Please introduce yourself and brand to readers:
I am Minister and Motivational Speaker Vanessa K. Antrum. I was born and raised in Washington, DC, and love to “shine” on people. I am an encourager and whether this is manifested in a 1 on 1 conversation, being a caregiver, helping someone, teaching a skill or just sharing the goodness of God, I LOVE PEOPLE! I am a wife, mother, daughter, friend, sister, author, creative, survivor and I believe wholeheartedly that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
What has been your most exciting accomplishment to date?My most exciting accomplishment is motherhood. That changed my whole life. Knowing something so precious grew in my body. I listened to the heartbeat and watched them move in my stomach. Having them lay on my chest for the first time. Shaping their childhood, watching that seed grow into an adult and being able to shape their childhood experiences and introduce them to the Lord. To watch them grow into their own person and become successful and find their own way. To become their friend. To know that I have support because I showed them support. It’s not only exciting - it’s amazing!
Any advice to help women thrive through fiery trials?My advice to help women thrive through fiery trials is to never give up and find a positive aspect in everything you are going through. The bible tells us that all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called upon His purpose. I believe that things are working for my good. In the last major decision I made, I was given an ultimatum to return to the office during the pandemic. I was caring for my parents who had dementia. Yes, both of them! What was I to do? Deciding to choose my parents over my job was THE BEST DECISION I’ve ever made. Life has been so good. If I would’ve just focused on the THOUGHT that we couldn’t make - God couldn’t prove to us that we could! Find something positive and hold on to that thought. It might seem small, but there is something good in everything!
What is next for you in 2023 and beyond?What’s next for me in 2023 is to start my podcast. Initially I wanted to do a caregivers podcast to discuss some of the tips that helped me in caregiving of my two parents with dementia, the death of my parents and my grieving process (which really started years before they transitioned). I plan to use this platform, however, to talk about more issues people are experiencing including parenting, family, marriage, cancer, forgiveness, grace, self-care, how to give yourself the oxygen first and yes - even how to use various apple products (from my techy side). I want to have podcasts where I share my thoughts, interview others, and have fun with “the issues”. My goal is to provide a space where people witness the “I Made It Through,” office success tips and tools that helped me in my journey, pits, people & flags to avoid and offer encouraging words.
How can readers connect with you online?Readers can connect with me on Facebook or my website www.VanessaKAntrum.com.