Today we’d like to introduce you to Vannesa Vasquez
Hi Vannesa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Growing up, I was obsessed with movies, TV, and film—I romanticized life and all the ways it could look. But while I was busy dreaming big, I was also battling something personal: never feeling like I was “enough.” Not pretty enough, not fit enough, not confident enough. Cue decades of yo-yo dieting and self-doubt.
But there was one thing I always knew I was good at: storytelling. In high school, I was deep in digital media, yearbook, and even interned as a social media manager. I knew I wanted to create, to capture moments, to build something bigger than myself.
Then came 2012. I hit my heaviest weight—210 lbs—and something had to change. Enter: lifting. Someone in my circle introduced me to weight training, and I quickly discovered bodybuilding YouTube (aka the golden age of Gymshark hoodies and epic meal preps). I fell in love. Not just with training, but with the entire culture.
As I trained, I saw my body change. I built strength. Confidence. A little booty. And, naturally, I did what any millennial would do—I documented everything. This was the rise of Instagram, and I wanted a name that stood out. “ThatGirlSquats” was born. I imagined it on shirts, on merch, on a brand that would one day inspire others.
In 2014, I prepped for my first bodybuilding competition. I never made it to the stage—life, work, stress—it all got in the way. But one thing never changed: I kept documenting. My friends (lovingly) rolled their eyes when I pulled out my camera—“Oh, she’s taking more photos” or “Of course, she’s at the gym again.” But I didn’t care. I was building something.
Fast forward to 2020. I dropped everything and moved back to Texas. Just me, my husband, and our cat (soon to be joined by a dog). No friends, no network, just me and my camera. So, I did what I knew best: I challenged myself. I focused on my health, my brand (THEYGOTSHOTS & THATGIRLSQUATS), and my business.
By 2022, I stepped back on stage—and won my first show. But what I learned was bigger than just a trophy:
I could do it. The years of hard work? Worth it.
I was confident in my body—but my posing needed work. (LOL, real talk.)
I wanted to be behind the scenes.
I spent the next year deep-diving into photography and videography—not just for myself, but for others. Because now? I had friends. Connections. A community.
All of 2024, I shot for Battle Up Media, covered shows, and even shot at THE OLYMPIA. A literal dream.
Now, I get to wake up every day and capture the powerful moments, the behind-the-scenes hustle, and the real stories of athletes, entrepreneurs, and brands. I don’t just take photos—I help people step into their power.
It’s been decades in the making, but I wouldn’t change a thing.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Oh, absolutely. It’s been super easy, no challenges at all. (LOL, yeah right.)
The truth? This road has been anything but smooth. As a business owner, I wear all the hats—CEO, creative director, editor, marketer, accountant, and occasionally, my own therapist. It’s a lot.
There have been setbacks, sicknesses, and times when I just wasn’t as productive or communicative as I should’ve been. And let’s be real—running a small business doesn’t come with the stability of a cozy 9-5. There are moments of pure adrenaline (landing a dream client, shooting at Olympia, leveling up my craft) and moments of “oh sh*t, what now?”
But here’s what I’ve learned: every obstacle is an opportunity.
Even on the hardest days, I ask myself, “How can I be better? Even just a tiny bit?” And that’s how I keep moving—one rep, one shot, one lesson at a time.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in branding that actually makes an impact—from photography and videography to brand strategy, logo design, social media management, website creation, e-commerce, and consulting. Basically, if it involves making your brand look as powerful as your hustle, I’m on it.
But here’s the thing—I’m not just a “point-and-shoot” photographer.
– I don’t just take pictures—I create a vision. Anyone can snap a photo, but I capture the essence of YOU. Your goals, your brand, your energy—it all needs to come through in your content, and that’s where I come in.
– I bring strategy, not just aesthetics. Sure, making things look good is great. But making them work—helping you attract the right audience, scale your brand, and convert attention into business—that’s the game.
– I care (maybe too much, LOL). When I work with a client, I don’t just deliver content and move on. I invest. I want to see you win, grow, and dominate—because if YOU do well, I do well. And that means we get to create even more magic together.
What am I most proud of? Honestly, watching my clients evolve. Seeing them go from an idea to a fully realized brand, from unseen to unforgettable. That’s what drives me.
At the end of the day, I’m not just your media person—I’m your creative partner.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Honestly? I’m easy to please. My ideal day looks like this:
– Early morning gym session (because movement = self-care)
– A dog walk (bonus points if the weather is actually nice)
– A coffee date with my bestie (caffeine + good conversation = peak joy)
– Content creation with a fun client that challenges me (creativity thrives under a little pressure)
– Ending the day with a cozy movie with my husband (preferably with snacks involved)
– If calories didn’t count? Thai food, Indian food, or some solid chicken tendies.
– And finishing it all off with my favorite protein ice cream.
I thrive off the small things. Great food, great people, and the creation + consumption of inspiring content? That’s my happy place.
Also, my morning workouts? Non-negotiable. That’s my selfish time—because as any lifter knows, movement is an act of self-care. And if I don’t fill my own cup first, how am I supposed to pour into others?
Pricing:
- Boudoir Photography Starts at $200 a session
- Family Portrait, Headshot Photography Starts at $200 a session
- Gym Photography/Videography Starts at $200 a session
- Videography Starts $200 a session
- Special Event Coverage (photo/video) Starts at $500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thatgirlsquats.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thagirlsquats
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thatgirlsquats
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thagirlsquats
