Apprentice champ Vanessa ‘THIS IS A WIN FOR ALL MUMS'

The boss babe reveals what’s next for her balloon empire and bougie lifestyle

- Florence Hartigan

In the emotional, hotly contested grand finale of The Apprentice Aotearoa, Auckland event stylist Vanessa Goodson went head to head with Southland social media guru Stephen McDowell. Just hours after her win, the ecstatic mum-of-two, 30, sat down with Woman’s Day to talk about how the prize – a $50,000 investment and mentorship from self-made millionaire Mike Pero – will change her life.

Congratulations, Vanessa! Did you think you were going to win?

Thank you! In my heart, I felt like I would, but I definitely had my moments of doubt. I’m really proud I got right to the end because the only person that was getting in the way was me – sometimes my overthinking and anxiety were so high. But being myself got me through. When I started comparing myself to other people, I’d remind myself, “Stay in your own lane, Vanessa. Don’t look at anyone else.”

What went through your head when Mike announced you as the winner?

I just about rolled off my seat! There was so much emotion. I felt so proud and powerful. This win means everything to me. I feel like I won not just for me, but for every woman out there like me – every boss mum, every dropout and everyone with a business dream who’s not good at money.

How is being the Apprentice going to change your life?