Change Yourself First: Interview with Model and Entrepreneur Valentina Beli

I recently went one on one with model and entrepreneur Valentina Beli.

Adam: Thanks again for taking the time to share your story and your advice. First things first, though, I am sure readers would love to learn more about you. What is something about you that would surprise people?

Valentina: Thank you Adam. Well I don’t know... what if I say, “I'm a model?” Haha. I’m an international model. I worked in Paris, Milan, and Beijing before coming to the US. You can see me in campaigns and advertorials for Dee Ocleppo (the wife of Tomy Hilfiger), L’Oreal, Swarovski, Tory Burch, Kenzo, etc. I have also modeled for Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, L’Officiel, Cosmo etc. I’m also running my own fashion label… if I can mention the name.. it’s KOPF bags - handmade art bags with the production in New York. 

Adam: How did you get here? What experiences, failures, setbacks or challenges have been most instrumental to your growth?

Valentina: I immigrated to New York as a model. I got the Green Card based on model achievements; it’s called basically “extraordinary ability.” I believe I faced ordinary New Yorker’s challenges: a tiny apartment, a very hot summer and a cold winter, rats in the streets and in the subway, water bugs, bed bugs. But I would say if you are working hard, if you are dedicated to your goal, if you appreciate your way, New York will pay you back. I’m truly grateful that Gotham became my second home. 

Adam: How did you come up with your business idea? What advice do you have for others on how to come up with great ideas?

Valentina: Our fashion label is the creation of my husband. He is the designer of KOPF. He is the artist who handcrafts all his ideas carefully. His name is Aliaksei Belianka. Every single piece of the bag was made by him. Every purse is unique. It’s hard to imagine where he is finding the inspiration but I would say Alex mostly is interested in society’s problems. His bags are statements: they reflect society’s fears, lack of freedom, and lack of understanding.

Adam: How did you know your business idea was worth pursuing? What advice do you have on how to best test a business idea?

Valentina: We didn’t know it, but Alex needed to express himself and he started to make bags just for himself. Basically, I was complaining that it’s hard to be remarkable during New York Fashion Week and to get booked for shows. And he made a unique and beautiful leather backpack for me. The bag had the shape of an ear. It means if you can listen carefully, you can see more with your ears than with your eyes. And you know what? I have been booked for many shows since then, which tells me that our bags are very remarkable.

Adam: What are your best sales and marketing tips?

Valentina: I believe it is very important to find your target audience. You would need to have the right marketing strategy. Beautiful pictures are key as well. Collaborations with influencers play also a crucial role. 

Adam: In your experience, what are the defining qualities of an effective leader? How can leaders and aspiring leaders take their leadership skills to the next level?

Valentina: A real leader is a 24/7 worker. He works more than his employees. He knows how to delegate some of his duties but at the same time has a deep understanding of the business.

Adam: What are your three best tips applicable to entrepreneurs, executives and civic leaders? 

Valentina: Work 24/7, constantly learn new things, and be brave.

Adam: What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received?

Valentina: You are not your target audience. If you like or don’t like something, it doesn’t mean the same for your target audience. The only way to understand your audience is to do research.

Adam: What is one thing everyone should do to pay it forward?

Valentina: Be kind, humble and grateful. It costs nothing, but it brings a lot of dividends.

Adam: Is there anything else you would like to share?

Valentina: I would love to be an example for a young woman. Even though I'm a model, my life is not built only on modeling. I’m trying to explore the world and to change it. And to change the world, you need to change yourself first: your way of thinking, borders and limits.


Adam Mendler is the CEO of The Veloz Group, where he co-founded and oversees ventures across a wide variety of industries. Adam is also the creator and host of the business and leadership podcast Thirty Minute Mentors, where he goes one on one with America's most successful people - Fortune 500 CEOs, founders of household name companies, Hall of Fame and Olympic gold medal winning athletes, political and military leaders - for intimate half-hour conversations each week. Adam has written extensively on leadership, management, entrepreneurship, marketing and sales, having authored over 70 articles published in major media outlets including Forbes, Inc. and HuffPost, and has conducted more than 500 one on one interviews with America’s top leaders through his collective media projects. A top leadership speaker, Adam draws upon his insights building and leading businesses and interviewing hundreds of America's top leaders as a top keynote speaker to businesses, universities and non-profit organizations.

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