Hi! I’m Veronica.

You can call me Vern. But don’t actually call me because I get nervous every time the phone rings. You can message me though. I’m cool with that.

I (sometimes) send out emails where I stop being polite and start getting real.

I stole that last part from the opening of The Real World. I love tv. And movies. Occasionally I work as crew on local short films. I’ve had super cool jobs like director, screenwriter, camera gal, production assistant and script supervisor

• I’ve been on three winning teams for my city’s annual film festival, CC7D.

• The third time (out of 4) I competed in the festival, I led my own team (wrote & directed). We were nominated for Best Original Song. As director I realized I’m not great at telling people what to do. (Other than the Hubs.) I’m working on this.

Severe anxiety, ptsd, people pleasing, the death of my mom, losing weight, gaining weight, being a bridesmaid 14 times…

I write about my life.

Life, but not in a sad and whiny way. More like a fun, “Oh shit! Life is crazy! But we’re all in this together, so take comfort my friend, you are not alone,” kinda way.

Okay, a lot of times, I’m sad and whiny too.

• My first original column, “What’s the Deal Vern?” was for my college paper in 2009. I had my roommate at the time send in a review of praise for me. I’m not extremely proud (or ashamed) of that moment.

• A couple of years later I wrote a monthly column in a local magazine, FYI. “Diary of a Fat Chick” was about my life, my weight loss journey and my struggle to find my purpose. The first edition began with a line I’ve always loved, “Have you ever been on the verge…of really breaking down or really breaking through?” That space in between is where I find myself often.

Build the business of your dreams.

Being an entrepreneur is scary and confusing and exciting. I started my own business in 2018; it was growing pretty rapidly. I had a great little following, a great little success and a great amount of momentum and potential. Then COVID hit and I had to put everything on hold. Then life (as it tends to do) threw me a few curveballs and the past few years have been tough all around. But my business brings me so much joy, I couldn’t let it go.

Down but not out. I’m starting again.

If the past few years have taught me anything… it’s the correct way to spell entrepreneur.

Entrepreneur.

• I served on the board of the local Women’s Entrepreneur Society (WES) in 2020-2021, was President in 2022 and Former President in 2023. Joining this group of female small business owners is one of the best things I’ve done for myself and my business. I highly encourage you to find a group to help you thrive.

• In 2020 I was nominated for the Corpus Christi Local’s List “Best Pop-up Vendor”. I didn’t win but it truly was an honor to be nominated (as they say in the biz).

I like big butts and I cannot lie.

I’m with Sir Mix-a-lot. Truly. I like big butts. I’ve always had a flat, pancake butt. I’ve been trying to work on that with exercise. I think it’s working. I know I’m working pretty damn hard. I’ve lost and kept off over 50 pounds in the past 5 years and it has taken everything I’ve got mentally and physically. I’ve tried everything from Weight Watchers (loved) to starving (hated) to thoughts and prayers. Finally I settled on changing my diet and adding exercise (boring, I know). My journey is far from over.

• I went through a phase where I ran every 5K in the city. It was a great time and I collected lots of t-shirts and medals. Now I stick to our annual team relay marathon, Beach to Bay, which attracts runners from around the country. (There’s also free beer at the finish line.)

• Working out was the secret ingredient I’d been missing my whole life because it changed me mentally. Exercise helps me feel strong. I’m now one of those people that checks out my own ass in store windows and random mirrors and I’m not sorry about it.

Having a dog is nothing like having a human kid.

At least that’s what my friends with kids and my sister tell me. Usually they’re rolling their eyes when saying that.

Either way, I love the crap out of my dogs even though they boss me around. I imagine human children do the same to their parents.

The Hubs and I have spent years working with animal rescues.

• The Hubs and I have volunteered with many non profits. We’ve done everything from clothing drives for homeless shelters to working with Habitat for Humanity.

• In 2019 I had the honor of being chosen for the third oldest community leadership program in the state, Leadership Corpus Christi. (Class 48, #great48 #bestclassever.)

Somewhere between a party & a prayer.

I spent so many years not liking myself. Trying different weight loss fads, trying not to step on any toes, trying to curate the perfect morning routine. Green juice. Meditation. Yoga. Church. Forgiveness and all that jazz. This must be the way to my most authentic self.

Social butterfly. Parties. Martinis. Big hair, big laugh, eating entire charcuterie boards on my own while binging Bravo shows. Maybe this is the way to my most authentic self?

Which version was really me?