We recently had the chance to connect with Vanessa Hampton and have shared our conversation below.
Vanessa, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
“A normal day for me right now means there really is no normal. During the week I’m constantly shifting between businesses—managing operations, supporting my team, answering emails, meeting with clients, brainstorming with collaborative partners, and networking. The pace is busy, but I do have a couple of anchor points that ground my week: one massage client I still work with personally, and Thursday afternoons, which I always reserve for my favorite new role—being a grandma.”
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I like to say I’m all things fitness and wellness. I started out as a personal trainer and licensed massage therapist and built my first business, BodyWell, around helping people live healthier and feel their best. Today, BodyWell has grown into a team of talented massage therapists and trainers who share that same mission.
In 2024, I opened B2 Wellness Suites, a shared office community for wellness professionals. What started as one location quickly expanded twice to meet demand, and I’ve since opened a complete second location as well. Together, our spaces are now home to more than 60 practitioners, from massage therapists and acupuncturists to nurse practitioners and chiropractors.
The best part of B2 has been the community that formed so naturally. It made me realize just how important connection is for people in the wellness and fitness space, especially those running their own businesses. That’s what inspired my newest venture, Well Pro Thrive—a social networking and collaboration community created specifically for wellness and fitness professionals. At the heart of everything I do is a love for helping people and creating spaces and connections where wellness can truly thrive.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
Until I found fitness when I was 35, I unintentionally often made choices that made my journey more difficult. I never truly felt strong, confident, or worthy to that point. Going through very difficult times forced me to discover my strength, and while that journey shaped me into the person I am proud to be today, I’ve realized that part of the ‘tough layer’ I built to survive no longer serves me. My strength now runs much deeper. I’ve recently become aware of the wall of armor I’ve carried for a long time, and I’m doing the work to take it down so I can grow, move forward, and become an even better version of myself.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Never. At my core, I am a survivor. I’ve certainly felt defeat and fear, but even in those moments I’ve always found a renewed sense of determination. Every low point has fueled my fire and opened new doors. I truly feel blessed in this way—it’s my superpower. For me, it comes from being flexible in my expectations and choosing to move with life instead of getting stuck in what I thought it should look like.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely. I’ve never been good at putting on a show. Surface-level emotion doesn’t sit right with me—I can feel it from others, and it makes me uncomfortable. I’ve always aimed to show up authentically for everyone, and I think that authenticity has been a big part of my success. I’m all about being real.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I’m most at peace when I’m having deep, meaningful conversations with my closest people and can express the emotions that run deep inside me. I also love the quiet, simple moments—like having my morning coffee by the ocean.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.b2suites.com, www.wellprothrive.com, www.bodywelltn.com
- Instagram: @b2suites, @wellprothrive, @bodywelltn1
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-hampton-7627aa2b4
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BodyWellTN/, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558684167550
