We had the good fortune of connecting with Vanessa Leggard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vanessa, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
The most important thing I’ve done as a parent is prepare my children for life, while loving them unconditionally every step of the way.

I created a safe space where their feelings are heard and their voices are never silenced. I taught them right from wrong, stood as their advocate, and made sure they always knew I was their loudest cheerleader.

That preparation also meant teaching real, everyday life skills. How to care for themselves. Hygiene. Cooking. Independence. Confidence. My daughters are the full package, and that didn’t happen by accident. It happened because we gave them the tools and the support during the first 18 years of their lives so they could be successful at this thing called life.

We talked honestly about our role as Black Americans and about the political system that shapes our lives and our future. We talked about education, civic awareness, and the responsibility they carry as part of the world they are inheriting.

I taught them that healthy choices matter mentally, physically, and spiritually. That therapy is okay. That laughter is necessary. That friendship is earned, not owed. That work ethic matters. And that being kind to others starts with being kind to yourself.

I lead by example. I don’t just talk about wellness, I live it, and I let them see that wellness is not a destination. It evolves. It’s a lifelong journey.

That, to me, is the work of parenting. .

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
At the heart of my work is storytelling that actually matters. I build platforms, amplify voices, and connect community, culture, business, and truth in a way that feels human, not performative. That work lives most visibly through Hamptons Mouthpiece, but the mission goes far beyond one brand or one zip code.

The name Hamptons Mouthpiece might sound like it’s centered around one geographic area, but the stories resonate everywhere. At its core, it’s about people, power, access, culture, and community. Those conversations are universal. Whether you’re in the Hamptons, New York City, or globally, the themes are the same.

As I was building the brand, people would say things like, “Are you still doing that Hamptons Mouthpiece?” And honestly, they still don’t always give it the same respect they give a traditional print publication. That used to bother me. I even wrestled with the idea of doing a print edition, just to check that box.

But then my husband, who is also my partner, brings me back to reality every time. This is digital. It was built to be digital. And it’s staying digital. We create our own video. We do our own photography. We control our storytelling and keep our expenses low. There’s no middleman, no fluff, no gatekeeping. What we put out is real, organic, and grounded in community.

What sets me apart is that I don’t chase trends, I chase impact. I show up as myself. I don’t pretend neutrality when real lives are being affected, and I don’t talk at people. I talk with them. Whether I’m working with small businesses, housing advocates, artists, or local leaders, I treat their stories like they matter. Because they do.

Am I proud of what I’ve built? Absolutely. But what I’m most proud of is the trust. People trust Hamptons Mouthpiece because they know it’s not transactional. I’m not here for a moment. I’m here for the long game. That trust didn’t come from a strategy deck. It came from showing up consistently, listening deeply, and doing the work even when no one was watching.

How did I get here? Slowly. With grit. And a lot of side-eye from people who didn’t quite understand what I was building. It was not easy. There were moments of doubt, burnout, and starting over more times than I care to admit. I learned how to pivot when things changed, how to say no when something didn’t align, and how to keep going when quitting would have been easier.

The challenges taught me everything. They taught me resilience. They taught me to trust my instincts. They taught me that success doesn’t come from being loud, it comes from being consistent. And that your voice is most powerful when it’s actually yours.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is this: I’m not interested in surface-level engagement. Hamptons Mouthpiece is rooted in community, accountability, and connection. I care deeply about people, place, and purpose. I believe representation matters. I believe stories shape culture. And I believe you can build something meaningful, impactful, and global without losing your integrity, your humor, or your humanity.

This wasn’t a straight line. It was a journey. And I’m still on it.

And honestly? I’m just getting started.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my bestie chose to come in spring, this is exactly how we would do it. The East End is seasonal, so the itinerary always changes depending on the time of year, but spring is one of my favorite ways to experience it.

First rule. Come in April, May, early June, or September.
The energy is lighter, the crowds are manageable, and you actually get to enjoy the place instead of fighting traffic and reservations.

From there, I would give them the full Hamptons experience. Not rushed. Not touristy. Very real.

We would start with the tulip festival in Manorville. I go every year. Picking your own tulips is grounding and joyful and the perfect way to ease into the trip.

Next stop, Westhampton. I love Main Street. So much charm and character. Brunetti Pizza is my favorite and always a must. We would walk the boutiques, many of them one of a kind, and then head to the beach. Westhampton beaches are beautiful and peaceful in the spring.

Then we head to Southampton. We would spend time at the art and culture museums and then take a long afternoon at Coopers Beach. If we are eating, Saaz is my go to for Indian food. We would stop into the cheese shop on Main Street and walk the grounds of the Southampton Inn, which is adorable and charming. I would also make sure we visit the African American Museum and yes, the original Tate’s Bake Shop. That is just part of the experience. Southampton is also about history, old money homes, and notable names that shaped the area.

Next up, Hampton Bays, which has some incredible hidden gems. Honest Plate is a favorite. Francesca’s never disappoints. Canoe Place is beautiful, historic, and charming. And I would absolutely take them to Rumba, my favorite spot. No explanation needed.

In Water Mill, we are stopping at Alpina Bakery. I love their quiche. One of the best. We would also visit the Parrish Art Museum, which is always a favorite.

From there, Bridgehampton. Gorgeous modern homes near the ocean and so much to see. We would eat at Bobby Van’s and I am ordering the Cobb salad with fresh crab and that incredible dressing. We would also visit the Bridgehampton Library, the Children’s Museum, the Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center, and the South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center. I love mixing culture, community, and nature.

On the South Fork, my favorite vineyard is Channing Daughters. It is charming, underrated, and just feels right.

Then Sag Harbor, my heart. Long Beach is my happy place. That is where I meditate and watch the sunset. Sag Harbor is where I raised my daughters. A small village full of history and community. Their high school graduating class was under 65 kids. I run the @sagharbor Instagram page, so yes, I am biased.

We would also take a quick trip to Shelter Island for the history and the charming boutiques.

Next stop, East Hampton. More modern, and I would definitely take them to LongHouse Reserve. Art, nature, and design all in one place.

Then Sagaponack for Wölffer Estate. A wine tour, beautiful scenery, and the perfect way to slow things down.

We would end the trip in Montauk. The beaches, Harvest on the Pond, Gurney’s, and of course Montauk Point. Ocean, wind, and perspective.

If we had time, I would sneak in Rose Hill Vineyard in Mattituck. Quiet, charming, and unpretentious. One of those places that reminds you why you love the East End.

Summer brings a different energy. Fall is magical. Winter has its own quiet beauty. The East End meets you differently every season.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout goes to my husband Kurt and my daughters Danielle & Allura, they are my foundation. My support system. The people who make everything else possible.

My husband has been my best friend and my rock for 37 years. He loves me unconditionally and tells me every single day that he loves me. He listens with his whole heart and his full attention. We never run out of things to talk about. We genuinely enjoy each other’s company, and our conversations are always fun, interesting, and full of joy.

We bring that same energy into our relationship with our daughters. One of the things he tells them often is, “Your mom is my number one, because I know the two of you are her number one, and she needs someone who will always put her first.” He also says, “I only have one job in this world, and that’s to protect my wife, because she’s too busy protecting us.” That kind of love and partnership has shaped our entire family.

Danielle and Allura are simply incredible humans. I don’t just love them. I genuinely like and adore who they are at their core. We set boundaries, but it’s our mutual respect that truly binds us. They are my best friends, and there is something remarkable about watching your adult children become people you enjoy, admire, and choose to spend time with.

They call me multiple times a day. My husband and I are the first people they want to share their good news and their hard moments with. Okay, sometimes we share that top spot with their best friend, but I’ll take it. That level of trust, connection, and closeness is not something I take lightly.

So yes, this shoutout belongs to them. They deserve more than a little credit in my story. They are the heart of it.

Website: https://Www.hamptonsmouthpiece.com

Instagram: @sagharbor @vanessaleggard

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessaleggard?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Twitter: @hamptonsmp

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hamptonsmp

Other: https://www.facebook.com/sagharborny
https://linqapp.com/Vleggard

Image Credits
Kurt H. Leggard
Photographybykurt.net

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSoCal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.