Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa El Habr
Vanessa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey has been one of self-discovery, filled with risky choices and moments of throwing myself into the unknown. My life motto? You can be from anywhere and become anything.
As a child, I was incredibly shy and rarely spoke up, but that never stopped me from finding ways to express myself. Growing up in Lebanon, a little country in the Middle East, shaped me in ways I never fully understood until much later. The culture and the warmth of home all influenced my journey. But, if I had to pinpoint the greatest influence on my creativity, it was my mother, an artist, a painter who filled our home with paintings and colors. We would often go shopping together, and she always had an impeccable eye for fashion. Without realizing it, she was shaping my fashion sense long before I knew what fashion would mean to me.
Career wise, I took a less-than-traditional path, I’m someone who gets bored easily, I never tied myself to one path, always craving new experiences. I graduated with a BA in Translation, but it felt like a decision I had to make, not one I was passionate about, I never let it define me. Instead, I explored different careers as an editor and journalist, and it wasn’t until I worked with fashion magazines that I discovered what truly ignited my spirit.
Moving to Columbus, Ohio, in 2021 was a leap into the unfamiliar. The culture and lifestyle were totally different. People could easily tell I wasn’t from around here, and I won’t lie: it made me feel a bit insecure, caught between my Lebanese roots and my new American identity. During this time, fashion became my refuge and voice, allowing me to embrace my differences in how I carried and expressed myself.
That’s when @VanessaDoesFashion was born. What started as a small Instagram account where I crafted virtual outfits soon became a creative escape and a way to connect with others in the fashion community. In 2022, I launched my blog initially under my name, VanessaDoesFashion.com. However, I wanted something that would inspire bold, risky choices—decisions that push us out of our comfort zones, shape who we become, and refine our sense of identity, “RiskyandRefined.com” came to life!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing comes easily. You have to build it one brick at a time. One of the biggest struggles I’ve faced is the constant need to reinvent myself. Moving abroad was a significant turning point in my life, and with it came a wave of challenges. Suddenly, I found myself in a new environment, navigating unfamiliar cultural norms and social dynamics.
Every aspect of life felt daunting, from finding my place in a community that didn’t quite reflect my own to building a career from the ground up. It was as if I had to strip away my old identity and construct a new one. I struggled with self-doubt and insecurity, questioning who I was in this new context. Each day presented an opportunity for growth, but it also required me to confront the fear of not fitting in or being understood. It is a process of trial and error, where I learned that rejection is part of the path to success.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a passionate fashion enthusiast and content creator dedicated to sharing styling insights, exploring current trends, and presenting outfit ideas on my Instagram, @vanessadoesfashion, as well as on my blog, RiskyandRefined.com. I’m always available for styling consultations or advice as well!
What fills my heart with gratitude is the sense of community I’ve built on Instagram, where I connect with fellow fashion lovers and creators. Together, we share our journeys and support one another in expressing our authentic selves. Also, I’m proud to have built partnerships with brands that align with my vision, enhancing the authenticity of RiskyandRefined.com and creating a more empowering experience for my audience.
What sets me apart is my diverse background. Coming from different cultures allows us to exchange unique ideas and insights, creating a rich and vibrant approach to style or anything in life. I truly believe that our unique stories are our greatest assets.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I view risk as an opportunity to learn and grow. It can be intimidating, but each risk I take teaches me invaluable lessons about resilience and adaptability. Whether it’s exploring different career paths, moving to a new country, or launching my fashion blog—each experience comes with its own set of challenges and fears, particularly the fear of judgment. I believe that without taking risks, we might miss out on discovering our true passions and the strength we possess.
Moving forward, I’m ready to take more risks, push boundaries, and partner with more like-minded creatives, brands, and influencers. My goal is to make RiskyandRefined.com a go-to fashion destination, offering expert advice and trend-setting inspiration for women in the U.S. and around the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://riskyandrefined.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessadoesfashion/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@vanessadoesfashion
