Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Nwokoye.
Hi Vanessa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Thank you so much for having me! My journey began in nursing, where I discovered a deep love for supporting others during their most vulnerable times. This inspired me to pursue a Master’s degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner, with a focus on treating the whole person rather than just symptoms.
Along the way, I developed a passion for teaching and mentoring, which led me to found The Nurtured Practice, a business dedicated to helping emerging healthcare professionals become confident leaders by showing them how to run their care like a business.
Authenticity is central to my definition of excellence, it’s what allows us to bring our whole selves to the work we do. During my years at the bedside, I saw how many nurses, included myself, nurtured creative gifts beyond their clinical roles. Over time, my own interests evolved into aesthetics, fashion, and social media marketing. I’ve also had the privilege of guiding local clinics in social media strategy and building a personal platform centered on accessible luxury style.
Though my career path hasn’t been traditional, it’s been rich with purpose and growth. I believe embracing duality allows us to serve in multiple capacities and live as our most aligned, authentic selves.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Ha, it really depends on what “smooth” means. I believe expecting a perfectly easy journey, especially when you’re forging a path that’s less conventional, is unrealistic. My journey has included failures and pivots, but I don’t see failure as a setback; rather, it’s an opportunity to learn and grow.
I believe what’s most important is listening to that small inner voice that urges you to keep going, even when fear or doubt tries to hold you back. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or simply aiming to break free from others’ expectations, there’s always a voice that encourages comfort over growth. However, it’s our job to embrace stepping outside our comfort zone with the belief that it will pay off in the end.
I’ve learned that quieting that fear comes from staying connected to my “why,” the purpose that motivates me to keep moving forward. Over time, I’ve seen that even a small amount of faith, backed by consistent action, can move mountains and create incredible progress.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a Family Nurse Practitioner, entrepreneur, and aesthetic provider based in the Houston and Sugar Land area. My work centers on helping people feel their best, both inside and out. Whether it’s through aesthetics or helping others excel in their medical careers, my philosophy is simple: we thrive when we balance purpose and passion.
What sets me apart is my experience in frontline nursing, aesthetic artistry, and social media marketing. Although these fields are different, they all share one foundation: customer service. In a world where every person deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued, it’s a privilege to use my skills to help others feel that way.
I’m most proud of the many hats I’ve worn throughout my career. As a student, you’re trained to follow one path, but I’ve had the opportunity to branch into many different roles. Founding my business, The Nurtured Practice, and publishing my first book, The Confident FNP: A Practical Guide for First-Year Family Nurse Practitioners, have been two major highlights. They remind me of how far I’ve come since being a new graduate and how truly limitless our potential can be. I hope others realize that too.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
This is a great question because I owe so much of my success to my mentors. There are countless mentors available today, but it’s important to focus on the impact that person has—both on you and on the greater whole.
I started by learning from free and low-cost sources such as books, podcasts, and videos. I’ve also been extremely blessed to work alongside incredible leaders and colleagues. Over time, I invested in business coaches whose values align with mine. They have deeply invested in their own growth and networks and possess wisdom far beyond my current level.
For networking and finding mentors, I recommend joining communities or attending events where you feel inspired by the people around you. Reach out authentically and aim to add value; people appreciate genuine curiosity and commitment. Most importantly, get comfortable being uncomfortable. A good mentor will stretch you, challenge your blind spots, and call out patterns that may hold you back, all while offering solutions that move you closer to your purpose.
One key piece of advice I’ve learned is to stay humble throughout the process. Listen more than you speak. Absorb as much knowledge as you can, especially from those who have walked paths you are just beginning to explore. Respecting those who came before you and learning from their experiences will save you time, money, and unnecessary hardship.
Growth isn’t always easy, but with the right guidance and a spirit of humility, it’s worthwhile.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theconfidentfnp.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessanwo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanessa.nwokoye
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-nwokoye-5606b7251
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@vanessanwo
- Other: https://share.google/tJakcFcecvN2v7gmc
