“I felt a profound sense of warmth and admiration when I saw Ms. Vanessa Wallace, sitting next to us, taking care of a little baby. During our conversation, I learned that Ms. Wallace is a foster parent who rescues infants from dire circumstances of abandonment and neglect in Cape Town in South Africa. Vanessa possesses a genuinely compassionate heart, overflowing with love and kindness, particularly evident in her deep empathy towards children. Encounters with WOW Women like Vanessa serve as a reminder of humanity’s inherent goodness, renewing my faith in humans (much needed during these times especially). Our simple and to-the-point conversation below.”

- Olga Shmaidenko, Founder of WOW Woman.

Foster Parent, Kind Heart, Cape Town, South Africa

1. Name.

Vanessa Wallace.

2. Where is your hometown?

Cape Town, South Africa.

3. What is your profession/career/title/self-label/designation? What does your average day look like?

I worked for Pick 'n Pay for many years and then when my son was born premature, I decided to quit work and be at home with him for a while.

I am a mom at heart and have always loved being with children and loved having my own. now that they are older and all grown up I have found being a foster mom a bit of a replacement for the whole that has been left behind. I get up in the morning and feed Asanda, we change her and depending on the weather go for a walk or do an activity. We are very sociable with her and do a lot with her.

4. What did you study in school?

Marketing Mangement and Public relations and later on I did a catering course.

5. What was the journey like to get where you are (in life and career-wise)? Write about some of the achievements that you are most proud of. What was the moment for you that changed your life (in your personal life and/or career?) that set you on the current path in life?

I have been through a lot and persevered through many ups and downs. My mom was and remains an inspiration in my life, even 25 years after her passing. I still hear her voice in my ear, guiding me. She loved life and was very spiritual in her relationship with God. I look up to her in everything I do, the way she brought us up and connected with each one of her children.

Because I am a faithful person and know that God has brought me through so much, I am paying my way forward and doing things to honour Him. As a foster mom, I am giving back to Him in my own way. Taking in these unfortunate little babies into a better and safe world than they would have been in. They love you, look up to you and welcome all the love that you give. You can honestly feel the love through their little eyes and their laughter.

6. How is your life different from what you pictured at 20?

I always pictured myself as a mother and a wife, but never knew that it would have such an impact on my life. I found so much love, my husband is the most amazing person and he supports me in everything I do. My children have given me a few greys hairs, but each one is unique and I love them both equally and unconditionally.

7. Was there a time when life knocked you down or out and how did you get back up on your feet?

Plenty of times, but you get back up, dust yourself off and carry on stronger than before. My faith and my family have helped me through it all.

8. Advice for other women?

Be strong, keep your faith and never give up. We woman must stand by each other and support one another.

I feel that woman are strong and resilient and we don’t give up easily. We stand by each other and support each other, our doors and phone lines are always open in support of one another.

9. Where in the world do you feel “tallest” (i.e. where is your happy place)?

In my home while my kids visit or visiting them, and of course enjoying each others company.

10. What extracurricular activities/hobbies are you most proud of? Why?

I love taking walks, I also enjoy cooking. These activities truly relax me and offer a time out for me to just be.

11. Have you travelled solo? If so, which were some of the most memorable destinations and why? Why do you travel and would you recommend it to women?

I have never travelled further than South Africa and never solo. I love being with people and enjoying their company.

12. What do you want to be when you grow up? Future goals/challenges?

I want to be me, I don’t want to change much. I am blessed as I love being who I am and am comfortable in my own shoes.

13. What fears are you still hoping to overcome?

My fear of being alone and a fear of getting lost.

14. Anything you'd do differently, if you had another go at life?

I think I would be healthier and look after myself better.

15. What/who inspires you?

The power of women, the strength that we carry.

16. What are you hopeful about?

That people realize their individual potentials, and work together to make a better future for our children.

How did the global pandemic change your perspective about the world, about your life, your goals and dreams?

I think the pandemic has made me more fearful of the possibility of bad things happening in my life. I have become more family-oriented and more content with just being among loved ones.

18. What are (at least) three qualities you most love about yourself and why? What are your superpowers?

I love cooking and seeing people enjoying my food. I love people and in general, I am very friendly and courteous towards others. I think people can tell that I am a caring, loving and compassionate person.

19. What advice would you give your 14-year-old self? What advice would your 14-year-old self give you in return?

I think I would tell her to keep working hard and continue being strong. She would tell me to be myself and to never give up.

20. What are you reading now? (what books do you gift most and what are your favourite reads?)

I love romantic stories and also biographies. I am not reading anything at the moment, but once I get hold of a book that interests me, I usually can’t put it down.

21. Who is a WOW WOMAN in your world who inspires you and why? Can you nominate three (or more) women you know who perfectly fit WOW WOMAN description? What would you tell them, if you had an opportunity, about why you admire them?

My sister Renè, who has a heart of gold. She helped me bring my younger sisters up after our mom passed away. She took them into her home and raised them into the amazing women they are today. I want to tell her just how much I love her, how proud I am of what she did; I am sure that our mom would be proud of her too. I wish I could be more like her and that I could have been there for her more.

Bonus Quick Round Qs:

1. What and who is worth suffering for? My children and my husband. I love them so much and would do anything for them.

2. What would you do if you knew that nobody would judge you? Learn to swim properly.

3. Who is/are your mentor/s (these could be men or women in your life)? My husband, he stands by me, supports me and teaches me everyday.

4. If you didn't have to work anymore what would you do with your days? I would look for a little property, build a proper home for abandoned babies and children. I would look after them and love them every day.

5. If you could redo one year in your life differently, which one would it be? I think that the year when the pandemic started and everything that we missed.

6. What bothers you most about people? What do you love most about people? Inconsiderate and rude people bother me, who do not have compassion for others. I feel that people no longer communicate properly with one another and everything is done via phones, computers and technology. People need to be more verbal with each other, which will bring about kindness. I love when people show compassion, happiness and love for one another.