Vanessa Hudgens on Her Aspirations for Kids to Learn from Her Achievements
As an acclaimed actress and successful entrepreneur, there are numerous lessons Vanessa Hudgens’ children can glean from observing their mom’s work ethic — but there’s one crucial lesson she hopes they will always carry with them.
“I want my kids to know that their mom was always there for them, because that’s what truly matters in life — being a parent and being present for your children while creating magical moments,” Hudgens, 37, shared exclusively with Us on Friday, September 25, while attending Caliwater’s “Golden Hour” with MAVN at Chateau MAVN in Beverly Hills, California.
“I think the most magical aspect of this is being able to nurture another human being that I brought into this world,” the High School Musical star mentioned.
Hudgens is the proud mother of two, having welcomed her first child with husband Cole Tucker in July 2024, followed by their second baby in November 2025. (The couple has not yet disclosed the names or genders of their children. Tucker, 30, subsequently revealed in a podcast interview that they have “one of each.”)
“Becoming a mother has been the most challenging, exhausting yet incredibly rewarding and joyful chapter of my life,” the actress expressed via Instagram in May 2025 while preparing to welcome her second child. “I couldn’t be more thankful for my little family. Happy Mother’s Day to everyone who has endured this journey or is currently in it. The strength that mothers possess is truly extraordinary, and I admire each one of us.”
During her conversation with Us on Friday, Hudgens also revealed her insights on finding that elusive work-life balance as a successful entrepreneur and actress — through the acceptance that “balance” is a myth.
“There is no such thing as balance. I don’t believe in it,” she conveyed to Us. “For me, it’s literally all or nothing. [Business partner] Oliver [Trevena] has mentioned this, but I’m a very present person. I take pride in being able to remain in the moment, and when you’re present, you can only focus on one task at a time to truly be engaged.”
She elaborated, “For me, it’s all or nothing. I try to remain present because if I think too far ahead, I become very overwhelmed. But I feel so blessed and fortunate to do everything I do, and I make an effort to breathe and enjoy every single moment.”
Hudgens and Trevena, who have been friends for many years, chose to enter the business world together by co-founding Caliwater, a beverage brand producing antioxidant-rich cactus water that provides consumers with various health benefits.
“We both had a passion for Prickly Pear in different ways,” Trevena, 45, shared with Us on Friday. “Vanessa was more into Prickly Pear Margaritas.”
“I was on a road trip in New Mexico and tried a Prickly Pear Margarita, and I thought, ‘What is this incredible drink, and why am I just learning about it?’ I researched it and found it to be a super-fruit with immense untapped potential, numerous health benefits, and a stunning appearance.”
In addition to the importance of knowing their mom was always there for them and creating magic, Hudgens’ children also get a front-row view of their mom managing a business.
“She’s an ideal partner because she shows up,” Trevena shared with Us about working alongside Hudgens as a business partner. “Her passion for her work is evident. From the tastings to every single detail, she is meticulous about everything, and I think that reflects in her work, whether on screen, in her brand, or in anything she creates.”
He further noted, “She is hands-on and deeply passionate about her projects. As a partner, it makes my role easier because she supports me both personally and professionally.”
