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

Hi Vanessa, looking back, what do you think was the most difficult decision you’ve had to make?
Wow! That would be September 2001, making the decision to move to Atlanta. Packing all that I could put in my car and driving away from my family and friends with whom I had spent most of my life. But, I had to save myself and go after my dream. Please understand that my life wasn’t in a bad place. Having the courage to leave cost me a lot.

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.
My Art is truly a beautiful gift from God. It is something that I have been working on all of my life. It really has allowed me to create amazing designs and create so many other amazing experiences as a designer.. The most beautiful thing would be that in Covid last year I received a international platinum costume designer award. I’ve been sewing over 45+ years. It has not been easy, but any thing worth having is worth sacrificing for.. Dreaming and living your own dream everyday is the key to success..I would want the world to know that you can come from a place that you are told you will never be anything and truly be one that will make your dreams a reality.

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.
That’s a great question. I’m always working on something. So, I guess we would have Mexican food. We would definitely have to visit the fabric store and maybe go to the museum at SCAD. She has to like wings from Doc’s. We would spend a lot of time watching TV and having Van Miller EVMD. This question tells me that I have to go out more.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shout-out would go out to my children Tequila, Lakisha, Raymond and my beautiful grand children. But I thank you Howard Gillespie for making my life so I can Finish The Dream.

Website: Www.vanmillerinternational.com
Instagram: @vanmillerinternational
Twitter: VAN MILLER HOUSE
Facebook: The House of Van Miller

Image Credits
Miles Models

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