Meet Valentina Calderon | Image Consultant & Stylist

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

Hi Valentina, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started my business because I wanted to create something that would have deeply helped me five years ago, something more than just image consulting. I longed for a mentor, a real woman I could relate to. Someone with a similar body type, someone who had walked through the same challenges I was facing: insecurities, self-doubt, and the pressure to fit in.

Back then, I didn’t need someone to tell me what to wear, I needed someone to help me remember who I was. I wanted guidance that felt human, compassionate, and empowering. That’s why I built this business: to become that guide for other women.

I’m here to help women feel secure and radiant in their own skin, to reconnect with their essence, and to understand that confidence isn’t something you’re born with, it’s something you build. My work is about shining a light on what makes each woman unique, not changing her to fit a mold.

This business is my love letter to every woman who’s ever felt like she’s lost touch with herself. My mission is to help her come home to her body, her power, and her voice.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve always been an artist at heart. Since I was a little girl, I found joy in painting, taking photos, designing dresses for my Barbies, singing, playing instruments, anything that let me express myself creatively. Art and imagination were my safe place, but when it came time to choose a career after high school, I felt completely lost. I didn’t know what I wanted to be, so I chose Economics because it seemed like the “right” thing to do.

But deep down, I always felt pulled toward something more meaningful, something that would let me create, connect, and inspire. I truly believe that what you’re meant to do in life will find you. And that’s exactly what happened. After the pandemic, I made a promise to myself: I was going to pursue my dreams. That’s when the fashion world found me.

In 2021, I started creating content to help women elevate their confidence through style. One thing led to another, and today I’ve built a community of over 600,000 women from all over the world who find inspiration in my channels. But that’s only part of what I do. I’m a multi-passionate woman. Creativity is in everything I touch. That’s why I also work as a social media manager and create content for brands I admire. I’ve found a way to blend all the things I love into one career.

What sets me apart is that I don’t pretend. I’ve always been open about my vulnerabilities, especially my relationship with my body. My audience knows that I’m not here to sell a perfect life. I’m here to share a real one. I make it a priority to engage with my community, reply to their messages, and remind them they’re seen and valued. That honesty and connection are the foundation of everything I do.

My journey wasn’t straightforward. I once tried to pursue a “successful” path as an economist. I even launched a business helping other businesses grow. On paper, I had everything: a house I bought at 23, a car, a husband, stability. But inside, I was deeply unhappy. It felt like I was living someone else’s life. So I made the scariest and most liberating decision of my life. I closed that business, left everything behind, moved to Miami, and finally gave myself permission to be who I truly am.

I launched my image consulting and social media services with no certainty, just faith, creativity, and determination. And though things still aren’t perfect, I can say with full honesty: I am happy. I am aligned. I’m doing work I love, making an impact in people’s lives, and collaborating with brands I used to admire from afar. I’m not “there” yet but I’m finally on the right path.

Was it easy? Absolutely not. I’ve battled anxiety and depression. I’ve spent three years in therapy. I’ve faced heartbreaking personal news, like learning my husband and I wouldn’t be able to have children. That shattered me. But I gave myself space to feel it all, to be sad, to grieve, to be human. I leaned on my husband, my family, my best friends. And every day, even when it felt impossible, I got up and took one small step toward my dreams.

Eventually, the work paid off. The followers came. The brand deals. The projects. The clients. The opportunities I once dreamed of started arriving, not magically, but because I stayed consistent, disciplined, and never gave up.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that the goal isn’t the goal. The true magic lies in waking up every day and feeling grateful to work toward something that lights you up inside. I’ve fallen in love with the process of becoming the best version of myself. And I’ve learned to trust my intuition, even when the path doesn’t make sense yet because the most beautiful things often begin in chaos.

That’s my story. One of reinvention, purpose, and deep transformation. And I’m just getting started.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Welcome to Miami
We’d kick off the trip with brunch at Greenstreet Café in Coconut Grove. It has a great vibe, delicious food, and is perfect for people-watching. Then we’d stroll around the Grove, visit local boutiques, and end the evening with dinner and cocktails at Casa Tua, one of my favorite spots for its romantic, intimate atmosphere.

Day 2: Beach Day and Sunset Vibes
No trip to Miami is complete without a beach day. We’d rent chairs at South of Fifth, my favorite area of South Beach because it’s a bit quieter and more relaxed. After soaking in the sun, we’d freshen up and head to The Standard Hotel for sunset drinks by the bay. Dinner at Mandolin Aegean Bistro would be the perfect end to the day, cozy and chic with amazing Mediterranean food.

Day 3: Art and Culture
We’d dive into Miami’s creative side with a visit to Wynwood Walls, exploring murals, art galleries, and cool concept stores. For lunch, Zak the Baker is a must. In the evening, we’d explore the Design District, stop by Dior Café for a cute photo and coffee, then have dinner at Swan, a trendy and beautiful restaurant that never disappoints.

Day 4: Little Havana and Latin Flavors
We’d spend the day exploring Little Havana, grab a Cuban coffee, watch locals play dominoes at Maximo Gomez Park, and eat authentic Cuban food at Versailles. At night, we’d dance at Ball & Chain, an iconic live music venue with an incredible vibe and salsa rhythms that make your soul move.

Day 5: Nature and Calm
Time to slow down a bit. We’d visit Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables for a peaceful walk surrounded by nature. Then lunch at Glass & Vine, and maybe a boat ride in the afternoon to watch the Miami skyline from the water. Dinner would be at Joia Beach, barefoot luxury with gorgeous views.

Day 6: Shopping and Style
This would be our fashion day. We’d shop around Brickell City Centre, visit Aventura Mall, or check out cool local designers in Wynwood. I’d take her to The Salty Donut for the best treat ever, then relax in the evening with dinner at Komodo and a fun night out in Downtown or LIV if we’re feeling the party spirit.

Day 7: Self-Care Sunday
To wrap it up, we’d have a slow morning with breakfast at Pura Vida, then head to The Faena Hotel Spa or Lapis Spa at Fontainebleau for a full pampering experience. We’d end the week watching the sunset at South Pointe Park Pier, talking about life, dreams, and how beautiful it is to be alive.

To me, Miami is all about balance between vibrant energy and peace, elegance and edge. There’s always something happening, someone inspiring to meet, and places that make you feel like you’re part of something bigger. That’s the magic I’d want my best friend to experience.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Without a doubt, my biggest shoutout goes to my mom. She has been my rock, my role model, and my number one fan since I was a little girl with big dreams. Her unwavering support, strength, and belief in me have shaped who I am today. Every recognition, every accomplishment, I dedicate to her. She’s the woman I aspire to be, graceful, kind, wise, and effortlessly elegant. Her soul shines with love and resilience, and I admire her more than words can express.

I also want to dedicate this to my husband, the love of my life and my partner in every sense of the word. I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without him. He sees the best in me even when I can’t, always encouraging me to keep going, always by my side no matter what. His belief in me has given me strength during my most vulnerable moments, and his love is a constant reminder that I’m never alone on this journey.

Website: https://valentinacalderont.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valencalderont/?hl=es

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariavalentinacalderon/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091417257844