Vanessa’s Entrepreneur Story

It all started in 2002 when she moved to San Diego, California, and launched her first venture—a custom cookie company specializing in wedding favors and special events. One memorable project involved crafting custom cookie cutters for a couple who adored both motorcycles and guitars, decorating 200 stunning wedding favors in their favorite buttercream icing.

As her creative spirit flourished, Vanessa ventured into diverse projects, creating gifting pillows trimmed with feathers, featuring small pockets perfect for wedding rings or even tooth fairy exchanges. Her inventive flair didn't stop there. While working with the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM), Vanessa was inspired to create Jiva Active, an innovative line of women’s activewear made from bamboo, blending eco-consciousness with style.

In 2013, Vanessa faced a life-altering challenge: a diagnosis of chronic Lyme disease. This significant event prompted her to reassess the value of her time and life’s direction, leading her to the world of improv. There, she found laughter and community to be powerful medicine for both heart and body. During her improv training, she embraced the liberating concept of "Dare to Suck," which helped her overcome her fear of failure and propelled her into a new chapter of empowering others.

Vanessa leveraged her passion for teaching to develop a course at the Women’s Business Center at Southwestern Community College in San Diego. Her curriculum is designed to assist entrepreneurs in overcoming obstacles, confronting fears, and actualizing their business aspirations.

Today, in the spirit of entrepreneurship and her love of art, she founded PeaceOrnaments.com—a brand committed to fostering global messages of peace, love, and friendship. Raised in a highly dysfunctional religious environment, she turned the one-sided divisive ideology she learned into a mission that inspires world peace, one ornament, one conversation, and one act of kindness at a time.

Vanessa's life story is an epic adventure filled with trials, victories, and profound insights, all shared passionately with her audiences. Through her speaking engagements, coaching, and artistic endeavors, she continues to inspire others to "Dare to Suck," and to be willing to fail brave and live bold.

If you’d like to hear more of Vanessa’s insights and story, she is available for interviews, speaking and workshop facilitation.

Info@VanessaElleWilde.com