In a candid and exclusive interview, we sit down with the multifaceted Valentina Saluz: a diligent transgirl, a figure renowned for her impactful contributions to the worlds of fashion, marketing, and now acting. With a career that spans continents and challenges norms, Valentina opens up about her journey, sharing insights into her life choices, career transitions, and her identity within the LGBTQIAP+ community. From her decision to return to her roots in Brazil to her evolving role in the fashion and entertainment industries, Valentina’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and relentless pursuit of passion. Join us as we delve into the intriguing and inspiring world of Valentina Saluz: a diligent transgirl.
1. What motivated your decision to take a break from your international career and return to Brazil, specifically Rio de Janeiro?
After living abroad for over a decade, I felt the need to reconnect with my roots, live closer to the beach, strengthen my bonds here, and deepen my relationship with my family in Brazil. The audiovisual market in Rio de Janeiro is robust, and it offered an excellent opportunity to blend business with pleasure.
2. Can you share your thoughts on your first runway walk at Milan Fashion Week, where you realized you shouldn’t just stay backstage?
Experiencing the fashion industry in stages, I as a transgirl gained insights into various aspects of international fashion. From running a large agency and scouting models in Paris to sitting front row at top fashion shows and modeling for prestigious brands, I’ve seen it all. The fashion world is tough and competitive, and not always glamorous. I always knew I’d move beyond the backstage, and I worked hard to succeed in every phase of my career.
3. How has your identity within the LGBTQIAP+ community influenced your roles as a model and marketing analyst?
In Paris, being a black transgirl, I was quickly embraced by the high fashion industry. They listened to me and gave me a platform, recognizing my professionalism and humanity. My cheerful, genuine demeanor won over many in Paris and America. However, the situation in Brazil is quite different.
4. Among your diverse roles in acting, modeling, and marketing consultancy, which do you find most fulfilling?
I’m passionate about all my endeavors, from strategizing at meetings to gracing magazine covers and strutting on runways. But my lifelong dream has been acting, and I’m thrilled to be pursuing it at 26. Starting a new career is an invaluable experience.
5. As you start your studies at CAL, Latin America’s premier performing arts university, what are your aspirations for this new chapter?
For the first time, I’m doing something solely for myself. Only my closest confidant, Monique, knew about my plans, conceived during a challenging period in my life. Choosing Rio, CAL, and a fresh start in my career has been a significant and joyful decision for me.
6. How have your skills as a marketing analyst influenced your modeling career, and what aspects of these roles do you plan to bring to acting?
As a black trangirl, survival has always necessitated a degree of acting. This background gives me a unique advantage in any industry I enter, including acting.
7. How do you manage to balance all these roles?
Balancing everything can be challenging, and sometimes I’m not even sure how I manage it. Currently, my focus is on acting. In Brazil, the fashion industry operates differently than in places like New York, allowing me to concentrate more on marketing and acting. But this doesn’t mean I’ll be away from international catwalks for long.
8. Could you give us an update on the release of your next book?
The book is ready, but its delay is on me. After a profound spiritual journey and growing closer to God, I’ve matured significantly over the past two years. This led me to shift the book’s focus; it will now highlight God rather than myself. It’s a beautiful, exciting work that I believe will surprise many.