrosscollections.
Fashion PR: CLD PR @cldstyle.
Hair & Makeup: Anthony Duran @glambyanthonyduran.
Cosmetics: White Cross Beauty @whitecrossbeauty.
Camera System: Leica @leica_camera @leicacamerausa.
Lighting & Equipment: Aputure @aputure.lighting; Synology @synology.official;
Opus @feelopus; Marketing 360 @marketing360; Capture One @captureone.
Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam
