Meet Vanessa
She's a lifelong entrepreneur with enough experience to hold a PhD in business from the school of life!
A bit about Me!
I got my first taste of financial independence as an entrepreneur in high school. It was the 90's and I was making $20/h cleaning houses. That's equal to $41.42/hr now. Needless to say, once I understood that my super power was making money out of absolutely nothing, I was hooked. Thirty years and many businesses later, I'm still an entrepreneur with a lot of experience under my belt that I love sharing with other entrepreneurs on a similar path.
1995
First taste
I started cleaning houses in high school and discovered that making money was actually pretty easy.
1998
First business
I was a single mom and started a clothing label. This was before the internet was a thing. I learned a LOT. I got funding, bought equipment, created a collection, and found distribution.
2004-2010
Discovered Scrapbooking
I tried working with MLM companies but found them too restrictive so I started a monthly subscription kit for scrapbookers and worked with a global design team to create content and promote the kits.
Then a new season of life happened.
My kids were both in school and I lost interest in scrapbooking. However, while making scrapbooks, I learned a lot about photography. Big changes were afoot.
2010
Portrait Business
This was a natural offshoot from scrapbooking. I started out shooting on location but when lighting frustrations and weather limitations arose, I created a studio and worked with local hair and makeup professionals.
2018
Vanessa Aegirsdottir Co.
I was divorced, empty nesting, and looking for something new. I started a jewelry brand with a purpose with my partner (now husband)
2022
Opened Skagway Store
We opened our seasonal gift store in Skagway Alaska in an uncertain post-pandemic world. It was a leap of faith informed by a lifetime of experience.
Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year
George and I received this award from the Yukon First Nations Chamber of Commerce for 2024. It was a pivotal time for our companies.
Published my first book
I self published this book meant for those at the beginning of their product business journey to set them up for success.
Launched Coaching Practice
After many years of sharing for my expertise, I launched Ginger Profit Coach. A coaching service for women launching and scaling handmade product businesses.