Interview: Life Coaching with Vanessa Christenson

This month in the Longarm League, I sat down with life coach Vanessa Christenson. You may recognize her as the longtime fabric and pattern designer of V and Co. After hearing from League member Kaitlyn Howell (Knot and Thread Design) about her experience working with Vanessa, and chatting with Vanessa in person at a recent show, I thought it would be great to have a deeper discussion with her and share more about her life coaching offerings with our members.

While League members have full access to the recording of the call, we asked Vanessa to share a little more about herself and her business with our blog readers.

Without further ado, let's meet Vanessa...

Vanessa Christenson, V and Co

Located: Hiawatha, Iowa
In business: 15 years designer, 4 years lifecoaching

Where to find Vanessa
Website: https://www.vanessachristenson.com
Instagram: @vchristenson or @vchristensoncoach
What's the best way for someone to contact you if they're interested in working with you? Through my website there’s a tab that is for Life Coaching. If you click on that, you can sign up for a free 45 meeting with me for a consultation to see if we are the right fit and if now is the time for you to move forward! Hope to meet you soon!

Q&A

Tell us a little about your business and the life coaching services you provide at V and Co.
I work with individuals who are in the quilting industry, who find themselves overwhelmed by procrastination, or stumbling blocks by their work, and life, in and outside of the industry. I’m also a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach.

What are some indicators life coaching might be a good fit for someone?
If there are any goals you are not hitting, get a life coach. Feeling overwhelmed or don’t know where to start on balancing work and life and family? A life coach can help. Looking at having a better relationship with food and exercising? I’m also certified in those criteria.

A life coach can help you see the obstacles in your way when you might not know how to get over or around them. A life coach is also great for accountability and moving the needle forward sustainably.

What's something you wish everyone knew about life coaching?
It can seriously change your life so that it works like well oiled machine. It doesn’t take away trials, but it can help you know how to better navigate through them!

What is your favorite notion for quilting?
Honestly: starch and an awl. They make me a better piecer!

What's your favorite part of making a quilt?
Hand binding!!! I love it!

What other hobbies do you enjoy aside from quilting?
Running, and reading, and I kind of also love to decorate spaces.

Any book, podcast, TV show or other media you've been loving lately or would recommend?
Hmm, well, I have been really into self help books lately, my top favorite for change is “Feel the Fear...and Do It Anyway” by Susan Jeffers. And of course “Atomic Habits” by James Clear; that one is on loop!

If you'd like to watch the interview with Vanessa, or are interested in being a guest, we'd love to have you join us! Whether you're interested in starting your own longarm quilting business, or wanting to improve your current business, check out our Rookie Season course! You can see all the details, read about how the course has helped previous students, and get started here.

Thanks so much for talking with us this month, Vanessa!