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Cristiane Valdez, Founder
Bringing Chic Back, Designer Cristiane ValdezName a woman who doesn’t want to feel confident and beautiful. How about we name a woman who, glamorous and business-minded in her own right, makes this happen for thousands of women everyday? Cristiane Valdez, age 30, and founder of La Chica Chic, helps women find just the right amount of edge through her wide collection of Brazilian handbags, jewelry, and accessories. Launched in 2003, La Chica Chic started small operating from San Diego, but its product line now sells out of 51 stores throughout California and plans are already emerging to expand internationally. Cristiane loves watching her design room sketches take form as she combines leather, suede, or velvet with semi-precious stones, beads, and high-quality South American crystals. But, she admits, the most satisfying reward is watching her clients grow more sophisticated and fashion-savvy with La Chica Chic creations in hand. To learn more, read this week’s Young & Professional Profile about Cristiane Valdez, her business plans, and how her collections will help you shine!
Company
LA CHICA CHIC
Founded
2003
Website
www.lachicachic.com
Name
Cristiane Valdez
Age
30
Hometown
San Diego, CA
Current residence
San Diego, CA
Education
UCSD, Business Communication, Minor Arts (2002);
International Business, Sao Paulo- Brazil (1999);
Dramatic Art and Theater (1998)
Work Experience
LA CHICA CHIC (2003-Present)
Ethnicity
Brazilian
About the company
La Chica Chic is pleased to present its collection of accessories, handbags and jewelry specially handcrafted for you in Brazil
Our inspiration flows from the combination of exotic art, fashion, and the confluence of modern and traditional cultures.
The bags and belts from La Chica Chic are guaranteed to start conversations. Bold, exciting, and attention-getting, these accessories playfully express the spirit of art in a way that works for women all over the world.
Wonderfully feminine, just a bit glamorous, and always surprising, La Chica Chic balances fun with the distinct aura of 'chic' that comes so naturally to the women of Brazil.
Artisans working in Brazil create the unique looks of La Chica Chic to fuse high fashion with traditional artistry. These hand-made styles consist of an innovative technique of crochet with malleable metals to produce accessories that are both stylish and timeless.
Each collection combines leather, suede, or velvet with semi-precious stones, beads, and high-quality crystals native to South America, in an exclusive look. A look that is our statement of fun, art, and unique style that is La Chica Chic.
Who is the Chica Chic? What is she like?
She is confident, dynamic, sensual and not afraid to make a statement.
What's the niche?
The distinct aura of chic. Each piece is made by hand. Color and variations may apply.
The designs are unique and each piece is extraordinary. We design pieces for women to feel special when wearing them. That's the Latin way to be. That is La Chica Chic.
What's the biggest challenge?
Keep the DNA of the company alive. Learn how to play
What's in store for the future?
We will try to expand to other markets such as South America, Japan and Saudi Arabia.
Who would you like to be contacted by?
Neiman Marcus, Saks or Dillards.
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Best way to keep a competitive edge
Good competitive prices with unique designs.
Guiding principle in life
My family and husband. They have supported me in everything I have ever done, always. No matter how ridiculous or over the top, they are always there for me.
Yardstick of success
Being humble and willing to learn eternally.
Goal yet to be achieved
To teach others how to make it possible.
Best practical advice
If you love and you are truth with what you do, no matter how difficult will be, you will prevail at the end.
Supportive words from a family member or friend on your venture
You can do it. Believe it and others will follow.
Mentor
My mother for her determination and my husband for supporting my dreams.
What motivated you to get started?
My background in arts.
Like best about what you do?
I'm passionate about what I do. Every day is a different day and I'm very proud to work with women, for women and make them feel confident about wearing my designs.
Like least about what you do?
Unfair competition. Snobbish and baloney things that happen on the way.
What are your day to day responsabilities?
From meetings with customers, to fashion shows, to trade shows, to email, to travel, production, material, designing and I may be forgetting something.
At age 10, what did you want to be when you grew up?
An actress.
What was your first job?
In theater at the age of 11 in a play by Moliere.
“I'm passionate about what I do. Every day is a different day and I'm very proud to work with women, for women and make them feel confident about wearing my designs.” Biggest pastime outside of work
Take my dog to the park. Have dinner with my husband and spend time with friends.
Person most interested in meeting
Oprah, because of her background, for what she was and what she is today.
Leader in business most interested in meeting
Diane Von Furstenber, Donna Karan and P. Diddy. Diane Von Furstenber and Donna Karan are both are icons for fashion and are very driven business women. P. Diddy for the empire.
Three interesting facts about yourself
1. Involved in doing Charity
2. Working
3. Loyal
Three characteristics that describe you
1. Funny
2. Optmistic
3. Loyal
Three greatest passions
1. Travel
2. Fashion
3. Family
Favorite book
Paulo Coelho's book (The Alchemist), Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Favorite cause
Advocate against the war in any way.
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