H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S
PASSION PROJECT Vanessa Salgueiro’s pandemic project resonates with women STORY BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI | PHOTOS BY LUIS CHAVEZ
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Vanessa Salgueiro founded the Vanessa SoCal clothing line during a pandemic-induced break from her marketing job. 34 34 PLAYA PLAYA VISTA VISTA DIRECT DIRECT || OCTOBER OCTOBER -- NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 2021 2021
anessa Salgueiro owns a marketing agency that focuses on the gaming industry. The pandemic took a toll on her business, her clients and her psyche. She became anxious and stressed, but the Playa Vista resident relaxed when she went out of her comfort zone to try something different in July 2020. “My home country of Brazil is one of the biggest players in terms of fabrics,” she says. “I started something new; something that would keep my mind at ease and connect me with other women.” Salgueiro searched for suppliers and, a few days later, she received the first box of 40 to 50 bikini sets. She panicked. “I thought, ‘Oh my God. How am I going to sell all of this?’” she says. “I’m super shy about approaching people. My first sale was to my daughter. She was talking to girls who were sunbathing. She actually made my first sale. “After that, I started being more confident and talking to people. In the first few days, I sold almost everything and placed my second order. It was already late summer, mid-July. I immediately started sourcing other items and I came up with the idea of activewear.” And Vanessa SoCal was born. “I know there are thousands of brands out there, but when it comes to really high-tech, high-end fabrics, the list surely narrows down and the price is not attractive to everyone,” she says. “Everything I sell was thoughtfully sourced. No mass production. I believe in buying fewer items that are stylish, comfortable and durable. They can be worn for working out, lounging at home or even going out.” For customers interested in buying clothing, Salgueiro offers “try-on”
