As part of the Morning Lazziness series about empowering women who encourage and do incredible things with their ideas in society, I had the pleasure of interviewing Valerie Perez.
Valerie Perez, an internationally celebrated fashion designer born in Casablanca, Morocco, is the visionary behind VP by Valerie Perez, a luxurious fashion brand redefining travel and leisure wear. Now based in Los Angeles, Valerie blends designer style with spa-like comfort in her meticulously curated collections, including silk sleepwear, breezy kaftans, elegant chemises, and high-quality microfiber towel wraps. Her brand is celebrated for its original prints, exquisite craftsmanship, and buttery-soft textiles that empower women to feel confident and stylish whether at home, poolside, or exploring exotic destinations. VP by Valerie Perez is a favorite among luxury resorts, spas, and boutiques worldwide, making relaxation an effortlessly chic affair.
Here’s what we found out about Valerie’s daily routine, followed by an exclusive Q+A.
What inspired you to become an entrepreneur, and what sparked the idea for your business?
Growing up in Casablanca, Morocco, surrounded by vibrant colors and patterns, I developed a love for creativity and design early on. After moving to Los Angeles, my passion for fashion blossomed as I worked in clothing stores and studied Fashion Design. My entrepreneurial journey began after years in the fashion industry and owning a successful franchise business with my family. While traveling through Thailand, I found inspiration for my brand which was born as Wrap Up by VP. A simple frustration with a gym towel sparked the idea to create beautiful, functional leisurewear inspired by the elegance and comfort of Thai sarongs. This moment of inspiration has today evolved into VP by Valerie Perez—a brand dedicated to helping women feel confident, stylish, sexy and luxurious while relaxing.
As a woman navigating the business world, what challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
As a woman entrepreneur, one of my biggest challenges was navigating self-doubt and finding balance between work and personal life. Expanding a family business to 17 stores taught me the importance of persistence, but stepping out to create my own brand required immense courage to trust myself, and to have balance. To be true to my family as a mother and wife but at the same time give the VP business the attention it deserves. I overcame these challenges by trusting my vision, surrounding myself with supportive people on my team (especially my amazing husband), and focusing on building a business that reflects my values and passion for quality and design.
How do you balance the demands of running a business with maintaining a healthy personal life?
I’ve integrated practices that keep me grounded – whether it’s taking moments to pause, spending time with family, or combining work and relaxing time while traveling for trade shows. My team and I work collaboratively, allowing me to focus on both the creative aspects of my business and maintaining a fulfilling personal life.
Which networking strategies have most effectively built meaningful connections within your industry?
Collaborating with high-end resorts and spas has been instrumental in building meaningful connections. By aligning my brand with luxury establishments like The Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons, I’ve developed partnerships that share my vision for quality and elegance. Attending industry events, trade shows and cultivating relationships with boutique owners and other designers has also expanded my network. I meet wonderful people when traveling for work!
How do you approach mentorship, and how has it shaped your entrepreneurial path?
Mentorship is a cornerstone of my growth. I’ve been fortunate to learn from industry leaders during my early career, which taught me the value of resilience and attention to detail. Now, I aim to mentor others by sharing my journey and encouraging them to take bold steps toward their dreams.
What strategies have worked best for selling your products and reaching your ideal customers?
Focusing on exclusivity and quality has been key. By offering VP by Valerie Perez products at luxury destinations like high-end resorts and spas, I’ve created a unique niche market that resonates with customers seeking elegance and comfort. Our online platform and Instagram presence allow us to reach a global audience while maintaining a personal connection with our customers.
Which marketing techniques have been most successful for your business, and how do you track their performance?
Storytelling through original designs and exclusive partnerships has been highly effective. Instagram has been a powerful tool to showcase our luxurious lifestyle products, work with models and connect with customers. We recently got a PR firm and that has helped get me strategic introductions to people to grow my business.
Can you share a significant setback in your business journey and the steps you took to overcome it?
Starting my brand in a camping tent in my backyard was both humbling and challenging. Limited resources forced me to think creatively and prioritize quality over quantity. By focusing on craftsmanship and building slowly, I turned these early challenges into a strong foundation for success.
What’s the most important advice you’d give to women just starting their entrepreneurial journey?
Trust your instincts and stay true to your gut as well as your vision. Challenges will arise, but passion will guide you. Surround yourself with people who believe in your journey and seek inspiration from everyday moments – don’t forget to make it all fun along the way!
Is there a mantra or quote that guides your actions and decision-making as an entrepreneur?
“Wrap yourself in luxury.” This mantra encapsulates my commitment to creating products that empower women to feel beautiful, confident, sexy and comfortable, no matter where they are. It reminds me to prioritize quality, elegance, and the joy of small, luxurious moments in life. Thank you!
