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

Hi Vanessa, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I used to approach things in a very intense way, driven by the idea of perfection. It would get so that I would sacrifice my personal health and joy in order to achieve a level of success that I perceived as necessary to prove my worth. Several years ago I noticed that I rarely felt actual happiness, despite reaching my goals. It took a great deal of honest self-work to learn that I needed to add more relaxation, exercise and meditation into my life. It also meant examining relationships and having an honest and difficult moment with that: were friendships emotionally nourishing or sapping my energy? As I made these distinctions, I learned to let some things go. And while I was fearful at the time, making these changes benefitted me on all levels.

What should our readers know about your business?
I was curious about health coaching for ages, but ended up pursuing a masters degree in social work. I don’t regret that and learned so much during my time as an MSW. However, after a diagnosis of ovarian cancer and an incredibly difficult journey that included major surgeries, treatments, great loss, and recovery, I found clarity: I wanted to focus on helping other survivors of hormonal cancer as they navigated the healing process and embraced life like the badasses they are! I attended a phenomenal health coaching school (Institute of Integrative Nutrition) and embarked on a new career. It hasn’t been easy! But I learned to ask for help. My community is full of wise people with a lot of experience to share, and I opened myself up to guidance. I stopped worrying about getting it wrong. I’d rather try and fail than never know if I can do something.
When I start to question my worth, I remember that my unique life experiences have led me here, and it’s my purpose to be a coach and guide to others.
I am also beyond fortunate to have an incredible, loving partner who believes in me. It makes a huge difference to have someone there to bounce ideas off of constantly.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One of my best friends is actually visiting in a few months so I love this question. I would take her to Joshua Tree, Big Bear, and Idyllwild because one of my favorite things about LA is the surrounding magic. I live for the desert and the woods, so there will be plenty of road trips and hiking.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I credit much of my happiness to my generous mentor, Edy, my brilliant fiancé, Mike, and a group of wise, phenomenal friends. I am constantly inspired and pushed to do better. They don’t let me slack and I appreciate that always.

Website: Vanessasackshealthandwellness.com

Instagram: @vbirdlandia

Linkedin: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/Vanessa-sacks/

Image Credits
Mike Mowery (my fiancé)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.