him if he thought we could do business together. He said I think you should be a model. I was insulted to think that he was not listening to me through my entire presentation. Later on I ran into him again and he said that he was affiliated with CBS and that he knew the photographer over there. I took him up on his offer. I had photos taken and started modeling because it seems like a good way to pay the rent. Years later A photographer asked me to help him with some makeup and I did. Just about everything I have done somebody else has pointed the direction for me. I have just been smart enough to listen to them.

MS: What made you want to be what you are now?
VG: I never imagined being where I am now. I went to a fashion college and thought I would try to be a fashion designer. 

MS: What was your pivotal moment in life that made you take this direction?
VG: When I graduated college I was selling the board space because my minor was advertising. I went into a radio station to sell him billboard space and when I finished my presentation I asked

MS: How did you get started/where did you begin?
VG: As far as where I got started I started in LA. Then from there I went to Tokyo that led me back to the East Coast and from there I traveled to Italy Germany Chicago back to Tokyo and finally ended up staying in Connecticut.

MS: What are your favorite parts about what you do?
VG: My favorite part of what I do is the relationships that come about from the people I work with. Some of the best energy is created by the cast and crew on sets. There is a positivity to our work and our process that makes us all know how fortunate we are to be in this business. Most of the people I meet along the way end up feeling like family. This business is like no other in that the connections keep reconnecting and growing with each project. This business is big and yet the circle around it feels small. 

MS: What are your short-term and/or long-term goals at the moment?
VG: My goal with this business was to create a constant work flow for myself. It has been many years and the hard work has definitely paid off. I have learned that business is about relationships. I have managed to build some strong ones along the way. All the people in my path are constantly helping me reach my business goals. The goal is to stay relevant and busy, and most of all happy. 

MS: What advice would you give for your industry?
VG: My advice for people trying to be a part of this industry is pretty simple. Be professional, willing to work hard and be a part of a team and always take opportunities to learn from anyone willing to teach you something. Also listen, watch and you will learn just from being a part of it. And never ever burn a bridge, be gracious, respectful and kind. You can build a big career with the help of others who are willing to hire you and teach you. And soon you will be in the position to do the same for others, and that my friend is what our community is all about. 

MS: What is something you wish you knew in the beginning?
VG: In the beginning I wish I would’ve known how to cultivate relationships that are so vital to this business. Also get up earlier, relax and always leave early for work! Early is on time. 
MS: Who/what are your biggest inspirations and why? VG: I get inspired by the creatives, they motivate me to try to bring more to the projects. I am also inspired by the people who follow their passions and turn them into a living. Just like you are doing with Bee The Love. 

MS: What is your favorite drink?
VG: My favorite drink is something fruity and icy with tequila in it. A fun time always followed that flavor around. Ha. Miss the taste of it but don’t miss the after effects. 

MS: What is your favorite quote?
VG: “ If you can’t say anything nice don’t say anything at all” Momma used to say this and then I said it to my children and now to their children . 

MS: What is your favorite meal?
VG: My favorite meal could be lobster on a hot buttered roll and fries with secret sauce (mayo and ketchup) ha . Love being near a beach enjoying this meal and it must be enjoyed with family and friends. 

MS: What is your best work day?
VG: My best work day is any day that is with a high energy positive crew. It is all about the people involved that make the projects feel like they are the best ever. 

MS: What is your ideal non-work day?
VG: Family dinners with the kids all running around crazy. Also a day with friends and tennis! 
 
MS: What are some things that keep you going?
VG: What keeps me going is momentum. What is in motion stays in motion, therefore I keep moving forward and never looking back. I love completing something and moving on to the next good project at work and home. I have a million things going at once so when I complete something it feels like success. Ha. 

MS: How do you approach a work-life balance?
VG: Work life balance is very hard to achieve. I feel like you run around working and then you wake up and realize you haven’t seen someone in a long time and you have to take the time to do that. It is so important not to work your life away. Planning trips, dinners, and coffee with friends is so important. Someone once asked me where I find my peace. I strive to do what I need to do but to also allow myself some peace in this life that is going by so quickly. 

MS: What is something you wish people learned or knew more about in your industry?
VG: I guess If there is something I wish people knew about the business it would be that it is a business. People come into this biz thinking it will be so easy or all fun and games. It is one of the hardest working industries out there. If you want to be a part of a community of creatives and industrious people then it might be the right move for you. People need to be prepared to be in it for the long haul to truly reap the rewards of this business. 

MS: What does supporting local mean to you?
VG: Supporting local to me means passing work to others. I strive to give as much work as I can to everyone who wants to be a part of the process in our industry. Never be afraid to refer the work out, karma is real and good things always come back to you. 

MS: What is your favorite book?
VG: My favorite book changes with each book read. Last book. The hate you give. It was an education on what it is like to be someone other than myself. If this book doesn’t give you empathy and understanding I don’t know what will. 

MS: What is your favorite song?
VG: What a wonderful world by the great Louis Armstrong. Because it is a wonderful world and we are all so blessed to be here. 

In the beginning I wish I would’ve known how to cultivate relationships that are so vital to this business. Also get up earlier, relax and always leave early for work! Early is on time.