Giuliana Vann, 39

Giuliana Vann’s unusual career transition began at the beach, on an otherwise normal day in 2017 when she was playing paddleball with friends and family. Vann was running and accidently fell into a deep hole, suffering a devastating ankle injury.

At the time Vann was a registered nurse, working in the oncology department at Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton. A native of Peru, Vann had been with the hospital for five years, after she earned her RN degree from State College Of Florida. But being laid up for a year, with a grueling rehab, forced Vann to consider an alternative source of income. “I had to find something to do,” she says.

That something was social media — and not just scrolling. She read up on how to start a social media career, and generate income off her own social media pages, especially Instagram, and also how to teach others to do it. “I studied everything and I learned it on my own,” Vann says.

In 2018, Vann formed a company, Living a Digital Dream. She offers one-on-one sessions and classes that teach concepts to help influencers/bloggers, salespeople, creatives and online coaches build a standout brand, elevate their online presence and monetize their Instagram pages. Vann now has more than 28,000 Instagram followers, at @giulianavann.

And while she didn’t go into this line of work, at first, by choice, her timing was fortuitous: the pandemic brought a whole new wave of potential clients, many who had just lost their jobs. Vann also says that like in nursing, she enjoys the chance to connect with others and make a positive difference in their lives. “I love teaching,” she says, “and what I really love is to help people.”  

Vann credits her husband, Mark Vann, with inspiring her — both in life and in giving her the courage to make such a big career change. Mark Vann, who owns an auto dealership in Sarasota, Scotti’s Auto Sales, first suggested the career change. That was when Vann was at a low point in her rehab from the ankle injury. He has since offered positive and constructive feedback for Living a Digital Dream, she says, and sets a good example with an attitude of small daily habits will eventually lead to big changes. “He gave me the motivation to not see (the injury) as the world ending,” she says, “but as a way that it could open a whole new world for me.”

Giuliana Vann

Age: 39

City of Residence: Sarasota

Employer: Living a Digital Dream

Title: founder 

Birthplace: Peru

Years in the area: four

Marital Status/Children: Married/2 kids

Alma Mater/Degree: Bachelors in Science in Nursing

What community group or organization are you most involved with? Day4hope, nonprofit organization helping homeless children get ready for the school year with the resources necessary

What's the weirdest job you've ever had? Kids Birthday party coordinator (in Lima, Peru, while in high school)

What's your top tip for being productive? Block time for tasks and make sure it’s completed before moving onto the next (from most to least important)

If you could have a side hustle, what would it be? Run an online boutique shop

What's your favorite off-hours activity? Go to the pool with kids

Have you gone to the movies in 2021? If yes, what did you see? Yes, watched the jungle cruise

What's the top item on your bucket list? Go to an exotic island

What's your favorite podcast? Fearless motivation

Where is your happy place? Beach condo

Describe yourself in three words: Compassionate, perseverant, optimistic

Who is your mentor for your career and why? My husband Mark. Active leaders model the way and fully support and my husband has been so supportive from day one when I started my social media marketing coaching business. He gives me positive and constructive feedback & empowers often when I need it.

What are the biggest lessons you have learned from your mentor? He develops & implements daily habits to make him more productive at work. No matter how tough a situation may be, he keeps a positive perspective and keeps pushing. He has kept until this day a consistent daily routine to maintain a healthy lifestyle.