Thrive + Inspire: Why Dr. Barrow Went Public With Covid Diagnosis Early On

Al Torres
Thrive + Inspire: Why Dr. Barrow Went Public With Covid Diagnosis Early On

Dr. Vanessa Barrow

AN INTERVIEW WITH Dr. Vanessa Barrow, DPM, Owner, Sole Aesthetic

You had to deal with the pandemic crisis in a big way, before most of us, didn't you? In early March of 2020, I tested positive for Covid. This was before masks, before social distancing, before knowing as much as we do now. Everything came to a screeching halt. It was devastating more so because my practice had just celebrated its two-year anniversary. Unfortunately, I had to let my amazing staff go and focus on keeping my business thriving from bed, behind closed quarantined doors while recuperating from the virus.


How did you find hope in those early days? During my downtime, I felt that my story could educate and inspire others. I went public with my diagnosis and reached out to the media so that others would be more aware of the experience from symptoms to testing to recovery.

Dr. Vanessa Barrow

How did you adjust and overcome? How did you reset? Returning to my practice with no supporting staff in the midst of a pandemic forced me to reassess how to manage my business while keeping it safe for all of my patients. I never imagined having to face this type of obstacle, but I am thankful for the learning experiences it has created — which in turn have only made me a stronger, better and more resilient entrepreneur. Inspiration and motivation can come from the most unexpected of places and can change your perspective about how you run your business and who you are as a business owner.

What has the whole experience taught you about yourself? I have ultimately realized that, even presented with the unprecedented trials of 2020, there is no place I would rather be. It only reignited the entrepreneurial fire within me to keep fighting, push through and rise above. And for this I am beyond grateful.

Spa-tacular Getaway Opportunity: Retreat to Mexico this Fall with a Houston Wellness Expert

Palmaïa The House of AïA

THIS SUMMER, LEBRINA Jackson, owner of Escape Spa in Cypress, is taking her wisdom and joie de wellness to the jungle. Far beyond the walls of her beautiful spa, she’s aiming to create a quiet space for people to work on their personal growth in a community-centric atmosphere. She shares what participants will get out of the trip and why it’s important to take time for self-care in 2025.

Why is it important for people to “retreat”? Life can feel like a non-stop marathon, and sometimes we forget to just... breathe. Retreating offers a chance to step off the treadmill for a bit and hit the reset button. It's about giving your body and mind some much-needed TLC, allowing for genuine relaxation and rejuvenation. Beyond the personal perks, retreats often create a cool sense of community, connecting you with others on a similar path. By carving out space for self-reflection, you can recharge and return to your daily life with a clearer head and a bit more pep in your step.

Keep Reading Show less
Wellness+Giving Back

Heather Almond and Zinat Ahmed

NEARLY 1,700 GUESTS headed to Cotton Ranch in Katy for Cotton Holdings’ 13th annual CrawFest — a Texas-sized evening of food and music. The event raised a record-breaking $768,000 for the Cotton Foundation, which supports families facing disaster, illness and hardship.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties

Maddy and Patrick Moffitt and Christina and David McAllen

A DERBY WATCH party was so much more than the fastest two minutes in sports! The Post Oak Hotel hosted the Hats, Hearts & Horseshoes event benefiting Bo's Place, and the most fashionable and philanthropic Houstonians turned out.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties