Valeria Tello

Owner of Valmar and Valeria Tello Designs

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Interior Architecture - Toulouse Lautrec- Perú 

Valeria is a 26-year-old woman living in Lima- Peru and continues expanding her market. Valeria is driven, fierce and brave and has a global outlook. We recently met up with Valeria in a one-on-one interview in which she told us about her career, her enthusiastic parents, her view on life, and the meaning behind her teaching  mojo, " Everyone has value." 

Good Afternoon, Valeria; please tell us who are you ?

My name is Valeria Tello, and I am an interior architect and designer. My projects vary from condos to business renovations. I focus entirely on my client's needs and wants. I work with an architecture studio called Porfirio Castro Studios and have learned much from them. Working with them has allowed me to develop as a businesswoman. I've had the opportunity to travel to different parts of South America thanks to my work. Being a designer has allowed me to surround myself with people with a high level of knowledge and creativity. I also teach interior design and the creation of accessories made out of macrame.  I consider myself humble, loving, and a workaholic. I love and adore my parents; I hope I can return everything they have done for me one day. A few years ago, I also opened Valmar, an online store for accessories made from macrame, and in 2021 I partnered up with Moda G&E to sell my products in the USA.

Who would you say has influenced you the most in life and career-wise?

The most significant influence I've had, I would say, is my parents. I have always rescued their strength, their love, their union. I am fortunate to say that their marriage is solid. I learned from them that you had to go out there and fight it to be successful. They taught me that they would be there for me no matter what. They will always be my inspiration, motive, and role model. My mom was an art teacher; that was my foundation.

Do you think your parents motivated you to take risks? If so, do you consider taking risks has played a significant role in your life?

When the pandemic hit, I felt petrified because I didn't know what I was going to do. My mom was a significant force behind my decisions. So, yes! Risk is a part of everyone's life. If you don't risk, you don't win. And sometimes, to win, you have to lose. Of course, I still have so much to learn and communicate. 

Do you think being a woman has limited your ability to do more? 

Sometimes, depending on your business, there is harassment. I've had to learn to be strong and determined. I learned to change the tone of my voice to be respected. In many places, they think that because you are a woman, you don't know anything, and your opinion doesn't matter. It is unfortunate that today we still live that way. The biggest challenge is looking for suppliers; suppliers sometimes like to do business with men, which could make anyone feel limited. I don't ever let these things get me down.

Ok, why don't you tell us a little more about your career and why you love what you do?

I love what I do; I love being able to build spaces and use my imagination. Using different colors and materials is the best feeling in the world. I design residential interiors that include space planning, lighting design, selections of materials, and furniture. My emphasis is on the aesthetic and functional needs of the family and residents with special needs. Another reason why I love creating it's that I can include macrame pieces in some of my designs. Doing manual things makes me happy. It is the best feeling in the world when I can capture someone's essence and give them exactly what they want. 

At the moment, Valmar and Valeria Design are looking to expand into commercial venues in South and North America. 

Valeria, it was so lovely to meet you. Once again, we would like to thank you for giving us the time to tell us your story. If someone is starting or is looking to start a business, what would you tell them?

Take risks! If you don't take chances, you won't win; to win, you sometimes have to lose. Bet on you! Do not let other people's perceptions of you bring you down. If you listen to the haters, you won't get anywhere. Be stubborn about your dream, be reckless about it. Let it be what you dream about and think about when you wake up and go to bed. Wake up early and exercise. It will keep you focused.

Story by: Esther Flores

For more information about Valeria Tello and the different catalogs and services her company  offers, please click here: Valmar

Phone lines in Peru: +5198727688