Behind The Spotlight: Vanessa Coppes

Hey, welcome back to the show where I bring you my most amazing friends and we talk about the most amazing things that they're doing in the world.

Today, I can't— I love this lady.

I met her at an event that we were both speaking at, and we just had those, you know, when you meet somebody and you have those conversations, you're like, I need to have this person in my life. Her name is Vanessa Coppes. She is the one, the only CEO of Bella Media. Which includes, right, The Insider, which is the new amazing magazine we're going to talk about, Beauty Awards, Bella Latina, Bella everything. And not only do we love to hang out with her, but we love to know more about her. Wait till you hear her story, because I think sometimes when we see women in the media like Vanessa, we just imagine they're— they started out like that. But as we know, no one starts out like that. You have to build a reputation. You have to build a business. And she started by building, you know, she was a teacher first and then she was in jewelry and now she's the CEO and flying around the world to Miami, to LA. And if you have a chance, go check out her, I think it's on her Facebook and her Instagram, uh, to see the amazing outfits that she wears because I wish I was over 5'5" and I could wear the stuff that she does because she's just that beautiful and amazing and inside and out. We're going to talk about how she got started, how Business Insider came to be, um, what reality TV she likes to do, and also, uh, what's going on next for Bella Magazine. So we're going to have her on in a few minutes. And so I always want to start with whoever's watching—

what got you started?

What were those things that made you want to get out into the world and want to really put together what you think is important in other people in your life and other people in the community to understand. I know Vanessa is all about a chance and to do those hard things like she has and really to be themselves out in the world. She's going to come on.

There she is. There she is.

I think we're lagging a little bit, but OK.

Hey, Vanessa. Thanks so much for coming on. I'm so excited to see you.

Thank you so much. I was going to try to put on a little filter. I'm like, you know what? I'm going to be— this is what Fridays look like for me. So—

Well, I appreciate that. I actually was at an event this morning, so I do have a little makeup on.

Yeah.

But, you know, but I love— and that's what I was saying before you came on. Like, you're just a real person who's done amazing things. By doing them. And we've known each other for a little while, but I've never like gone deep on who you are. I didn't know you started out as a teacher and that you were doing jewelry.

Like, um, so my, my real, real career— yes, uh, educator. I have an MBA in psychology, human development, um, yeah. And I, and I taught for almost 17 years back in the Dominican Republic. So yes, and I taught ESL literature, and that's what my my love for words and writing. That's where it comes from. Yeah.

That's amazing. It's just something I didn't know about you. Because I knew you had bought Bella and created it into what is now Vanessa's Bella. I see you flying all over the world. But I'd love to hear the story about how that came into being.

Of course. So I had— once I— I was done with teaching. I came to live here in the, from the Dominican Republic after I had my first son and underwent about a 10-month portion of after his birth with dealing with postpartum depression. I had an epiphany one morning after talking to my mom that I needed to do, to have some sort of creative outlet. And what came at that time, custom jewelry was just starting out. And I had a cousin who was designing and making it and doing really well doing it. So I said, you know, on my next trip to the DR, I'm going to get, you know, certified. I have a knack for fashion and design. So it made like perfect sense for me to do that. And I love accessories, etc. So I tell that story because the jewelry business is what led me into Bella. I was making jewelry and, you know, getting my footing into that industry, and I started to set up like pop-up and activations at different aesthetic doctors' offices around Staten Island. And, um, you know, after a while I landed, um, in a position where I was able to get a piece of my jewelry into the hands of the, of the former editor-in-chief. So I did, I sent it to her. I had coincidentally just gotten my jewelry, uh, into the hands of Denise Richards, um, a couple of like major celebrities. Oh my God, the girl from Friends, uh, Courteney Cox had gotten my jewelry and they had sent— so that created some sort of buzz around my, my, my custom jewelry business. So that— so then of course I had her. It was like she was hooked because, okay, there was a celebrity component, um, there's something here. Um, eventually when we ended up connecting, uh, she was really involved with a nonprofit, not-for-profit, called Arms Wide Open, which aids children with cancer. And at that time, um, she was doing something really special for the mothers. And I had created these, um, pendants for the moms. It was like 30 moms. I created 30 pendants and that's what started that relationship. And I, and they ended up asking me to come on board as the digital marketing, uh, director, because I was very active in the blogging world. Blogging was not what it is now. It had just kind of started and it was seeding and social media. There was kind of like, you know, and I had, That's how I built my community around my business. So I had a knack for it. That's how it started. And, you know, fast forward 7 years later when they decided to sell, I had already been in it long enough to know that this was like my next step. It was a knee-jerk reaction. It wasn't something that I was like planning, like, you know, own a magazine. However, as a creative person and a writer, it just kind of seemed like the natural progression. Because I wanted— I did want to launch the Spanish version of it. So it just kind of made sense. So that's in a nutshell a little bit of that story.

Wait, I have questions.

Yes.

Because you're like, well, I just got into the hands of this person and I just got into the hands of this person. You know, we don't need to know the step-by-step how you did it. But what was in you to come from another country, create something else here, and you're like, and I'm going to go after celebrities?

The celebrity component just, it wasn't the goal. It was simply to just get the word out about my little business that I had started, you know, with savings and from my kitchen table and my dream, right? Like when you say you have like, you know, $500 and a dream, I literally had $1,500 and a dream. Like that's what I had. And I just had this dream of getting, helping other women feel good about themselves. You know, I knew what, getting dressed up, just like I spoke, you know, putting on a little bit of makeup or wearing a fabulous pair of earrings would do to your emotional well-being. And I wanted, you know, other women to just feel that. And, and that's that, that was that. That it just so happened that I belonged to a networking organization at the time that was doing celebrity gifting. I literally just had this conversation with someone this morning. I said the goal is not the celebrity, is the goal is the buzz, right? The goal is the, the, the marketing that's attached to it. So Of course, if you like the celebrity, it's kind of like the cherry on top, but it is just creating just, you know, the synergy around what you have and making it viable. And also that it's real, right? Like when you have someone, you know, you— it gives you that confidence to continue to pursue other opportunities.

Yeah, yeah, no, I totally understand that. And it's really such a through line for who you are, right, about empowering women. But the story about I had $1,500 and I knew I wanted to do something is such a story about that everyone listening— I know your readers, but my audience as well— like, we all had an idea at the kitchen table.

Yeah.

Like, our kids are around the same age. And my son said to me recently, he was like, when I don't think I can do this, or I don't think I'm going to make anything out of myself, I see what— I remember that you created a business from the kitchen table. And that keeps me going.

That's amazing. That's amazing.

I always say a young mom It's like, they're watching. Of course. They're really paying attention. Yeah.

Well, just yesterday, my son said, mom, I have to create a magazine for my history class. And I'm looking at him, and I'm like, I think I can help you with that. And he was like, oh, I know. You're going to print it in magazine paper. And I'm like, yes, of course. He's like, I tell everyone my mom owns a magazine. What other mother do you know that owns a magazine? I'm like, OK, child. Take it easy. But it was a really kind of like— I, I chuckle just because they are always watching, for sure. They are.

And yeah, and that they pay, right? I just helped my son with a website for his media class, so I'm totally with you on that. But I think that these stories and sharing that kind of stuff really helps empower, which is big. Like, one of your big things is empower other women. Yes. So just make it— take a chance, start telling people that what you're interested in. And also, like, the stress the strategic— the strategic side of it. I can't even speak this way. I'm like, I love this lady. The strategic side of it. And one of— I know we spoke recently because I was so excited about Bella Insider.

Yeah.

Like, not only because everyone knows how I love reality TV. I don't know— I don't know if you're a reality girl or a TV girl.

So the funny thing is that I'm actually not. I didn't say that. I am not. And for a very long time, I had not an aversion to it. It was just, you know, I, I'm definitely more— I gravitate to more, you know, authors, inspirational leaders, uh, business owners, entrepreneurs. And I have to say that over the years, um, the, the characters in these shows have woken me up to the reality that they are also entrepreneurs and they're authors and they're mothers and they're business owners. So I started to just pay attention. And, and, um, you know, a degree in psychology will do that to you. I started to just observe behavior, right? Like, so what is it that is attracting people to our readership? What is it that is attracting people to our events? Um, what's the common thread here? And a lot of it was reality TV. And I said, obviously there's something here because people are watching and they're paying attention. Um, and it was really fascinating, uh, to see how this idea just kind of blossom. You know, I recently partnered with Dr. James Mercer for two different territories of Bella, which are LA and Texas. And it just so happens that his wheelhouse is reality TV stars. And I was like, I was like, because I call him my husband, he's my husband. And I said, you, because he had all of this incredible people available and, you know, that wanted to be in. And I'm like, but Bella isn't reality TV focus. So we— I, one morning I just woke up and I was like, you know what, let's call it The Bella Insider and just make it all reality TV focused but without the drama and the gossip. We want to really highlight these people for who they are, what they've accomplished. And I have to tell you, I— this, this first issue, it's— I, I literally, before I got on this call, just finished overlooking the layout and it is stunning. I am so proud of the work that we have put into this, um, because not just is it stunning, it's a beautiful, beautiful book. But you would be— you think you know everything about these people because they're on TV and they're sharing their lives, but you would be pleasantly surprised to learn, um, you know, this other side that not a lot of these other outlets focus on. You know, they're more focused on the drama and who pulled whose hair and all of that. But, you know, I will share, Mary and Romaine Bonnet from Selling Sunset are our cover stars. And we spent an incredible day with them. And they are just beautiful outside, but they are even more so on the inside. Such kind, gracious people. And I'm super excited. So I know that it's going to land really well with anyone who is reality TV obsessed. And it's going to— it's just a beautiful— it's a beautiful publication. So I'm really excited about it.

Of course it's beautiful, because it's coming from Bella. But I'm— well, I— you know, it's funny you say that, because I am a reality watcher. I've always liked— from Real World from the '80s and '90s.

And that was my introduction to reality TV. And I was obsessed with The Real World. Like, obsessed with it. Obsessed. And it kind of enamored me into this life in New York City, because I watched it when I lived still in the Dominican Republic. Oh, OK. So for me— It was kind of like that aspirational of, oh my God, one day I'll be there. But I do indulge here and there in some— I loved Selling Sunset when it first came out. I was still a fan of that show. I just don't follow it, like, religiously. Like, there are people who watch it every single time. I know that if Jennifer is listening, every Monday she'll text me, are you watching The Bachelor? I'm like, nope. Not today. But it's a running joke every Monday because she's obsessed with it. So I understand it. I understand that there's an obsession with it. And it's a fun— listen, it's a fun form of entertainment. So more power to it, for sure.

I love it. My husband actually loves— he's going to kill me, but he loves The Bachelor and Bachelorette. Like, I don't make him watch it. And Love Island. Like, he loves— but he also loves the sociology of it and the psychology of it. And I'm like, I don't think this is what most people are watching it for, but OK.

But that's the thing. There was one occasion where I binged Love Is Blind. And I have to tell you, the psychology behind that show is pretty impressive. And I was fascinated about the reactions and just watching people behave the way that they did under these circumstances was just fascinating to me. And I binged it in 2 days. I was like, OK, OK, so you have my vote. I like it. Yes.

Yes. But I love that you're going to take the stance of, like, these are real women who are moms and who are— because I met— when I was on WPIX last month, I met Sutton Stracke. And she had— she was like, oh, I love cocktails. She had mentioned that to the producer. So of course, I waited until after her segment. And that's why I have a picture with her, because I gave her my book. And the conversation we had was about business.

Yeah.

You know, she was like, tell me more about your business. And I'm telling her I do visibility.

And it was like—

It wasn't, I think, like the normal conversation about like, tell me about Kyle. Yeah, yeah, yeah, for sure. And so afterwards, I went and looked her up a little bit more. She's an amazing businesswoman. And a lot of these women start businesses after they've been on. I like Sutton because she started it before. It's been for a while. And highlighting like, now, yes, they have money, but now they have money, right? They've built these businesses. It's not like—

but also maintaining that lifestyle doesn't come by just being on a TV show. And that's a lot, a lot of what people, I think, miss. You know, I've had this conversation a lot over the past few weeks because I've been in LA probably for the past— yes, 3 weeks. And you can't unsee it because everybody's there. And, you know, the good— don't get lost in the glitz and the glamour of it because that's just one aspect of it. And to maintain that, to be a part of that world, it takes work. And it's actual work. It's a different type. It's not a 9 to 5 where you're in there. But that's also part of it, too. To follow up. You have to be consistent. You have to show up. And, you know, and to maintain— you know, some people— I remember, um, Kim Kardashian on an interview one time said, looking good is my business. And it is. That is her job, to look good. And that means going to the gym every day, taking— getting treatments. Like, that is her job. That is what brands pay her to do, is to look good. So, uh, don't knock it. And if, if it's, you know, if it's if you're not hurting other people while you're doing it, you know, more power to you. So yeah.

All good for you. Yeah, I'm so excited to meet The Insider because I know it's going to be smart. It's not about— right, it's not about the flashiness. It's about them being actual people. And you have fashion in there and empowerment pieces and beauty and style and all this stuff.

Yeah.

Speaking of style, can we talk about the jumpsuit that you wore recently?

Well, which one? Because I've worn them quite a bit. I—

the one with the no back, the green one. Oh. Wait, I just— yeah, I was like, can I please be tall like Vanessa?

And like, but here's the thing, you, you would be pleasantly surprised to learn that the founder of that brand is like 5'2" and she is very— she is not— she is very petite. Um, and her, her, um, you know, concept and idea behind it was, you know, she started during COVID she was working mom also but still wanted to look fabulous but feel like she was in yoga pants, right? And the material is made out of workout material. So what you're wearing is literally like you're wearing tights, like yoga pants. It feels like you're wearing sweats, but you look fabulous. And it holds you in in all the right places. So you don't have— you can really feel confident, look really good, and just go on about your way and just like zip it up and walk out the door. But it's— yeah, Lee Evans Lee is the founder of Miss Mama Wear Workwear. And they're separates. And people will stop me because people think I'm wearing two different pieces. And I'm like, it's a jumpsuit. And they are unbeliev— like, they're just, like, blown away by how good it looks. Because it just— the quality is amazing. And the feel. And it's just beautiful. So yeah, Miss Mama Work Workwear. It's unbelievable.

Yeah, well, I will put it in the caption. But, you know, in fact, exactly what you're saying, I love your Wednesdays where you just give us moments. Inspirational moment where I'm like, Vanessa gets me. That's why I love her.

Right?

Because you're not being about flashy. And I would just love for you to talk about where that comes from or why you do it. Because consistency is the key. And it's just those little pieces of inspiration. And it's a picture of who you are.

Yeah. Thank you for bringing that up. Because honestly, I've been doing it for almost 2 years now. And it started— it was the idea of one of my former social media managers. She's like, you know, make Wednesdays is your thing. You always— you're working out, you're always sharing like pieces of advice. Make— but do it consistently through video because that way it'll like— it'll also keep you, you know, going and fresh. And I said, if I'm gonna do it, I'm gonna do it from a very authentic place. I mean, which is where I believe that I come from. And I can't be, you know, done up. I can't have lashes. Like, it has to be real, just like I am speaking to you today, because I think people need to really understand that one thing doesn't come without the other, right? Like, I don't show up with done hair and a full face of makeup at 6 o'clock in the morning to do yoga. It's just not conducive, and it isn't real. So I've stayed true to that. And there are days where I look worse than others. But you know what? I sometimes will aid myself with a filter, you know, when I feel— when I'm feeling a little self-conscious about the dark circles, because they're real. But the hope is that you see not a side of just, not of me, but a side of like women, right? That this is what it actually looks like to not just run a business, but run a family and in the pursuit of living your best life, right? Like, this is what it looks like. It looks like work, it wears overalls, it looks like, you know, very late nights sometimes or very early morning some days. And I've tried to really be consistent about it. You know, there was one Wednesday where I was getting surgery and I still went and I did it just because these are the things that are happening and I have to be committed to it. But I can't begin to tell you, which is why I'm so grateful you brought it up, how many people will reach out to me because of these Wellness Wednesday videos. I've had girls, young girls who have seen it and have applied to work for Bella because of it. I have partnerships that have come because of it. They're like, you know, it's— and you know, that's me. I know. And that's just who I am. And I'm just humbled and grateful that it has resonated with people and that it's touched people and that maybe what I say can be of service because it's You know, sometimes I don't have the answers and I'll say it. I don't even know what this is, but I'm just sharing it in case somebody knows and can tell me. But I've shared everything from, you know, my struggles with eating disorders to mental health and even business advice, because I feel like a lot of our, you know, following are women who are, you know, seeking businesses or entrepreneurship. So, and visibility, you know, you don't— you never know who you're touching and who is listening. On the other side of the interwebs. You know? So I'm grateful for that.

You don't know. Well, we're grateful for you. And I know that you're going to get a lot more pitches from my audience. Wait a minute, I love her too. How can I be involved with Bella?

Thank you.

You know, you're going to get a lot more emails. They're going to say, I heard you on Beth's show, and this is why I think you're amazing.

Thank you.

Because a lot of women in your position are not going to show up without the lashes, are not going to talk about the real story behind it. And that's why I was drawn to you. And that's why we're friends. Oh, thank you.

You know, it's just, listen, at the end of the day, I think that you do more damage to yourself than good if you're taking yourself out of an opportunity because you don't feel, you know, confident enough to just show up without the lashes. I've had it even happen to me, you know, as a mother. You know, I think a lot of new moms take themselves out. They create a scenario of self-sabotage because they haven't been able to find help or support. I used to show up at board meetings with my baby and I said, listen, it was this or not show up at all. So I'm here, let's get to work. And I, and I promise you that in 20 minutes we'll get more done than if you had me for a full hour. And that's what I would hope is that women advocate for themselves enough that they know that they can't, they don't have to take themselves out of the equation just because they have a baby or they have a scenario that, you know, doesn't fit into what is expected, right? Trust me, I showed up to many meetings with a 6-month-old, and people looked at me like I had 10 heads. And I was like, well, you know, you're not taking me out of this opportunity because I couldn't come because my babysitter just canceled. You know, so I'm here. So let's do this.

So, yeah, you do do it. And I know that a lot of women are inspired by you. No, I— to be complete, like, I'm always honest on these calls, but I was having— on Monday, I was having one of those days like, I can't do this. I'm done. And I did. I came across one of your Wednesdays. And I was like, OK, if Vanessa can feel like this, I can have a day like I feel like this. And I would have texted you. I know you were in LA and crazy. I didn't want to bother you. But it was like— and I can't imagine how many other women you do that for. So please keep doing them. Do not stop doing them.

Oh my god, thank you. And I will. I will. I don't know where the next time zone I'll be at to do it. But I promise that I will. Because I always say, we don't realize how much what we're putting out, aside from what it does for others, what it can actually do for you, right? And I feel myself, I feel empowered, and I feel fortunate to just be able to share little pieces of me here and there that could hopefully help someone else. Well, you do.

You empower the rest of us. And now you have Miami. Well, you have Latina. You have Bella magazine, Bella Latina, Bella Miami, Bella LA. You had the Beauty Awards, now Bella Insider.

Yeah.

What is next for Vanessa?

I would like a vacation.

I like that answer.

That would be nice.

You get one of those?

No, all joking aside, because I feel like it's also detrimental to all of us if I were to say, you know, that busy is always good. I do take really good care of myself. Weeks where my self-care is not as consistent simply because I have to, you know, I'm traveling and I'm yet jet-lagged. But, you know, I do give myself time, the opportunity to rest, to unplug, to decompress. Because as you know, in this very digital era, we get scroll fatigue, right? We're either on our phones too much. And, you know, I do have like hard stops in the evening where I am full-blown mom and I make dinner and I'm with my children. The weekends are examples of of that also. Like, you know, there's— you won't see a lot of activity coming from me on the weekends because they're off limits. Um, you know, I'm only involved on a weekend when it— I absolutely have to be. Um, but, um, you know, when I say what's next as a vacation is I would really like just 3, 4— I, I only need 3 days where I am fully disconnected and unplugged just so I can recharge and refill. It's actually, um, an exercise that I do several times a year because it is where I source from, from my creativity. I need those days to just kind of like reset. But I mean, as far as what's next with Bella, we are— I have to like, we are mapped out. I'm already planning 2025, like I'm mid-2025, which is exciting because it's just March, like the year just started and I'm literally already mapping out 2025 and I'm like, midyear in 2025. So it's, it's a lot of really exciting, um, things. But these are the things that I prayed for, right? Like, these are the things that I've been, uh, aligning myself with, working towards, um, traveling for, you know, begging the universe for. Like, I did what you asked me to, now it's your turn to deliver. Um, and it's twofold. Like, I, I, I'm gonna give you the silliest example, but I almost teared— like, I was almost in tears. And when I drove into my driveway this— I've been trying to find a cleaning service for my home because I've been traveling so much and I need help at home. And it just so happened that I was coming home, turned the corner, and there were 3 cleaning ladies with their names and businesses like plastered all over their t-shirt. And I'm like, my God, did you literally just send this to me? But it just so happened they were coming out of one of my neighbors that I actually really trust. So I'm like, okay, so if she uses her, I don't even have to ask for a referral because this is golden. And that's what you put out and like, you know, the things that you need, the things so that you're able to move into your next thing. I need support and I need help. So I couldn't have asked for like an easier way to get that. And I got the business card too. Like I stopped, pulled over, she gave me the card. So she's coming this afternoon to my home. So I'm relieved because that's one thing off my to-do list for the next few weeks. But to your point, you have to work. You have to do the work. And because the manifesting and the asking of the universe doesn't just come by asking. You have to put yourself out there, ask the questions. I always say the worst thing that someone can say is no. And if it's not no, it's probably no right now or not you. Um, and I always say also, if it's not you, it's going to be someone else, so why not you?

So, God, preach! I say that all the time.

Thank you.

Yeah, thank you for saying that. It's why not you. I— this is the thing that I sometimes get mad about, you know, that, that connotation of like, it's okay to be small, or the universe is going to provide. Yeah, the universe provides for you when you actually make steps to get there. It'll give you the nudge, right? It'll help you get there. But if you can't believe in the why not me instead of the why me, you're not going to get anywhere. And that's why we need women like you in the world to remind us, and hopefully women like me too.

Yeah, well, like you too, because you're out there. Listen, ever since I've met you, I've seen you hustling just as hard and putting yourself out there in ways that, you know, I— this concept that entrepreneurship is just kind of like this given thing. If it was that easy, everybody would be doing it. And not everybody is. And women, unfortunately, 2 or 3 years into their business, give up and decide to like close that shop. And my thing is you gotta stick it out, align yourself with the right community, the right people to help you get to your next level. And they're out there and we're waiting for you and we wanna help and we wanna support. And just because we haven't paid attention to the one email you sent Follow up, follow up and send it again because it may have been just— it either went to spam or I didn't see it. You know, some people are like, but I've emailed you 10 times. And I'm like, well, if it's in my spam and I haven't seen it, I'm so sorry. And I try to check my spam at least, you know, every few weeks. But until the person outright tells you no— I learned that from Lynette, my business partner— until literally they say no, then you stop. Then you stop because they just— they literally said no. But if you haven't heard back Or if you haven't, or they say, you know, follow up with me in a couple of weeks or in a couple, do that, follow up, be consistent in that for sure.

Yes, I appreciate that so much because I actually have in the bottom of like when I work with my private clients, it says you don't give up. You get a no, you're not desperate, you're just continuing to do the work.

Of course, right?

And I've been pitching major TV shows for years. One day I will get a yes.

Yes, right? 100%.

You know, 100%. But now all you ladies, you better be pitching Bella magazines because I'm here. We're here. Uh, Vanessa, thank you so much for coming on this little show. I, you know, I started this as like, I'm just gonna invite my friends to come talk to me, and I'm so glad I can count you as one of them.

Thank you.

Go buy Business, uh, Bella Insider. When is it coming out?

We release the COVID officially digitally next week, and for sale it'll be available on April April 1st. If you subscribe, you'll automatically get it delivered to your home. But we get to celebrate with our cover stars, Mary and Romaine, on April 9th in California, in LA, and at the Godfrey Hotel in Los Angeles, in Hollywood. And it's all super exciting. So again, these are things that, you know, you pray for, you ask the universe for, and it's been delivering twofold for us. So really thrilled about that. Um, and can't wait.

I can't wait either. I can't wait to get my little, my little copy. So everyone watching, get your copy next week. What I want you to do, because I always like to give a little homework, is when you get your copy, a little photo with you. Tag Vanessa, tag Bella, tag me. Um, so we can help Bella Insider not just be another magazine that Bella put out, but one of the best magazines out there. Amazing reality for style, for fashion, for all the things. Vanessa encompasses— Vanessa, I adore you. Thank you so much for coming on. Hopefully I'll see you in person soon.

Yes, I'll see you soon. Okay, thank you so much for having me. Take care. Bye. Thank you.

Bye.