I am possible with Inspiring Vanessa

Vanessa Sam,born 9.8.2006, aka “Inspiring Vanessa” is an international motivational multi award winning speaker (one of the youngest in UK), author of a book The 5 Secrets to Public Speaking success, Youtuber and an Artist.

Vanessa’s mission is to inspire children and adults around the world to believe in themselves and have the courage to be whoever they want to be. Vanessa has been trained and mentored by several top International Speakers and has shared the stage with the likes of Jairek Robbins, Eric Thomas, Eric Ho and Caleb Maddix speaking in front of thousands of people. Also been interviewed on London Live TV, appeared in local newspaper. Vanessa lives for personal development and has more charisma and wisdom that most adult speakers out there! Vanessa’s signature topics include: Mindset; Inspiration; Motivation; Love and Fear, Taking Action and Self-Belief. Her awards - Fearless Speaker Certificate - August 2016, Inspirational Young Persons Award -October 2016, Award of Appreciation- November 2016, Croydon Council Award for Good Citizen - March 2017, Master the Stage Certificate- May 2017, Volunteer of the Year 2017 - H Giving Charity, Positivity for Youth Award and becoming a Global ambassador for Round Table Organisation.

What inspires you?

The things that inspire me are people that complain about problems because then I can give them a solution and get to help them. My mum inspires me everyday to do my best and work hard. Ellen Degeneres is definitely one of my biggest inspirations.

You are a Speaker, Author, YouTuber and Artist and have been building up your own brand over the past year – what advice would you give to others who want to do that?

If you want to be a speaker, successful YouTuber or entrepreneur you need work hard for it. Many people look at what I do as "easy" but the only reason why I am successful with what I do is because I worked hard and I had an important purpose. 

What are your dreams for the future?

My dreams for the future is to travel around the world and be known as a speaker globally, I also want to have over 1 million subscribers on YouTube, my art work in famous galleries, to be an award-winning actress and to have been awarded an Oscar. 

Who is your role model and why?

Ellen Degeneres because she helps people in the best possible ways. Nobody needs to help people it's that we want to help and Ellen is in that section of people. I've always been brought up to help people and my mum is a huge part of my life.

What motivates you to do your very best?

The thing that inspires me to do my best is children. Children because they are our next generation and they bring life and happiness to this world, if we have the chance to inspire and help them to inspire others then we NEED to grab it!

Please finish this sentence: I am possible because….

I am possible because I am unique, special, outstanding, extraordinary, fabulous and inspiring.

What do you think of Isossy Children clothing? The brand aims to empower and inspire children who wear them – is that something you can see in the clothing?

I think it's important for clothes to express younger people and letting them be themselves. If I wore the clothes I would feel free, empowered , confident and brave . I would also feel graceful.

What words of wisdom do you think every child should grow up knowing?

When every child grows up they need to know that they are amazing, loved, unique and special. Every parent needs to tell their child that they love them and remember to always connect with the child and let the child open up.

Find Vanessa on social media - 

www.youtube.com/inspiringvanessa

www.facebook.com/inspiringvanessa

www.instagram.com/inspiringvanessa

www.twitter.com/inspiringvanessa

I am Possible with Natty Goleniowska

(Written with help from my Mum Hayley)

I am Natty and I’m ten years old.

I like horse-riding, watching films, singing and dancing. My favourite thing is having a friend for a sleep-over and swimming in the warm sea. I have a big sister called Mia and 2 Chihuahuas. I’m also a model and love going on TV. Sometimes I talk to student midwives and doctors.

I have Down’s syndrome and I am beautiful.

I am possible.

What inspires Natty?

We all have a lot to learn from Natty. She truly lives in the moment, and lives each day to the full. She treats everyone as an equal, no matter how famous they are she will still blow them a raspberry if she feels like it!

Natty has had to overcome obstacles in life, such as heart surgery when she was 2 years old and she needs a bit of extra support and effort to learn to do some things. But she goes through life joking and making new friends wherever she goes – most of the time. She does have her moments like the rest of us.

Natty adores the simple things in life. Not many children do an impromptu song and dance when they find their favourite cake in the shop.

What are Natty’s dreams for the future?

She would say to go on X Factor. I would say for her to lead as independent a life as possible with support. To get a job, live with friends or a partner, maybe get married one day. To enjoy all the same things as any other young person.

Tell us a little about being a model – you were one of the first models in the UK with a disability - what does this mean to you?

Natty was 4 years old when she first began to model and made her first live TV appearance on ITV Daybreak. In a way it has always been a part of her life every since and she takes it in her stride. She thinks that modelling is just fun, dressing up and playing with new friends. Her feet are firmly on the ground.

To me and other families with children with additional needs the symbol of children like Natty modelling is one of greater inclusion, of us all wanting to see ourselves represented in the media, of all children having worth. Natty she just squeals with excitement when she sees her face in print or on a poster.

Who is your role model and why?

Natty loves Little Mix like many little girls, but she also looks up to incredible women such as Sarah Gordy, who is an actress with Down’s syndrome, or Karen Gaffney who swam the English Channel and does public speaking. She also has the condition.

Please finish this sentence: I am possible because…

I see no limits.

Natty is unaware of the boundaries others set on what she can do because of her condition. She works tirelessly to achieve whatever she sets her heart on, and breaks down barriers and busts myths in the process.

Why do you like Isossy Children and how does it make you feel when you wear Isossy Children clothes (if you have worn them)?

I love the patterns. I think the Isossy dresses look really different and unusual, definitely clothes for girls with attitude! Natty likes to stand out in a crowd.

What words of wisdom do you think every child should grow up knowing?

You are unique. You are special. You are loved.

My Mum Hayley blogs about our family at Downs Side Up and she tweets and shares our pictures on Instagram @DownsSideUp too. We sometime do Facebook Live films as well, and lots of children watch with their parents https://www.facebook.com/downssideup/

My sister Mia and My mum wrote a book called I Love You Natty for children.