Meet Valerie Livingston | Founder of LAV/Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Valerie Livingston and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Valerie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I always loved fashion from a young age when my mom introduced me to modeling as a child. Fashion to me has always been a form of expression and it was a pretty natural feeling to want to start my own clothing store. My thought process was to just do it, meaning register my name, obtain my business license, write out a budget, a plan of action(the legalities). Once my money was invested I knew I could not turn back and I had to do it. I wanted to write my own rules, have complete control and just be able to express myself creatively. I also wanted to say that “I did this myself”.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Creativity is something I live for, and when I’m creating content, designing pieces for my store, I always think about how my customers feel after they get their merchandise they order because I am an online store. I love to hear customers say “I love the material, the fit, the color etc. It brings me so much joy when customers appreciate my craft.

I believe what sets me apart from others is that I’m self motivated, driven, ambitious, and Im committed to the process regardless of what challenges I face. As a small business owner of LAV Enterprises I’m most proud that I was able to register my business independently, design and build my website myself, purchase inventory with my own money all the while working full time as a healthcare worker, being a mom and wife. This has been a challenge with time management but I get the job done. I’ve learned that perfection does not exist and mistakes are essentially lessons you learn to grow. The lessons I’ve learned is to really invest in marketing strategies to get your name out there so that your products are accessible to everybody. I want the world to know that I’m a true PROUD Cali girl who’s inspired by my city, my family and my online store LAV clothing is just the beginning of many things to come!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’ll start on a Monday, I’d take them on a cruise down PCH to see the beautiful scenery, we’d spend the day in Malibu at the beach and stop to eat at Mastros Ocean Club on PCH. Their views are stunning!

Tuesday we’d spend the day at Six Flags and grab dinner at Johnnie’s Pastrami afterwards.

Wednesday we’d stop at Moby’s in Inglewood to get breakfast and do some sight seeing. I’d take her to Hollywood to the Walk of Fame, Leimert Park, and after sight seeing we’d go grab something to eat at In & Out.

Thursday we’d go universal studios, and following that we’d have dinner at El Torasco’s in Westchester for some bomb Mexican food.

Friday we start the day with Bruch at the Griddle Cafe at Yamashiro, the views and scenery are amazing. Then we’d go to World on Wheels and after that we’d have dinner at Berri’s Cafe in Beverly Hills.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my mother who taught and showed me that I can do whatever I put my mind to. She instilled a strong work ethic in me and she never ever told me I could not do something or achieve a goal even if it was far out there. She molded me into the woman I am today and I’m forever grateful I’ve had the pleasure of going through life with her not only as my mom but as my mentor, and best friend.

I would also like to recognize my husband, and children for supporting me, encouraging me when I feel overwhelmed and stressed. They give me strength when I need it, and I’m so grateful for my foundation.

Website: shoplavnow.com

Instagram: @shoplavnow

Facebook: @shoplavnow