Not every journey follows a straight line.
In a recent conversation on the Motherland podcast, Vanessa Bell shares a deeply personal story of life, loss, resilience, and the unexpected path that led her from high fashion to raising a family in regional Australia.
Listen to the full Motherland Podcast episode here.
A life that changed direction
Vanessa’s early career began in the world of international fashion, travelling globally and working across leading publications.
From the outside, it looked like a life defined by opportunity and momentum. But behind the scenes, there were periods of significant personal challenge that forced a complete reset.
There were moments where everything stripped back, and the only option was to keep moving forward, one step at a time.
Starting again
Rebuilding didn’t happen overnight.
It came through small, steady decisions:
- choosing to keep going
- learning to trust herself again
- finding strength in unexpected places
Over time, that path led her away from the pace of city life and back to something more grounded.
Life in the bush
Today, Vanessa lives in the New England high country, raising her son Charlie and helping run large-scale agricultural operations with her husband Philip.
Life in the bush brings its own challenges:
- isolation
- unpredictability
- responsibility
But it also offers something else entirely:
- perspective
- connection
- and a different kind of strength
Motherhood and perspective
At the heart of the conversation is motherhood.
The reality of raising children while navigating work, identity, and personal growth is not always visible, but it is deeply felt.
Vanessa speaks openly about the balance between:
- showing up for her family
- building something meaningful
- and continuing to evolve as a woman
Backing yourself
If there is one thread that runs through the conversation, it is this:
The importance of backing yourself, even when the path is unclear.
Not every decision is perfect. Not every chapter is easy. But there is power in continuing to move forward, even when circumstances are uncertain.
From city lights to life on the land, the journey has been shaped by challenge, resilience, and a willingness to begin again.
It is a story not just of reinvention, but of building a life that feels grounded, intentional, and true.