Meet Janet Hernandez Philipps

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Janet Hernandez Philipps a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Janet , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

My work ethic is deeply rooted in my father’s example. When we immigrated to the US from Peru, my dad secured a job as a machine operator for a very large Aerospace company. His dedication was unwavering; he worked tirelessly and gave 100% to his role. Remarkably, he held this single job for 23 years until he retired. From a young age, I witnessed his commitment and learned that nothing comes easy. He instilled in me the belief that hard work and perseverance are essential to excel and to be the best at whatever I do. His journey and resilience have been my guiding principles in developing a strong work ethic and overcoming challenges in my own profession.

I love you, Dad!

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

After being in the fashion industry for many years, I finally took the plunge and launched my own brand, Valentina Atelier, during the pandemic. Valentina Atelier is a sustainable swimwear and resortwear line designed for jet-setting, globe-trotting women who embrace a slow living and conscious lifestyle. My goal was to create garments that are not only stylish and fabulous but also environmentally friendly.

Our materials are either recycled, organic, or recovered excess materials that would otherwise be discarded and end up in landfills. We upcycle these materials to ensure our products are sustainable. We strictly avoid using synthetic or man-made goods. In keeping with the spirit of sustainability, we have partnered with a company that collects discarded fishing nets from the ocean. This waste is then recycled and regenerated into a new nylon yarn, which is used for all our swimwear pieces. This premium yarn is created by our partners in Italy and is of the upmost quality.

Our mission is to keep post-consumer waste out of landfills and to ensure our oceans and marine life remain clean, safe, and thriving. The most exciting part of our brand is this commitment to sustainability and the positive impact we can have on the environment while offering luxurious and beautiful clothing.

We are excited to unveil a new collection in the coming year, which will continue to showcase our dedication to both sustainability and style.

Stay tuned!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Three key qualities have been most impactful in my journey: experience, perseverance, and passion.

First, my extensive experience in the fashion industry has been invaluable in launching my brand. Over the years, I have designed across various categories, which has shaped my identity and helped me create the overall aesthetic I want to represent with Valentina Atelier. For those early in their journey, I advise gaining as much hands-on experience as possible. Work in different roles, learn from each project, and continuously seek to expand your skill set. This broad experience will provide a solid foundation for your future endeavors.

Second, perseverance has been crucial. Launching a brand is not without its challenges, roadblocks, and disappointments. There have been times when mistakes and setbacks could have easily derailed my progress. However, my determination to give it my all and never give up has allowed me to overcome these obstacles. My advice for newcomers is to remain steadfast and resilient. Understand that setbacks are a part of the journey, and use them as learning opportunities to propel yourself forward.

Lastly, passion is the driving force behind everything I do. My unwavering passion as an entrepreneur has helped me overcome fears and take the leap to launch my brand. This passion fuels my creativity and commitment, making every challenge worth facing. For those just starting out, find what truly excites and motivates you. Let that passion be the core of your endeavors, and it will sustain you through the ups and downs.

These qualities—experience, perseverance, and passion—are at the heart of why I do what I do. They have guided me through my journey and will continue to do so as I grow and evolve. For anyone beginning their own journey, I encourage you to develop these qualities, as they will be instrumental in your success.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely! I am always enthusiastic about collaborations. Collaborations are at the core of everything I do, and as a young brand, they are imperative for the growth and exposure of Valentina Atelier. I am particularly interested in connecting with key influencers, models, thought leaders, and specialty retailers who share a commitment to sustainability and luxury.

I would love to partner with complementary brands for special collections, creating unique pieces that highlight our mutual strengths and ethos. Additionally, securing partnerships with specialty boutiques and high-end resort boutiques both locally and internationally, especially in key European destinations, is a dream of mine. These collaborations would help in reaching a wider audience and solidifying our brand presence in the luxury market.

Furthermore, I am open to collaborating on sustainable initiatives, whether through events, co-branded campaigns, or innovative projects that align with our mission of promoting a conscious lifestyle.

If you are interested in collaborating, please reach out to me via my socials—Ig: @valentinaatelierofficial—or directly through my email: [email protected]. I look forward to connecting and exploring exciting opportunities together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.valentinaatelier.com
• Instagram: valentinaatelierofficial
• Facebook: Valentina Atelier
• Twitter: valentina_atel
• Other: Tik Tok: @valentinaatelier

Image Credits

Marina Braun
Jimena Carati
Bebe Rossi
Abe Bermudez
Anait Lopez
Giovanni Junior
Palmera City Agency