Vanessa LaCorte proves that confidence, beauty, and ambition only grow stronger with time. A dedicated fitness enthusiast, model, mother of three, and accomplished pageant titleholder, she is redefining what it means to age gracefully while inspiring women to embrace every stage of life with strength and authenticity.
1. How has your relationship with aging evolved over the years, and what does aging gracefully mean to you personally?
Aging gracefully means embracing every stage of life with confidence, gratitude, and purpose. It’s about taking care of your mind, body, and spirit while recognizing that beauty evolves. I don’t see aging as something to fear—I see it as a privilege. Every year brings more wisdom, resilience, and authenticity, and I believe those qualities are even more beautiful than youth.
2. You have maintained an incredible physique after having children. What has been the key to staying strong, healthy, and confident in your body?
The key has always been consistency. I prioritize strength training, quality nutrition, hydration, and proper recovery rather than chasing quick fixes. Becoming a mother taught me to appreciate what my body is capable of, and my goal shifted from simply looking good to becoming strong, healthy, and energetic for both myself and my family.
3. Has motherhood changed the way you approach fitness, beauty, and self-care?
Absolutely. Motherhood gave me a much deeper appreciation for my body and everything it has accomplished. It also taught me that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Taking care of my physical and mental well-being allows me to show up as the best version of myself for my children, my career, and my own happiness.
4. What does your current workout routine look like, and how has it evolved as your body and lifestyle have changed?
Health is a daily commitment for me. I strength train, stay active, prioritize quality sleep, eat plenty of protein and whole foods, and stay hydrated. Mentally, I protect my peace by practicing gratitude, surrounding myself with positive people, spending time in nature, and making time for things that bring me joy. I believe taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.
5. Are there any supplements, wellness practices, or daily rituals that you consider essential to looking and feeling your best?
Absolutely. I believe looking your best starts with feeling your best, and that comes from being consistent rather than chasing quick fixes. I prioritize strength training, quality sleep, hydration, and nourishing my body with whole foods. I also take a daily multivitamin, magnesium, creatine, amino acids, collagen, hyaluronic acid, and NAD as part of my wellness routine. I spend time outdoors, manage stress, and make movement a non-negotiable. To me, aging well is about supporting your body from the inside out so you have the energy, confidence, and vitality to live life to the fullest.
6. When it comes to maintaining a healthy body, how do you balance discipline with enjoying life?
For me, discipline creates freedom. I don’t rely on willpower because I’ve built healthy habits into my daily routine, so making healthy choices feels natural. I believe consistency matters far more than perfection. I enjoy vacations, celebrations, and the occasional cheat meal without guilt because life is meant to be lived. I never binge eat, I rarely drink alcohol, and if I’m craving something sweet it’s usually dark chocolate. My one guilty pleasure is black licorice! I focus on balance because that’s what makes a healthy lifestyle sustainable for the long term.
7. Pageantry has been an important part of your journey. What has competing taught you about confidence, resilience, and self-presentation?
Pageantry has taught me that resilience comes from having the courage to keep showing up, regardless of the outcome. It has shown me that true confidence isn’t about perfection—it’s about authenticity and believing in yourself.
Most importantly, I’ve learned that self-presentation is about carrying yourself with grace, purpose, and kindness, because that’s what leaves a lasting impression.
8. Do you see yourself continuing to compete in pageants in the future? Are there any new titles or goals you would still love to pursue?
I feel incredibly grateful for my pageant journey and the titles I’ve earned, and I believe I have accomplished what I set out to do in that space. Pageants are subjective, and for me, they have been incredible door-openers that allowed me to grow, connect, and share my story. Moving forward, I’m excited to expand my modeling career and potentially build a business centered around training, mentoring, and empowering women to become the best version of themselves.
9. How has your experience in pageantry influenced your career in modeling and the way you feel in front of the camera?
Pageantry has transformed the way I show up as a model. Coming back to the industry in my 40s, after years of raising my three children, taught me that confidence, life experience, and authenticity are powerful assets in front of the camera. Pageantry has strengthened my stage presence, helped me embrace my unique story, and allowed me to bring more depth, emotion, and confidence into every photo and runway moment.
10. The fashion and modeling industries have traditionally placed a strong emphasis on youth. Do you think the perception of age and beauty is finally changing?
Yes, I believe the perception of age and beauty is finally evolving. Beauty is no longer defined by a number, and women are proving that confidence, experience, and authenticity only become stronger with time. I’ve embraced that evolution by continuing to model in my 40s and showing that a woman can reinvent herself, break barriers, and step into her power at any stage of life. Age is not a limitation—it’s part of the story that makes us even more beautiful.
11. What advice would you give to women who want to return to fitness, modeling, or even pageantry after having children or later in life?
My advice would be to believe that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. After having children, I learned that your body may change, but your strength, confidence, and dreams can continue to grow. Start where you are, stay consistent, and don’t let age or the opinions of others define what you’re capable of. Your life experience is not a disadvantage—it’s your greatest asset, and it gives you a depth and confidence that cannot be taught.
12. Looking ahead, what are your biggest ambitions in fitness, modeling, pageantry, and your personal life?
Looking ahead, my ambition is to continue growing as a fitness and commercial model, with the goal of working with major brands, expanding my portfolio, and stepping onto larger stages like New York and Paris Fashion Week. Pageantry has been a powerful chapter in my journey and a platform that opened doors, but I’m excited to channel that experience into mentoring and empowering other women through training, confidence, and wellness. Personally, my greatest ambition is to continue raising my three children with strong values while building a life that reflects courage, discipline, and the belief that reinvention is always possible.
Model: Vanessa LaCorte @vvlacorte
Photographer: Sasha Hulova
Make up and hair: Daria Matiunina
Agency: Firebird PR Agency @firebirdpragency