VALERIA LIPOVETSKY: Hiiiiiii!

RICHARD BERNARDIN: (laughs) Hey! How are you?

VALERIA: Good! Oh my God, it took us a second...

RICHARD: Right? But it's all good. Things always work out the way they’re meant to so I wasn’t to stressed… Just happy we finally got do it! (laughs)

VALERIA: I know, I know, I'm happy we finally managed to find time. How are you?

RICHARD: I'm good. I’m...Yeah. I think my thing this year is to infuse or rather bring to light purpose and intention... I mean, I'll get more into this as we talk. But to be completely transparent, since we reconnected last year, you and Gary have inspired me tremendously, you know... I mean, it's great being a successful photographer and an artist, with all the highs and lows, you know, but I mean, seeing you what you both do individually, and as a couple, made me realize that there's a lot of stuff I want to do but haven’t gotten around to. I mean this, for example. This type of one-on-one, meaningful conversation with people who inspire me, is something that I've wanted to do for the longest time. And when I saw everything you guys were doing and are just making it happen,I was like: “Ah, man why not just do it?” So here you go… I had to step out of my comfort zone and just do it, you know?

VALERIA: No that's amazing and I think, I mean, I hope you give yourself enough credit because I think that a lot of people that been in the industry for so long are so used to doing things a certain way, used to the industry looking a certain way. And it's very difficult to have that like open mindedness, but also become a student all over again after you've been, like, you know, dominating your profession. So, it's really cool.

RICHARD: Thanks V... Baby steps but I know I can do this. And there’s no better time than the present to step into my dreams AND to have meaningful conversations.

VALERIA: Awesome. That's awesome. So loving it.

LIFE

RICHARD: So, let’s just jump in. Basically, the way I want to do this is to essentially have one long conversation about life, purpose and, obviously, fashion photography cause, you know, that's what I love and do. So, here we go… Can you tell who is “Valeria”? And, if you could describe yourself in five words, what would they be?

VALERIA: Well, you caught me at like a weird time now because I feel like I'm finding myself and it's I'm in between this like weird, you know, that like space of you're not completely there yet. So I don't have the words. So I say that I have a few that have been leading me throughout life. And it would be it would be PERSISTENCE. Um, it would be... HARD WORKING. It would also be OPTIMISTIC. And... INTELLIGENT. And it would be... Ugh, I don’t know.

RICHARD: No, no, no, this is great! Look, your first three words - persistent, hard-working and optimistic - are exactly how I describe myself! Who knew we were so alike? Like, I really never quit. I keep going no matter what... In my mind, I feel like I’m the epitome of resilience, you know? Is that PC? Can I say that? Anyway, it’s like life sometimes throws stuff my way, trying to beat me down and I just keep getting back up and working harder. And what was the fourth one? Intelligent! OMG, yes! That’s so you! And I love how you totally own it!  I consider myself pretty well-read but never finished University, so I don't know if I would consider myself, you know, intelligent (laughs out loud) ... I mean I got a lot of street smarts, yes, but I don’t think I’m Harvard-smart, you know? (laughing)

VALERIA: (also laughing) Two years ago, if you would have asked me, I wouldn't call myself intelligent but today I can comfortably assert it.

RICHARD: Of course you are! Like, seriously, you've created so much with all your companies and videos and just the sheer number of books that you’ve read! I want to talk about that later because I also love to read! And tell me if I’m wrong, but I kinda feel that as a society, these days, people don't read anymore. Like really... People just don't read, and you learn so much by reading.

VALERIA: Hmm hmmmm...

RICHARD: And I think it's so awesome that you encourage people to read! And you're so vocal and aren’t shy to talk about it. Seriously, I love that!

VALERIA: Yes and people forget that it's the cheapest way to travel the world, learn about other people, learn about cultures, learn history, learn so many different things without actually spending more than the actual cost of a book. Well, I always remind myself that this is my way of seeing more because I sometimes feel like there's so much to do and so little time. So, for me, it's like a little life hack. It's like, I read it because that's to me how I can, you know, get to experience something.

RICHARD: Amazing V! Is this something you picked up from your parents?  I know that you're still very close to your mom… Can you tell me about your childhood? Where did you grow up? Did you move around a lot?

VALERIA: Well, I was born in Russia and at the age of two. I lived with my mother, who was 21 and had just split up with my biological father. Russia was dangerous then, so she decided that it's time for us to leave. You know, we’re Jewish, which was not optimal in those times in Russia. So we decided then to immigrate and my mother and I left to Israel where I spent most of my childhood. It's funny because I was journaling about this the other day and I’ve realized as I got older that I very selective memory which is like my tool for survival because I feel like if I would have carried all of these experiences, that might have been traumatic... I don't know how far I would have come. So, yeah, I've kind of like have a really bad selective memory, that I turn on and off, which I guess is a result of a very up and down kind of childhood. So sometimes I find myself in a situation where I kind of like, leave my body.

RICHARD: Wow I love that...

VALERIA: Yeah, what I really remember is, first of all, growing up in restaurants because my mother used to wash dishes during the day, and then she would perform as a singer at night. So I would spend most of my days in the restaurant where she worked, just hanging out, playing and sleeping. Whatever it was. And it was probably very difficult times - she remembers it as difficult times, but I remember it as something very positive and very inspiring. But then being immigrant child, going to first grade in school wasn't the best experience... I was very shy. I didn't really belong anywhere, and I feel like I was always doing things that were really odd. Like, I had a phase when I was completely obsessed with any Holocaust literature. Like, I just went so deep into it and my mother was like, “I need to take you to see somebody cause this is concerning”...

RICHARD: Haha that’s kinda weird but I dig it.

VALERIA: Right? (laughing) And then, when I was 10 years old I loved to listen to like Frank Sinatra. And my mom always was like, “This is great, but should I be worried?” But I was in my own world, right? And growing up like that, my mother was always looking for opportunities to help me get out of my shell because I was very insecure as a child. So fast forward a couple of years, and that's when modeling presented itself. And for me, I was 15, and was kind of hoping to land a job at McDonald's because that’s where all of my friends were working. But it didn't work out. So, I went to a casting and got accepted by Elite Models in Israel and began working! And that kind of sparked the whole other experiential phase in my life because all of a sudden, I was faced with every insecurity that I had as a young girl. It was just in front of me all the time. And yeah, it was it was very interesting. It was a lot of inner battles to keep going, even if I only wanted to quit. And I think that my mom's plan really worked out because she was like, “I need to just push you into the deep end.” And the modeling industry was definitely the deep-end for me. And it all kind of unfolded from there. But that was kind of my childhood in a nutshell.

RICHARD: Wow... And it's kinda full circle, right? Going from a turbulent childhood in Israel, to modeling and traveling by yourself to where you are today... Incredible and resilient, you know? And now, years later, you've built this - what's the word? An empire? Like all of these experiences helped you build this...

VALERIA: Career. A career...

RICHARD: Yes! An incredible career and a company with an extremely loyal and dedicated following. Can you can you talk about how you've accomplished this? And what it's like to be the head of Valeria Inc?

VALERIA: Yeah, I kind of accidentally started my journey on social media because it all started with me. You know, after I had my first child, I realized that modeling would never be the same because I'm not going to be able to travel as much. And, you know, I want to be there for my family. So, I decided to go and study holistic nutrition, which was something that was of great interest to me. And when I finished with the certificate, I was like, oh, I'm for sure, going to open an office and start seeing people, like with a practice. And I realized that I really hated working with people one on one. It's just frustrating because I had so much information to share and give. And it's just kind of gets lost with nonsense and expectations. So then I started looking for ways to spread that message to a bigger audience. I don't want to charge for it. I just want to give it away.

RICHARD: Right..

VALERIA: And that's where social media kind of came into my life because that's when I started with the blog. And then I got exposed to YouTube and then to all these other platforms, and it kind of all happened naturally. And then at some point I was like, OK, what else can I give? And I had all this knowledge and experience with fashion and beauty. I had my own take on it. So then I incorporated that. So it was very like an organic process. And from the beginning I told myself, once I got exposed to the reality of seeing other influencers and what they do, I kind of felt like they're playing a role. And although it looked really cool and I could probably play a role too, I wouldn't be able to sustain it because, you know, I have a family, I have kids. I have all these things so to take on another a persona... Well, I was going to burn out. So from the beginning, I was like, I have to be me and I have to do what I like to do. And even if it's aesthetically looks like not as polished as some other influencers because back then curated photos were all the rage and everything just so perfect. And I'm very happy and confident and I think that kind of gave me the opportunity to showcase my voice, to explain my life, to show my life in an authentic way.

And I think that's where the community started growing because they saw me. And it wasn't like a piece of me... It was like, “Oh, we get who you of are.” And I think that's what fosters a community, at the end of the day. I was sharing my struggles and I was sharing my ups and downs and a lot of the growth that I've experienced throughout the years. And, you know, my audience is a lot of women, my age or younger women, who are just coming into the world of “adulting” and need that kind of “big sister”. And that's the energy I've always felt and I want to be the person that I wish I had when I was growing up, right?  Like someone who would give me some insights into marriage, into having children, about careers... So, it kind of created this beautiful community and I feel extremely grateful for it.

And with Valeria Inc, the team grew very organically because having Gary by my side obviously helped me a lot because I don’t have any experience in business and he's the ultimate entrepreneur. And when I started growing, I was getting frustrated because I would tell him, I want to create more, I want to give more to the audience. But honestly, I'm shooting for an hour and it takes me nine hours to edit. And he's like, “Well, but you're not a great editor.” And I'm like, I know, because it's not fun, and you know, I was very honest with myself...

And our Zoom call stalls and we lose Valeria...

A few minutes later...

RICHARD: Hey, you ok?

VALERIA: Yeah sorry… I think my wifi went down, but it's OK now. Where did you lose me?

RICHARD: Ugh wifi… I think I lost you at you were editing videos for nine hours and they weren't great.

VALERIA: Right (chuckles)... That was great advice from Gary to just say, you know, you have to reinvest in your business if you believe in it and hire people whose strengths are your weaknesses. And that's very much how we continued to build the company. We started hiring one by one and then we continued putting back the money we were making. I was like, OK, what’s my next weakness – hire – and so on until we now got all these amazing people who are extraordinary at what they do, and then I get more time to do what I do really well.

RICHARD: Actually that was one of the things that really inspired me when I saw you arrive on the shoot - With. Your. Whole. Team. Like wow! I'm somewhat of a perfectionist and been doing the one-man show since forever. And you know what? It’s not great cause it’s really just an excuse not to get stuff done... You want to control everything, it has to be perfect, micromanaging everything. I’m over it. Sure, I’m really good at a lot things but in doing so, I realized that it limits my peak productivity and creative mastery. And both, you and Gary, reinforced this idea when you told me about maximizing my time on my greatest strengths. And you know what? You’re absolutely right! I really need to revisit how I do everything.  Can’t thank you enough…

VALERIA: Of course and I'm happy to hear that. And I think that, you know, it also really teaches us perfectionists to learn that there's no novelty, first of all in doing it all yourself. I remember, I would literally cry at night, and I’d be editing and trying to put the kids to sleep, and I want to finish a video to post. And Gary would see me and be like, “This... Whatever this makes me feel, like you're a superhuman, is not cute. Like, no one's going to give you an award for this, do you understand?” So, this was definitely a wakeup call that I needed to stop being so controlling. And it actually even pushed me to just become a just go with the flow kind of a person because, at my core, I'm definitely not and it’s OK with things not being perfect all the time.

RICHARD: Well, like I said, it really inspired me and I truly appreciate that.

PURPOSE

RICHARD: I want to talk about Purpose. This idea recently became very important for me cause, you know, when you've been doing something you love for so long - I mean I’m heading into my 25th year as a fashion photographer, shooting beautiful people in beautiful clothes in beautiful places - I kinda started asking myself, “Is this it? Is there more to this?” And then I saw this Jay Shetty on YouTube talking about finding your purpose through your passion especially when you use it to serve others. And BAM, that was it! That was the spark that ignited the whole idea of RLVNT! Think about it… I’ve photographed a lot of amazing people from all walks of life, each with amazing life stories to tell, but how would I “know”, right? When we’re shooting we have so little time onset to, you know, really talk. So, I decided to start this journal where I can not only photograph the people I want, on my terms, but I also GET TO have great, in-depth conversations with them and build a platform - my journal - to share everything with everyone and anyone whose willing to take the time to read it. So with that preamble out of the way, I just want to ask you two simple questions: “What is your passion?” and “What do you think is your purpose”?

VALERIA: I think that for me, my purpose is storytelling, and it's making people feel a certain way. And I think that to me, sometimes, I have moments in in my work where I was just like, “Really? This is what I do?”, when I'm twirling in clothes… Doing a silly dance? You’re 31, you have three kids like there's more serious things to do, but thankfully, I always have this interaction with people online. So it's really wonderful because whenever I feel like, what the hell am I doing? I go back to this and I'm like, Oh, I made someone laugh with this. Or I made someone think about something or I made someone read a book and made someone go and try something new. And that really keeps me going. And I'm so, so thankful that I'm in this line of work where my job is to live my best life and share it with people, to expose them to all of this, you know what I mean? Because sometimes inspiring people and motivating people is not about going out on stage and being a motivational speaker. It's about you waking-up in the morning, talking about your hardships, going to therapy, sharing your ups and downs. You, working out. And all of these small, mundane moments for us, might spark something in other people. And to me, that's what makes me wake up in the morning and just be like, I'm so happy that this is what I get to do.

RICHARD: Yeah, I hope I can get to a point where what I do can have that kind of impact. I think my purpose, in a certain way, is like escapism. Like, watching movies or Netflix is a casual, harmless form of “avoidance of reality” by absorbing the mind with entertainment, and with everything that’s going on in the world, God only knows we need this now more than ever. I think that my photography is a way for me to populate people’s lives with moments of beauty, you know? Who knows, it might inspire someone to do the same and pay it forward. But yes, you expressed it so beautifully.

VALERIA: I think that would be such a wonderful journey for yourself and also for others, because I think that sometimes, we always see the end result of something, and it's the storytelling that contributes so much more to the end result, right?

RICHARD: Yeah, exactly. Ok, so I wanted to ask you if you have rituals, you know, daily or morning rituals?

VALERIA: I think that in the last year, I’ve had an adverse reaction to rituals, to morning routines and to being mindful. Like it's been so everywhere that it literally became insignificant to me and almost, annoying. So, I understand the concept of it, but I'm at this point where I’m rebelling against it because it’s come to a point where if I do it today, it feels like, OK, check. And so for me, I'm taking a little break although I do journal, sometimes. I'm not consistent... When I have something, I want to let out. When I want to say something or when I have any ideas to write down. But I, by no means, put myself on this like regime where you have to have a streak where you have to meditate every day or you have to write because it just doesn't feel like it’s flowing out of me. It feels like I'm influenced by external people. So yeah, I don't have any right now. My only ritual is I try to wake up earlier than the kids to have a bit of a quiet time in the house, to walk the property by myself and then read a little bit. That would probably be the extent of my rituals at this point. Do you have rituals? I promise I won't be annoyed. I know you meditate and workout...

RICHARD: Yeah, I wake up at 5am, workout, then meditate and enjoy some quality “Me Time” too (thanks Robin Sharma!) but that’s me and it’s felt right for me for almost a year. But I get what you’re saying... Mindfulness and Namaste are the new buzzwords and everybody’s milking it. So it's kind of refreshing to hear you speak your truth. I mean, there are days when I just want to sleep in, and sometimes I do… But mostly, I wake up. (laughs) Some days I don't I don't feel like doing a 20-minute meditation, so I'll meditate for just 5 minutes. So this is a good question that you brought up: Am I doing this for myself or to prove to others that I can? Like you said, it has to be authentic and it has to flow. And if you're into it, great, if you're not into it, that's also great. Funny thing though is that I went out and bought this journal six months ago but haven’t gotten around to journaling yet. (laughs)

VALERIA: Is it the five-minute journal?

RICHARD: Uh no… It's like this journal for guys who have never journaled before, and it guides you through the process by answering some questions. It looked great, I bought it, opened it, thought about writing in it, but nothing yet.

VALERIA: And you know, it is funny because it's always like this balancing thing. You have to be so self-aware to see if it's resistance that you need to overcome. Like when you say, I'm waking up in the morning, I don't want to meditate. Sometimes it's something that you actually have to push yourself to do in order to be like, No, I'm not giving into this laziness. But it's a fineline between me just resisting a practice and me just not aligned with it at the at the moment.

RICHARD: Amen to that!

FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY

RICHARD: So you mentioned that you started modeling at 15... Do you remember your first experience? Was it a photoshoot? Or a fashion show?

VALERIA: It was definitely a shoot because I'm too short for runway, so I've never done runway. I did like an Israel runway, but it wasn't on that stage per se. But yeah, it was a shoot. You know what? I don't remember it because modeling was never my place. So modeling - going back to my selective memory - was very much highlighting, especially in the beginning and throughout my career, all the negative and insecurities I had in me. So when I saw a way to transition to something else, I was like, “Bye, see you later!” But I did it for a decade because to me, that was my way out. It was my way out of Israeli, it was my way out of relying financially on anybody else. It was my way to see the world and meet people and learn more about myself. So it was a wonderful tool for all these other things, but I can't say that I was breathing and living for the fashion industry in general. So every time I would get booked, I'd be like, “Oh my God, did they make a mistake? Why do they want me?” It was always like, “Oh, are you sure?... Ok?” And it was interesting because despite all of that, you know, I still managed to shoot for VS Pink, was with IMG in New York and Paris and was working with so many amazing people. But in the back of my head, I was always like, it's only a matter of time until someone's going to wake up and be like, “What is she doing here?”  So yeah, it was a very interesting phase in my life, you know, dealing with imposter syndrome.

RICHARD: Oh yeah… Imposter syndrome. We’ve all had to deal with this, to one extent or another. Was that a big part of it for you?

VALERIA: Yes, this was a part of my existence… Like even to this day. You know, someone asked me the other day, “Have you ever felt imposter syndrome? Do you ever experience it?” And I'm like, at least once a day, at least!  Because it's not only that you're - especially when you create something - it's not like you're coming into someone else's process and just checking off boxes. You're putting out your ideas, you're putting out your techniques, you're putting out YOU into the world. Hell yeah, I have imposter syndrome, right? I think that it's a very natural thing as a creative to have that. And um, yeah, it's a lot like, push and pull….

RICHARD:  Hmmm mmm

VALERIA: An inner struggle and thoughts like, “Oh, you suck... No, you can do it... Oh, you're the best...” It's always there's, always present and I'm sure that you can relate with that, right?

RICHARD: For sure, just with this journal. I mean, I it took me a long time before being able to say, “OK, you know what? I'm gonna bite the bullet. I'm going to do it because... Why not? Do people really want to hear this? Maybe… Who cares!” Like, I kept questioning myself about whether or not people were going to be interested in what I have to say and who I'm having these conversations with? And that's one of the reasons why I called it RLVNT! Because, like myself, like all artists, we doubt ourselves, we question our relevance and fashion photography is an ever-evolving art-form and has changed drastically in the last 25 years, when I first started. So, is it still relevant? Am I still relevant? Are we relevant?

VALERIA: It is and you are and you have to learn to live with it and it's good to question yourself because it makes you work harder and it keeps you humble.

RICHARD: I couldn’t agree more... But as always, I digress. Back to our topic… There’s a strong component of fashion photography in a lot of the work that you produce because it's like you said before, it’s about you, your tastes and your perspective. And obviously you’re an extremely beautiful woman, who documents and showcases personally curated items about fashion, beauty, health, your kids, your marriage, your life and everything in between. So can you tell me how you perceive fashion photography through the lens of a creator-entrepreneur?

VALERIA: I mean, you see, it's very different because when I work with people like yourself, to me, that's a completely different thing. That's a whole other art-form from what I do. What I do is more, like you said, documenting. So yeah, there's an aspect of clothing and there's aspect of showcasing myself. But when you have a true artist like you behind the camera, that’s magical... It's the small little things, like the lighting, the way the wind blows, your composition and complete mastery over the medium. We don't really feel this in my work as much, and actually, I love when I get to collaborate and work with, you know, with fashion photographers like you because it totally energizes me. It really opens up my mind and I get so inspired by the clothing and the colors because it's such a unique and invigorating experience. Like on this shoot with you, I just I knew that I wanted to bring your vision to life, you know what I mean? When you work with another creative, you walk in and you're just like, “What's in their mind?” Like, I want to bring that to life. I want to emulate that. So yes, I do have a very special place in my heart for fashion photography, for collaborating with other amazing talented people on the other side of the camera who have a singular vision. So for me, that's fashion photography! And that was my experience working with you. And I just loved going in and seeing the passion in your eyes and your storytelling and you know, it all came together with the beautiful clothing and amazing team.

RICHARD: Thank you V, I'm truly flattered and appreciate what you just said. Which leads perfectly to my last question on the topic of fashion photography...  So what are your thoughts on the notion of the Muse or the concept of a person who inspires an artist?

VALERIA:  I agree with you. And I think that's part of the reason, like I mentioned, you know, when I collaborate with creatives that are on the other side of the camera, I love it because it is when you see yourself through other eyes. And I think that when you’re a content creator or any person, really, you have an idea of who you are and what you are and how you look like. But when you have an opportunity to work with someone that has a different vision, it's like I'm exploring all these different parts of myself, right? You get to kind of take on this role of, you know, whatever idea you had for me. And then it shows itself in the clothing and the way I pose in the way I feel like the overall energy. So I think that I always feel like I leave those kind of shoots feeling like, I know myself a little bit better, you know? Like when it's really sensual or sexy, I feel like more like a woman, you know? So I think that's the beauty. It's very much like acting right. I mean, actors, they go on the set and they take on this role and they dig deeper in order to bring that role out in the most authentic way. And it's very similar, I guess, with how I felt when I was modeling because I would be like, “Ok, how would she act? How would she feel?” So it's definitely something that I love to do and to see myself through someone else's eyes. And yes it takes trust and being very complicit.

RICHARD: I can't wait to show you our shoot. Soooooo many amazing images that we made together!

VALERIA: I'm so excited to see them, I just want to let you know that right now we’re looking for a new home. And once we have a house, I would love to order a print and have it blown-up because first of all, I want to have your work hanging in my house, that's for sure! And also, it's me in the photo!

RICHARD: Yes for sure! Are you going to stay in Miami? I think I need to ask you about Miami, because it's -29 degrees today here in Montreal and my wife and I have recently become “empty nesters” and I kinda no longer feel the need nor do I have any more reasons why I need to live here, where the air hurts my face 6 months of the year. (laughs) Do you recommend Miami?

VALERIA: I mean, for you guys - young, cool empty nesters? Are you kidding me? Hell yeah, I would recommend it! But for us, you know, as a family it was a big thing to make such a decision with small kids. But right now, the beauty of COVID for me that every dependency or the feeling of like ownership that I've ever had or just like I belong here or because my home is here and my staff are here, this is where I'm staying. Like all of that just evaporated, vanished, and I realized that all of a sudden I have zero attachment to anything, right? And at the end of the day, like if my husband and my kids are beside me and everyone's happy and that's the only important thing. And life is just too short to sit and wait, you know?

EXTRA

RICHARD: Yeah, I hear you loud and clear (laughing) OK, so two quick extra questions and then we're done. What's your most annoying habit? And, do you have a celebrity crush?

VALERIA: OK, my most annoying habit is that I tend to say no before I say yes. Which is something I've been working on a lot, and yeah, that's in my personal life and in my in my career. I don't know why I'm just: “It's not going to work.” And then I like I step away and I think about it in a way it might actually work. But not right away, and maybe it's part of this like controlling factor I have, right? And that's very annoying. I hate about myself, but it's OK. Work in progress and a celebrity crush... I don't really have one, to be honest.

RICHARD: No, no, that's fine. I mean, my celebrity crush is - and look I photograph beautiful women for a living – Brad Pitt.

VALERIA: Actually, let’s say he’s both of ours, no doubt about it (laughing)

RICHARD: I know, it's a totally random but it's a fun little question... Somebody asked me this just the other day and I was like, “Dude, I love it and I’m gonna steal it for my journal!”

VALERIA: You’re right and now I'm going to think about it for the rest of the day. I'll let you know.

NOTE: Valeria DM’d later during the day that her celebrity crush was Matthew McConaughey!

RICHARD: And that's it… We’re done!  Not too bad, right?

VALERIA: Yeah, this was really fun. I thought it was a great conversation with an old friend who I got to know better and I think you're doing a great job. And let me assure you that you will get better and better and better. And not because you're not good now, but you'll feel like it's coming out easier because I remember the first, like two years of doing this, I would stand in front of the camera and try to speak and cringing on the inside, so I remember how it feels. Let me tell you, it's going to be such a wonderful journey for you to see yourself evolve and develop in. And I'm really, really excited for you!

RICHARD: Thank you V you’re the best.

VALERIA: Thank you for asking me to do this... I love it! Oh I mean to ask you, are you planning to be in Europe anytime soon?

RICHARD: Yes, most definitely in March... Why? Are you going? Wanna shoot?

VALERIA: I might be. I'm still waiting for a few confirmations, but I might be in Paris in March and then I might do Milan, but I'll let you know

RICHARD: Cool! Paris in March, that could potentially work. I also have another idea, and I'm just throwing it out there just to get your creative juices flowing... I'm working with a patron on my first book, and I was thinking of shooting with several muses on an African safari....

VALERIA: Oh my god, yes, I'll be there.

RICHARD: Awesome, we’ll talk more soon! Much love and have a good one V!

VALERIA: Thank you so much Rich! Bye bye. xx

The Artist with his Muse.