Valentine shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Valentine, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Honestly, right now. I am in a really joyful season of my life. I am choosing myself in ways I never used to. My creativity, my peace, and my goals are finally at the center of my life, and that feels good. It is the little things every day that bring me joy now. Following through on a dream. Creating something new. Protecting my peace. Celebrating who I am becoming. I cannot point to just one moment because it is happening continuously. This chapter feels like growth, confidence, and real happiness. And I am enjoying every bit of it.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Valentine. I am a singer, songwriter, and performer who leads with emotion, soul, and storytelling. Music has always been the place where I feel the most alive. It is how I connect with people and express the parts of myself that words alone cannot carry.
What makes my journey special is that nothing about it has been linear. I have rebuilt myself more than once. I have moved across states and across the world following the pull of my purpose and trusting that my voice would lead me somewhere meaningful.
A big part of my story is finding the courage to show up as the artist I always knew I was meant to be. I am currently developing new music, performing, and building a presence that reflects who I am becoming. It feels like the beginning of something really exciting, and I am grateful to be able to share that with others.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I used to always say I was shy and keep myself in the background. I did not believe in who I was. I was afraid to show up for myself and afraid of rejection or what people might think of me. For a long time, I dimmed my own light because I thought being small would keep me safe.
Today, I know it is more than okay to take up space. I deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated. I am no longer scared to be unapologetically me. I let my voice speak, I let my presence be felt, and I allow my light to shine as bright as it wants.
The most freeing part of that shift is knowing that someone out there needs the very thing I used to hide. So I show up. I take chances. I believe in myself. I hope my journey reminds others that you never have to shrink to belong. You are allowed to take up space in this world. You are allowed to become everything you are meant to be.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell her that she is more powerful than she realizes. That she never needs to shrink to be loved or accepted. Her dreams are valid, her voice matters, and she is worthy of every good thing that is coming. Keep going. You become someone you will be so proud of.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Hahaha I will say yes and no. The public version of me is definitely real. She is the bold one who loves the stage, the one who sings her heart out and believes in the magic of it all. But there is also a softer version who writes alone at night, who overthinks lyrics, and who is still learning new layers of confidence every day.
I guess you could say the public me is the performance, and the private me is the poetry that makes that performance possible. Both are real. Both are me.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes, I could. Of course I care about connecting with people, but my passion does not disappear when the lights turn off. I will still be singing. I will still be writing. I will still be evolving. The reward is knowing I am living in my purpose, whether anyone is watching or not.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @DaddyValentine
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sisterray4555
Image Credits
Valentine
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