💌 Letters From the Editor
Here, you’ll find my latest letters:
08.29.2025
August Letter from the Editor: A Creative Life in Motion
On summiting Machu Picchu, embracing duality, and a few exciting projects.
“Tomo las oportunidades cuando vengan, come, rie, ama, viaja, baila, disfruta y ente todas las cualidades que puedos escoger, dije ser bueno. y...Chulla Vida!”
(Translated: “Take opportunities when they come. Eat, laugh, love, travel, dance, and enjoy. Among all the qualities to be, be good. And...carpe diem!”)
- Emilia, a new friend from Ecuador
A Peek Inside My Brain
Ascending the high, sacred lands of Machu Picchu can be a bit like living in the body of a severed worker from the Apple TV sci-fi series “Severance.”
An odd juxtaposition, I know. But…
When gazing onto the ruins of the massive citadel, surrounded by towering peaks and a thick fog, I can only compare my experience at its summit to when Adam Scott’s character (in Season 2) wavers between the glitchy realities of his “innie” and “outie”.*
In constant conflict are moments of clarity and overwhelm: an oxymoronic urgency to be at peace.
72 hours ago, following a 2-day-long hike along the original Inca Trail through the Peruvian Andes — weaving between the forests of the Urubamba River Valley — I arrived at Machu Picchu from the southeast “Sun Gate” (an entrance to the archaeological site that sits on the original Inca Trail and strategically aligned to the summer solstice sunrise).
Slightly past 3:30pm, and with my back completely drenched in sweat, I looked onto one of the greatest marvels of our present planet.
The emergence of the ancient city through soaring mountain ranges mirrors that feeling of seeing a loved one after decades — at first, way off in the distance and a vague silhouette, then (gradually) closer and in absolute focus.
It was surreal.
As was the journey: a multi-day ascend (accompanied by new friends and stewards of the land), visits to several sacred sites on the way up (climbing over 1,000 steps inside these ruins and learning the stories of its people), and being immersed in the rich history of the region.
To be honest, my decision to visit Machu Picchu was unremarkable: to undertake a brag-worthy physical challenge and embark on whatever internal journey the feat would present.
But, what I experienced transcended that.
As chirpy swallows circled above, hummingbirds twinkled in my periphery, and vibrant flora outstretched toward the ever disappearing and re-appearing sun rays, I remember feeling completely embraced by the valley: entranced by the co-creative and harmonious works of nature and humans.
It was actually quite fascinating to be in community with others who were embarking on this trek for unique reasons of their own — collectively imprinting our footsteps into sand and stone that were once built to decipher the universe, and for ceremony, prestige, security, and refuge.
At the same time, though, it was disturbingly easy to remove this lens and reintegrate into a very commercialized and material world:
large tour groups with matching t-shirts and extended selfie sticks,
people posing “candidly” with their backs facing strategically-placed photographic apparatuses, and
swarms of buzzing voices hassling each other about stuff (a snack, the nearest bathroom, a change of clothes, a better photo, a hotel reservation…)
“Ojalá podamos merecer que nos llamen locos, como han sido llamadas locas las Madres de Plaza de Mayo, por cometer la locura de negarnos a olvidar en los tiempos de la amnesia obligatoria.”
(Translation: I hope we can deserve to be called crazy, as the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo have been called crazy, for committing the madness of refusing to forget in the times of obligatory amnesia.)
-Nathaly, from Ecuador, quoting Uruguayan writer Eduardo Galeano
My brain kept on being pulled in and out of this dual reality — struggling with the truth that I am a part of both: a grounded and introspective existence, as well as an often-indulgent and consumerist daily routine.
After all, to be human is to grapple with the edges of our identity.
Dreaming Aloud: What’s in the Works at Tomatokind
You’ve heard me say it before: “this summer has been one of the most pivotal (and privileged) seasons of my life.”
In no other time have I faced change and disruption with endless dreams of abundant possibility (even with tragedy happening all around the world, everyday). And, I know I am not the only one.
Constantly, I connect with friends (old and new) and exchange that contagious frequency of speaking our passions and creativity into life: phone calls filled with life anecdotes and burning ideas, multi-colored sidewalk chalk sketches (or on virtual whiteboards) that look like they might actually pop straight to life, and book clubs that behave more like artistic mutual aid. If anything, chaos requires the energy and optimism of art and creativity.
So, here’s an invite to what’s in the works at Tomatokind:
“Gather: A Living Guide to Creative Spaces & Community” (Coming Soon)
I’m building a small but growing tool to help creatives and entrepreneurs find inspiring spaces and collaborators — kind of like a curated directory of where creativity is happening in our communities. We’ll start with one city or niche and expand together, and I’d love your input on where this begins (and goes)! Look out for a short survey in your inbox next week.
Announcing “Possibilities Club Field Trip” (October 27)
This inaugural outing will bring together a small circle of creatives for a day of stepping outside our comfort zones (physically + mentally). Together, we’ll take on a challenging feat and welcome the kind of intuition and perspectives that can open new doors for our creative pursuits. The waitlist drops October 27.
Other Things Happening in Fall 2025
This quarter, Tomatokind will be celebrating the creative journeys of artist Sophia Sattar and storyteller Mary McGreevey (with a couple pending guests to be announced).
I will be sharing access to the 3rd Annual Pay Yourself Summit (a dynamic industry event for which I will be featured as a speaker this year).
You will be invited to follow along our adventures to South Africa and Kenya.
And, I will be spotlighting some talented individuals whose arts have made a personal impact on my life (hint: recent nuptials <3)
So, come co-create with me!
As always, I would love to hear from you — What is inspiring you lately? What stories, offerings, and gatherings are you most excited about?
Perhaps you are looking for a creative collaborator? I am connected to over 600 filmmakers, musicians, craftspeople, artists, storytellers, community leaders, shop owners, and designers around the world - and am constantly connecting them with each other. Let me know if I can help!
Hit reply or DM me on Instagram.
With that, here are a few more words from my travels…
“Humildad y aceptación con sigo mismo, perseverante con tus metas, buena buena voluntad y agradecido con lo que tenemos…y tratar de hacer las cosas con amor y no esperar nada a cambio.”
(Translation: Have humility and acceptance for yourself. Persevere with your goals, have good will, and be grateful for what you have. And, try to do things with love and expect nothing in return.)
-Gerald and Priscilla, a couple who hosted me in their home in Costa Rica
With zeal and gratitude for this creative life,
Vanessa
*The show “Severance” follows the lives of those who undergo a surgery to split their consciousness: a work self (“innie”) with no memory of their personal life, and a home self (“outie”) with no memory of their time at work. It’s intense (to say the least).