We recently had the chance to connect with Vera Morris and have shared our conversation below.
Vera, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I’m a walking path that is led and rooted in faith. I move with clarity, despite there being times of uncertainty. Yet, I trust each step of the way. Whether I’m walking forward, sideways, or even having to pause. I know every step serves a greater purpose. My faith keeps me steady and always gives meaning to my journey.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Vera Morris. I currently reside in Cary, NC. I just celebrated 12 years at Yardi Systems where I work as a Consultant and just recently joined the Residential Training & Documentation team. I’m a Host for Beauty Queens Galore: The Pageant Resource, Smooth Jazz at the Improv and enjoying hosting/emceeing different events across NC and beyond. As a former pageant titleholder, I enjoy hosting pageants, as well as judging them and at times doing some pageant coaching. I’m a signed Model with Marilyn’s agency, and an Ambassador with An Affair to Remember in Fayetteville, NC. Whether I’m hosting, working, or modeling, my brand is always centered around impact over image.
I’m especially passionate about breast health advocacy and storytelling, using my platform to really normalize conversations around self-care, early detection, and empowerment through my initiatives like Treasure Your Chest, and my new Instagram Live Series, Know Your Breasts: Live Q&A Chat. I also enjoy volunteering with the Pretty In Pink Foundation to help breast cancer patients across NC receive the funds and support needed to get lifesaving breast cancer treatments.
I’m currently expanding my work through speaking, hosting, and creative collaborations that can align fashion, wellness, and philanthropy. Its important especially as a woman to ensure that I’m helping others feel seen, heard and informed. Most importantly, are feeling confident in who they are and who they are becoming.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I always believed that I had to be everything for everyone, to earn love, approval, or even friends. I thought my worth came from pleasing others or meeting expectations, and some where unrealistic. I no longer believe that. I now undertand that my value is inherent, God-given, and not tied to performance or pleasing anyone. Growth taught me that boundaries are not selfish, and just being myself is more powerful than perfection or trying to be someone else.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me how to really surrender and really build my relationship with God and faith. Certainly, in ways that I never could do alone. For me success is all about what you’re capable of, whereas suffering reveals who you are. It has taught me patience, humility, vulnerability, and compassion; especially for others walking through seasons you can’t see from the outside. The saying is true to never judge a book by its cover. Most importantly, suffering showed me that strength isn’t found in control, but in faith, resilience, and choosing to move forward even when the path can be unclear.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m truly committed to the belief that breast health education and early detection should be normalized, accessible, and free of fear or perceived stigmas. No matter how long it takes, I will continue using my voice and platform to encourage awareness, self-advocacy, volunteerism, and open conversations; especially for women who may feel unseen, overwhelmed, or may feel unsure where to start.
Through initiatives like Treasure Your Chest and Know Your Breasts: Live Q&A Chat, community partnerships, and ongoing education my goal is to empower women to prioritize their health without shame or delay. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but I believe consistent compassion, education, and visibility save lives, and that is my committed mission for the long haul.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What pain do you resist facing directly?
I sometimes resist fully facing the pain of slowing down. Sitting with stillness when I’ve spent so much of my life being strong, productive, and dependable for others. Growth has taught me that rest and reflection can feel uncomfortable when you’re used to carrying responsibility. I’m learning that honoring stillness and boundaries isn’t a weakness, it is a necessity for healing, well-being and clarity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.veramorris.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veralashay
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/VeraMorris
- Facebook: www.face.com/Vera Morris
Image Credits
Pink Suit- John Williams Photography, Natalie Williams, Stylist, & Crowned by Cee, Hair Stylist.
Black & White Photo- Alexandria Peterson Photography, & Crowned by Cee, Hair Stylist.
