'Nobody's Life Is As Perfect As It Looks On Instagram'
Essentials|October 2017

Actress and entrepreneur Vanessa Haywood-Sandes happily traded Hollywood for Hout Bay – she chats to Leigh Hermon about being a new mom, making a big career switch, and why we all need some me-time

Leigh Hermon
'Nobody's Life Is As Perfect As It Looks On Instagram'

In 2009, Vanessa, now 39, was catapulted into the limelight after appearing in District 9, the Oscar nominated sci-fi hit flick directed by Neill Blomkamp. Yet many may not know that, before her Hollywood success, Vanessa grew up barefoot on a farm in Mpumalanga, and she studied business management and marketing in Joburg. Today she now runs a digital marketing start-up from her Hout Bay home, which she shares with her husband, ultra-distance runner Ryan Sandes, 35, and their son Max, one.

I’ve lived in Joburg and Los Angeles, but I’ll always be a farm girl at heart.

I grew up on a farm in Mpumalanga and spent just about every day barefoot and covered in mud until I was 12. My parents instilled a love for the outdoors in me and my sisters from an early age: on weekends we’d go on a hike to a nearby waterfall and skinny dip in the natural pools, before walking along dirt roads back home. My parents have since moved to Polokwane and when I get the chance, I love spending a long weekend with them.

I’m the eldest of three sisters and we didn’t get on.

It’s hard to believe it now, but we weren’t close as kids. When I left school, Kim was only 11 and Robyn was four. While I was studying, it always felt like we were living on different planets, unable to understand what each other was going through because of the age gap. Thankfully, we have grown much closer over the years – I’m always telling all my friends about Kim’s [Schulze] successes at 5fm, as well as how close Robyn is to finishing her nursing degree. When I’m in Joburg for work or to visit our parents, I’ll always make time to see both of them to catch up.

All three of us made a career switch halfway through our studies.

Denne historien er fra October 2017-utgaven av Essentials.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra October 2017-utgaven av Essentials.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA ESSENTIALSSe alt
Find Balance In A Wired World
Essentials

Find Balance In A Wired World

Tech was supposed to make life easier, but have our days got more, not less, pressured? Here’s how to reclaim your time and your sanity by managing your online habits

time-read
4 mins  |
June 2020
Essentials

Food To Boost Your Mood

Are you feeling stressed out or lacking energy? Turns out can eat your way to happiness

time-read
1 min  |
June 2020
Are You Eating Your Emotions?
Essentials

Are You Eating Your Emotions?

Lots of us reach for food when we’re down, stressed or tired. Here’s why we do it – and how to break the cycle, fast!

time-read
5 mins  |
June 2020
‘I dream of having A VINEYARD'
Essentials

‘I dream of having A VINEYARD'

AWARD-WINNING ACTRESS SCARLETT JOHANSSON ON PLAYING COMPLEX FEMALE CHARACTERS, RAISING HER DAUGHTER AND CO-PARENTING AFTER A DIVORCE

time-read
4 mins  |
June 2020
MEAL MAKEOVER 'FRIED' CHICKEN
Essentials

MEAL MAKEOVER 'FRIED' CHICKEN

MEAL MAKEOVER 'FRIED' CHICKEN

time-read
2 mins  |
June 2020
FOCUS ON AVOIDING GERMS
Essentials

FOCUS ON AVOIDING GERMS

Staying well has become our biggest priority. Fight the nasties with this expert insight

time-read
4 mins  |
June 2020
HOW DO YOU FIND LOVE IN THE MIDDLE OF A GLOBAL PANDEMIC?
Essentials

HOW DO YOU FIND LOVE IN THE MIDDLE OF A GLOBAL PANDEMIC?

Life as we know it has changed – with social distancing and curfews putting nights out on hold, we find out if romance is off the table, too

time-read
4 mins  |
June 2020
DITCH THE GUILT FOR GOOD
Essentials

DITCH THE GUILT FOR GOOD

Are you carrying remorse, regret and guilt around with you? You’re not alone...

time-read
3 mins  |
June 2020
DON'T TELL ME I CAN'T LAUNCH MY OWN BUSINESS AGED 40
Essentials

DON'T TELL ME I CAN'T LAUNCH MY OWN BUSINESS AGED 40

BUSY MOM LUCY PARLEY WANTED TO EMBRACE HER CREATIVITY

time-read
3 mins  |
June 2020
Don't Tell Me I Can't: Rediscover My Childhood Hobby
Essentials

Don't Tell Me I Can't: Rediscover My Childhood Hobby

Esther Wane realised it was a shame to leave her talents in the past

time-read
3 mins  |
April 2020