Lifestyle and travel content creator Victoria Vesce sat down with Spotlight for an exclusive interview. Vesce shared her brain tumor journey, discussed her The Cold Collective initiative, and more.
You’re originally from North Carolina. How did you land in Palm Beach?
I grew up coming to Palm Beach and this area my whole life. I fell in love with it as a kid and remember telling my mom that I wanted to live here one day. After my journey with my brain tumor, I decided to just do things and not think too much about them because overthinking is what hinders potential. Palm Beach has given me my sense of self again. I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else.
Why did you decide to start posting your lifestyle and travel content on social media?
I’ve always had an affinity for being creative; I’m a dreamer. I grew up in a small town where you are expected to go to school, get married, and have children. I started taking photos and creating YouTube content as a teenager but really fell in love with my creative side during the pandemic.
I’d built an audience on social media by being a dancer for the NBA at the time and also doing law school. I took the time during the pandemic to really hone in on creating content I felt proud of. After graduating from law school, I found my passion for travel and lifestyle content. I began working with hotels and took my first work trip to Egypt!
What type of message are you looking to send with your content?
While I was laying in a hospital bed after my brain tumor and couldn’t move or go to the bathroom by myself, something sparked within me. I realized I needed to seize life and take every opportunity I could because we only get one of them. I’ve struggled with anxiety, depression, and grief which I share with my followers, but I really try and encourage them to live their lives to the fullest with my content.
You survived a traumatic brain tumor and are an advocate for women struggling with PCOS. Why did you decide to share such vulnerability with your followers?
I want to be the person I needed when I was a teenager. People need to hear the real stuff. I used to be too perfect on Instagram and always tried to curate the perfect content, but once I started sharing more about my brain tumor journey, I saw my impact. I now have a good balance of both on my socials.
How has creating this inspiring community been fulfilling for you?
When I get messages from people who love my content and vulnerability it makes me feel really good. It also helps me with my own struggles. I’ve experienced so much grief and opening up to my followers is therapeutic for me. I love connecting with people all over the world!
We have to talk about The Cold Collective which you co-founded. Tell us about this organization!
When I first moved to Palm Beach, I was going to a 24-hour gym because my schedule was all over the place. I ended up really connecting with the owner and his wife. She was a former NFL Cheerleader for the Miami Dolphins, and with my NBA background, we just clicked.
The couple became my little family. One day, we were talking about how much I love to run events. During that time, he was setting up a cold plunge studio, which promotes wellness. It’s really helped me with my PCOS and workout recovery. He asked if I’d be interested in hosting an event with him and it blossomed into this beautiful initiative. It’s been amazing and so inspiring.
Do you have any events coming up that you can share with us?
Yes! Our next cold plunge event is May 10th right at the waterfront lawn where all the beautiful yachts are. May is also Brain Tumor Awareness Month, so we’ll be donating 10% of ticket sales to the National Brain Tumor Society. It’s also Mother’s Day that weekend, so moms can plunge for free!
What’s next for you?
Expanding The Cold Collective to new cities, working on influencer retreats, and I have some big projects coming up. I’m really excited for the rest of the year!
