Meet Victoria Weatherspoon | Founder and Owner of VRW Design LLC

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

Hi Victoria, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I think I pursued an artistic and creative career because I couldn’t do anything else and truly be happy. I’ve had different kinds of jobs in my life, but none of them have ever been able to sustain me emotionally or spiritually. And that sounds kind of woo-woo, I understand that. But the truth is you have to at least have some level of enjoyment with what you do if you’re doing it for most of the hours of the day.

And that’s what I do. I realized early on that I work a lot, therefore I need that “thing” that I’m doing, whatever it is, to be fulfilling. And the thing that truly fulfills me is art; is being creative. I chose this type of career because art is the only option for me. I always knew I was going to end up an artist, and Graphic design opened up a whole, exceptional world of creativity and exploration that I didn’t realize existed for a long time, but once I discovered it, couldn’t wait to explore.

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 have always been an artist but I didn’t always know I was going to be doing what I am doing today. My main focus of study has been performing arts; acting, directing, producing and managing live shows. I thought I was going to be making a different kind of art.

The truth is, I found something I enjoyed doing every day, without resentment, that I can use it to help people, spread joy, and even make a business out of it. With this career, I can create art and make money and that was a win-win for me.

I began with a nonprofit professional career teaching, marketing, and helping to design curriculum for the youth organization L!FE Leaders, Inc., based in Detroit, Michigan. Born and raised in Detroit, Victoria I studied to become a professional Performing Artist before falling in love with the nonprofit sector.

What sets me apart from others is also what I am most proud of. With my diverse background in different mediums of art and production, I have created multiple entities that seek to help people through creating art. I co-founded The Ibis Theater in 2020, running design and marketing for the theater as a whole as well as each individual show, including our Hocus Pocus: Shadow Cast production in the fall of 2022. I also launched my own Graphic Design company, VRW Design LLC, in 2022. I worked on freelance projects with L!FE Leaders, Inc, JFM Consulting, Detroit Parent Collective, Rocket Fitness, Prepared Grad LLC, and U of M. Now, I run VRW Design and can help clients that I believe in. One of my clients is researching breast cancer with Henry Ford Hospital, and I get the privilege to help them get the tools they need to get the word out about their mission. I also act as the Marketing Manager for the international trade organization Astra (American Specialty Toy Retailing Association). Working with Astra allows me to be an advocate for play, as their in-house Certified Play Expert Instructor, and help elevate some of the small businesses that become cornerstones of our communities.

Getting to where I am professionally, able to both own my own business and work with an international nonprofit to help better people’s lives, has not been easy but has been nothing but rewarding. I was able to take advantage of the opportunity to follow this career path only because I broke my leg and was forced to make a decision that has benefited me every day since. I went from a bartender and server in Detroit to traveling and teaching across the nation, living in my dream city, and spreading joy through my art daily. I taught students with a broken leg, hopping and hobbling around the room to participate in our activities, I cofounded a theater company during the pandemic with a focus on making art that could make people feel and also help them heal. I did all of this and then reinvented myself, and moved across the country to start a new and different life. Sometimes I get overwhelmed with gratitude, I manifested this life and I am so happy,

I have learned to be patient, Just because you don’t see the finish line now, it could be just beyond the fog. Trust in your path, trust in yourself, and work hard. It sounds so cliche, but this has honestly been my experience. Once I stopped fighting the path that was being laid out for me, it became easier to stick with the things I needed to do to make the dream a reality. I look at my life each day, the work I do, the art I get to create, and the life I live, and I am grateful. I want people to know I am hear to spread joy through my work. To bring people together whenever I can, and inspire a little light, in every corner I can see.

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.
First we’ll hit Schatzi’s Coffee on Ventura in Sherman Oaks. Tucked away behind a Skin care store, this tiny coffee shop has great coffee, a beautiful patio, and some of the best pastries in the area. Starting the day with a large mocha is a wonderful way to kick off the trip.

Since we are on Ventura, next we can head down to the Psychic Shop & Book Store to take a look at some crystals, browse the books on Astrology and Metaphysics, grab some new incense or even get a tarot reading. The perfect way to get zen and one with the world after landing in California.

Later that week, we can hit Topanga Canyon. With a cute little town to peruse, we can stop in the thrift store to find some of the most unique, high-quality items I have seen in a while. We can stop into the various shops that offer all kinds of services from hand-made hats to candle-making classes, beautifully made works by Native artists, and group meditations. It’s an oasis of small-town charm.

Then it’s not far to the Graffiti Ledge hike that has one of the most incredible views in the city and an intriguing ledge covered from years of artists leaving their mark.

Of course, if it’s the first Wednesday of the month, we MUST hit Noisy Nest in Beverly Hills for The Play Readers. It’s a fun evening of stage and silliness as we partake in a night of what can only be described as Karaoke but with acting. Theater cast live and read cold, The Play Readers is a free night to get loose and have fun!

On Thursday, we have to hit Will Rogers Beach and spend some time in the sun and surf. After a day of beachy fun, we satisfy our appetites at Here Fishy Fishy for all-you-can-eat sushi!

On Friday, we’ll catch a show at The Rogue Machine Theater, they always have something new and exciting available to see.

We’ll rest on Saturday because everyone needs rest.

And then on Sunday, we will time travel to the last Sunday of the month for Readings at Sunset, hosted by Cuties LA. It’s a chance to catch some of the best live poetry in the city, in a new and different place every few months. Lately, they have been at Gen q, but they have been at different locations including the Plant Chica, before they lost their space.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to dedicate this to my first round of clients, the women who helped get VRW Design LLC off the ground. Their support allowed me to create a business from nothing and turn an idea into something real. I would also like to dedicate this to my brother, for being an incredible friend, believing in me, and pushing me to be the best version of Victoria I can be.

Website: vrwdesign.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sometimes.tori/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-weatherspoon-marketing/