Stilettos & Sippy Cups!
When Vanessa Barnett isn’t interviewing local Los Angeles moms for her Stilettos & Sippy Cups personal blog, she’s interviewing Hollywood celebrities on the red carpet.
The Los Angeles mommy of Charlie, 4 and Navy 1, studied broadcast journalism at Howard University and moved to Los Angeles from her hometown of Flint, Michigan with dreams of landing a job in the entertainment industry. Her charisma and hard work paid off almost immediately. Two days after arriving in Los Angeles, she was working as a Production Assistant at Entertainment Tonight.
Today, she works as a regular host and producer for such hit shows as Dr. Drew, Revolt, and most recently, Access Hollywood.
“I’ve interviewed every celebrity in my bucket list…except Beyoncé,” says Vanessa.
She initially launched her blog as a platform to share her experiences as a Black woman balancing motherhood and an entertainment career but Stilettos & Sippy Cups has evolved into a one-stop shop for all LA Moms interested in learning about local places and resources to support their motherhood journey.
“Stilettos and Sippy Cups aims to take the monotony out of motherhood and introduce the idea of a worldly, fashionable, chic woman who adores mommy life, but doesn’t get lost in it,” says Vanessa.
You’re amazing, Mama! Thanks for bringing your positive energy to Los Angeles and gracing us with your charm on-air and on our computer screens!
What inspired you to become a blogger?
Initially, when I set out to start blogging, it was solely to tell my story and share my experiences as a Black woman, working in entertainment and balancing wife-life and motherhood. But, soon after I started, I found that learning from other mothers, bonding over shared experiences and joining the fierce & fearless community of badass mamas was immensely fulfilling and it is the fuel that keeps me going.
What is your proudest Mommy Blogger Moment?
Well, to be quite honest, being featured as a “Wow Mom” is a pretty big moment for me! I so appreciate the support and positivity from Mommy In Los Angeles Magazine ️
What’s your favorite place to take the kids in LA?
I love taking the kiddos to the library (right across the street from our house). I grew up going all the time and it fostered my love of reading tremendously. It’s such a joy to see my daughter enjoy picking out books and reading to her baby brother. Plus, our local branch has tons of activities for kids every week. Annnnnd there’s a park right next door … win-win!
What’s your favorite LA hang out without the kids?
Anywhere with good shopping and great food. Recently, I’ve been loving the new and improved Century City Mall.
What’s your best motherhood advice?
Be like Elsa and “Let it go!” The mom guilt, the stressing, the obsessing … let it all go. Trust your instincts and enjoy the roller coaster ride of motherhood. You won’t get it right everyday and that’s ok. Just keep striving to do the best you can and let love lead the way (I swear I didn’t mean for that to rhyme).
Connect with Vanessa!
Blog: Stilettos & Sippy Cups
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vlbarnett
Instagram: @TheeVanessaB
Twitter: @TheeVanessaB