Fabulous People: Venessa Kaufman

(featured photo credit: Marisa Belle Photography)

Venessa Kaufman, the founder of We The Classy, is a supermom who truly embodies the meaning of beautiful inside and out. Originally from Northbrook, Illinois, Venessa is a model and now a fashion icon and influencer here in the Valley. Learn more about Venessa…

First job: I babysat and worked in a little cellphone store at the age of 15, my parents wanted me to learn how to be responsible with money and take ownership of my actions from a young age, and I think they succeeded.

Favorite AZ restaurant: Virtu. The food and drinks are incredible, the decor is beautiful and urban. Most of all, I’ve had the most amazing service. The servers there are always so kind and that is the cherry on top!

Person who has impacted your life the most: My husband gets this trophy. I think mainly because he’s my partner in building our dreams. He is supportive, yet truthful, and has been a major sounding board for me as I’ve worked towards what makes me happy.

Your biggest accomplishment in your eyes: Having a 3 and 4 year old that say please and thank you, haha, but seriously, I think the hardest thing I’ve done to date is having these two wild kids and still chase my dreams at the same time. Finding balance is not always easy.

The biggest obstacle you have overcome: For a long time I was in Finance. Being on a career path that didn’t speak to my strengths was a very difficult obstacle. I had the desire to excel, however did not feel the rewards because my heart wasn’t in it. Finding a way to redirect my life to a more fulfilling path was a huge obstacle that required a leap of faith in myself.

Someone who inspires you: Bennjamin Banks, he’s not exactly famous, he’s an old friend who is battling a rare cancer. He started a Facebook page called: Don’t Walk Away From a Good Fight. On his page he posts thoughts and experiences and mainly reminds me how precious life is, and how important it is to treat each moment as a gift.

Favorite quotes:
“Money is a good servant, but a bad master.” – French Proverb.

“Do your thing. Do it unapologetically. Don’t be discouraged by criticism. You probably already know what they’re going to say. Pay no mind to the fear of failure. It’s far more valuable than success. Take ownership, take chances, and have fun. And no matter what, don’t ever stop doing your thing.” – Asher Roth

Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Take yourself seriously. Create a business plan, and don’t let anyone undervalue you. Don’t fall subject to comparison, it will steal your motivation.

What makes someone fabulous: When they are passionately themselves. When they let every bit of their truth shine through their eyes, and light up a room doing so.