Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in Houston?
I am originally from NY. I grew up in Brooklyn and lived in Manhattan for 7 years before moving to Houston in 2016.
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
I have one child; a daughter, Evie. She is turning one this month!
Favorite local activities to do in Houston?
There’s a few …
- Swimming – We have our own pool and I could easily float for hours everyday soaking up the sun. It’s my happy place.
- Shopping – everywhere from the Galleria and River Oaks District to Hyland Village and Rice Village.
- Dining – my husband and I treat ourselves to date night a few times a month. We are both foodies and love exploring the restaurant scene. There are always new places to try!
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
I am the founder and CEO of Shop With Val, a wardrobe consulting business based in Houston. I offer a range of services from Closet Consultations and Organization to Personal Shopping (both in-person and virtual) and Style Lookbooks. As a style expert with over a decade of experience, I also host style workshops for corporations and private groups, fashion shows, and shopping events for brands I enjoy working with. I love empowering clients through clothing! You can follow along @shopwithval on Facebook and Instagram.
How has the Houston community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
I have met so many incredible female entrepreneurs who have helped spread the word about my business since moving here. Being featured in their blogs, podcasts, and on their social media accounts have helped grow my business. I’ve also been fortunate enough to host several style segments on Houston Life (in case you missed them you can watch them here). This gave viewers a glimpse as to what I do and how I do it in case they were toying with the idea of hiring a wardrobe consultant.
What is the best advice for juggling mommyhood and running a business (or volunteering, working, etc)?
You’ve got this. Believe in yourself and know you are capable and stronger than you think. When you focus and shut out the noise and the negativity incredible things are possible!
What would you tell the old “You” before you had kids?
Don’t be scared. You will be a wonderful mom. Your maternal instincts will kick in and you will figure things out as you go. It won’t always be easy, and you won’t have all the answers. However, you will give and receive so much love and the rollercoaster of parenthood will all be worth it.
Funniest shortcut/routine for helping you through parenthood?
This is more of a crazy experience — I had to travel for work one weekend while I was still nursing. It was the first time I was away from my daughter and so I found myself pumping in what felt like the most random places — a restaurant bathroom, the backseat of an Uber, and on the airplane. At the time, I remember feeling a whirlwind of emotions — I was stressed, nervous, and frustrated. Now I can look back and laugh at what an “adventure” it was, and also pat myself on the back for getting through those “shameless” moments all in the name of motherhood!
Mention “West U Moms” at booking to receive 15% off all a la carte services! 🙂
