Anne Valdez on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Anne Valdez. Check out our conversation below.

Anne, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my mornings are a beautiful mix of real life and quiet purpose. I start by waking up our girls and helping them get ready for school and on the bus. Once the house settles, I reach for my first cup of coffee and spend a few peaceful moments in prayer. Then, I pour a second cup and sit down at my computer to begin my workday. On some mornings, my husband and I switch it up and head to the gym together for our morning “dates,” which has become one of my favorite ways to connect and start the day with intention.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a wife, a mom of three girls and an independent travel advisor who loves helping families and faith-filled women create meaningful, stress-free travel experiences. My work goes beyond booking trips as I focus on guiding people through the planning process so they can feel confident, cared for and excited every step of the way.
I also coach and mentor women who feel called to build something of their own in the travel industry.
What makes my brand special is that it’s rooted in faith, family and freedom with a strong focus on integrity and sustainability, not hype. At the heart of everything I do is the belief that travel isn’t just about places… It’s about connection, growth and creating memories that matter.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
What breaks the bonds between people is often unspoken hurt which is pride, misunderstanding, silence and the slow buildup of resentment. When we stop listening and start assuming, distance quietly grows.
What restores those bonds is humility, honesty and grace. It’s the willingness to apologize, to truly hear one another and to choose connection over being right. For me, prayer plays a big role in that restoration including softening hearts, bringing clarity and reminding us that love is always worth fighting for.

When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
When I was sad or scared as a child, prayer helped. Talking to God gave me a sense of safety and peace, even when I didn’t have the words to explain what I was feeling. It taught me early on that I was never truly alone and that I could bring even my biggest fears to Him.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
I look for fruit and longevity. Fads tend to create pressure and noise, while real foundational shifts bring peace, clarity and lasting impact. I ask whether something aligns with my faith, strengthens families and truly serves people. If it feels rushed, flashy or requires compromising values, I see it as a fad. The real shifts are the ones that grow quietly, steadily and with purpose.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m in blue Caribbean water, letting the waves wash over me again and again. There’s something about being surrounded by that endless stretch of blue that quiets my mind and resets my soul. In those moments, I feel closest to God, fully present and deeply grateful. Also, quiet cuddles with our babies.

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Image Credits
All photos are my own.

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