” VANESSA’S SECRET GARDEN “

The ability to plant seeds all over the garden was the reason why we wanted to engage this master gardener, Vanessa. A master gardener has the ability to know where to plant seeds, because of the soil and its surroundings; this model knew exactly where and how to position herself in the garden so that the natural light could touch her beauty in the right places. We were intrigued by this model’s movements in her garden; so much so, that we learn about her style of dress and the fedoras she loves to wear in the garden. The rose color bodysuit that Vanessa wore in the garden was stunning and was radiant from the natural light from the sun, and the beautiful rose bushes that were wrap beside her.

Secret Garden Interview

Who is Vanessa Ordonez? Hello! My name is Vanessa Ordóñez. I am a Mexican American model and commercial actress that has a passion for Biology and helping others through medicine. Growing up in San Diego, the place where the arts met science was my performing arts high school, SCPA, that taught me it’s possible to do both- academics and the arts- through dance, because I had always struggled with my own personal physical insecurities. I wanted to overcome that by becoming more comfortable in my skin and make a positive impact in the beauty industry for people who may have struggled with the same personal barriers. This is how I found myself with a growing passion for modeling. I’ve been fortunate enough to accomplish this by graduating in 2023 from UCSD with my bachelor’s in general biology while still participating in San Diego Swim Week 2022, New York Fashion Week September 2022 and Los Angeles Fashion Week 2022.

2. What was special about this shoot, Secret Garden? This photoshoot was special to me because it is the first time that I did a lingerie shoot for my portfolio, something that I have been looking forward to doing for quite some time now but haven’t done due to mental restrictions from my insecurities and worrying about what others would think. This is me allowing myself to be free in my divine femininity, enjoying my youth, and finally loving myself enough to portray myself in a more delicate manner.

3. How does modeling make you feel overall? How did the fedoras transform your personality in this shoot? What started off as a hobby has become a large passion and part of my life. I am extremely grateful for the opportunities, people and places that this occupation has connected me with but most importantly modeling has allowed me to connect to myself and deal with insecurities and parts of myself that I don’t consider conventionally “pretty” and embracing my flaws to the point of loving what sets me apart. Finally, the best part of my job is being able to be a different person, character, and emote different emotions based on the project- it feels like I’m healing my inner child who loves to dance and act. The fedora in this shoot just exemplifies a type of persona that I am embodying -of confidence and seduction- through the various images.

4. What are your goals in modeling? Will there be a sequel to Secret Garden? If so, can you tell your viewers what to expect from you differently than the first one? My goal in modeling is to be a positive role model within the beauty industry that exemplifies that it is indeed possible to make it in this field by working hard to break down all the societal, economic and personal walls holding you back. I hope to continue this through a sequel of Secret Gardens, which will challenge me to think more outside the box in my sensuality, as well as in my outside professional endeavors as a model and woman in STEM.

5. How was it working with the photographer, @cgphotogstudios and wardrobe stylist @ihoffedoras? I absolutely love working with both! The wardrobe is stunning and beautifully thought out, down to the tiniest details. Chuck is one of my all-time favorite photographers, and friend, who has such a talented eye for portraits and landscape photography. The professionalism and respect for one another on this team is unmatched!