Meet Vanessa Chaverri-gratz of Grosse Ile

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Chaverri-gratz

Hi Vanessa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m a Texas native now living in Michigan. My husband and I were scrolling Trulia very casually one evening just for fun when we happened upon the most charming and beautiful Tudor on a little island in Michigan. Before we knew it, we were moving cross country to live out our Historic Home dreams.

Now I share the design and decor of our home online to over 200,000 followers and am loving every second of our journey. I’m so thankful for the support and opportunities that have come through this home!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Purchasing an old home definitely comes with its challenges – they don’t make them like they used to but with that it can be hard to find experts in the nuances of radiant heating, plaster walls, and other particular materials this home has. You really have to LOVE old homes to sign up for one.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
By day, I’m a corporate employee where I work in Talent Acquisition of Optometry. I’ve been with my company almost 10 years now.
In addition to my corporate role, I’m now a full-time content creator as well. It makes for very busy days but I love both!

I would say most people now know me for the design and decor of our Michigan home. In particular, my love of the color green, use of mood and warmth, as well as my deep love for layering vintage and antique items throughout our house. I love a collected look and I’m not shy about that.
I’ve had the opportunity to work with some amazing brands through my social media and I’m truly just getting started.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Growing up my mom was a lover of old homes, she also loved all things vintage and antique. Hilariously I didn’t love any of it until I got into my 20’s. So she was definitely my beginning inspiration for the design and decor of our home. My dad was the one who regularly instilled in me that I can have whatever I want out of life, I just need to ask for it and be unapologetic about my work for it. I feel like the combination has lead me to where I am. A lot of the opportunities that I have had came because I directly asked for them.

My husband is also a huge factor in my success of content creating and sharing our home with so many. He’s such a massive support and is always cheering me on. Every opportunity, every new project, he encourages me to go for it and helps with a lot of the heavy lifting (both figuratively and literally).

My family and friends are all so incredibly supportive as well. It makes a big difference when the people in your life are rooting for you.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @thegratzlife
• Facebook: @thegratzlife
• Twitter: @thegratzlife