We had the good fortune of connecting with Vanessa Erskine and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vanessa, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think risk taking is so important in living a life that’s true for you, but it’s also scary for most people. If I hadn’t decided to go on my own and start my business, my life and career would look totally different than it does today. I would be clocking in somewhere every morning, and probably not living my passion. I think there are major rewards in taking risks and I do believe it’s essential to being a human on this planet!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I always made jewelry for as far back as I can remember. I love working with color and pairing different colors together, so much so that growing up I was nicknamed by my family “the color and pattern girl”. After getting my MBA, I didn’t value my creative talents as much as I should have, and definitely didn’t consider them in terms of a career. I think it’s so important to follow your own path and stay true to what makes you happy, in all aspects of life. I believe that if you feel far off your life path, there’s always a way to jump back on it, even if it doesn’t look like it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Los Angeles has a lot of great weather to take advantage of, and that means the beach, the beach, and the beach! I would take a friend stand up paddling in the Long Beach Naples Canals. That is my absolute favorite activity and so refreshing. Then I’d take them to Corona Del Mar Beach in Orange County. It’s shielded from the wind, has a gorgeous cliff side, and it’s never crowded in the off season. Last I’d take them to my not-so-secret secret beach in Malibu, Lechuza Beach. Gorgeous for sunsets!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
How I Built This & Second Life Podcasts.

Website: www.vanessababa.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/vanessababajewelry

Facebook: www.facebook.com/vanessababajewelry

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