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

Hi Valerie, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
That being a creator, blogger and influencer is a long road to success. It takes several years to build your brand and actually get paid for what you do!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve been an educator for most of my career. In 2014 I decided I wanted to learn new skills and try something new. I decided to start a fashion blog. (August 2014) to inspire women 40+ to dress well and discover their own personal style. In the process, I was able to work with several fashion and lifestyle brands, fashion weeks, and events located in the Seattle area and beyond.

In 2016 I realized my passion was more about travel writing than fashion. I still love fashion and do include destination style guides in some of my articles.

I took some courses about travel writing and how to pitch to hospitality brands and tourism boards. To date, I’ve had the opportunity to partner with 100+ travel/lifestyle brands, tourism boards, and hospitality companies such as Norwegian Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Travel Tacoma, Seattle Southside Tourism Authority, Travel Costa Mesa, and many more. Most recently, in June of 2023, I did my first press trip overseas and partnered with The Center of Portugal tourism board.

My goal is to encourage mid-life women to step out of their comfort zone and explore the world and cultures they are unfamiliar with. I visited a foreign country solo for the first time in 2019. If I can do it, anyone can! I get anxiety sometimes when I travel solo, but it’s good to venture into the unknown- it makes you a stronger person in the end!

No it has not been easy. Monetization is a struggle for creators . You have to tap into and create several revenue streams to make a full time income.

I specialize in travel guides & itinaries for the USA, Canada, and Europe. I recently took my passion for travel to a new level, In December I got certified as travel advisor-agent and can now book travel and plan trips for clients. ( Check out travel advisor section of my website)

I am proud of the fact that I have taught myself most of what I know about travel writing and influencer marketing. As I mentioned before, I’ve taken a few courses- but mostly, I have crafted my brand from scratch with zero knowledge about this industry. I also am proud that I have been on several press tours because of the brand I’ve created and the skills I’ve learned.

What sets me apart? I am authentic, honest and don’t sugarcoat anything. A lot of influencers on social media paint a rosy picture and don’t really tell the total truth about products they review or places they travel to.

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 would say to visit Little Italy, Downtown, And Coranado Island. Drinks and hang out a Hotel Del would be my idea of an amazing time…

Mission Beach is also one you shouldn’t miss, lots of fun to be had there and the waves are great for swimming and boarding..

Little Italy does offer amazing cuisine , and I am sure there is something for everyone

Not in the know much about the foodie scene ((I have not been to San Diego that many times( LA a lot more ) I live in Vegas….))

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The Fashion Community in Seattle is my source of inspiration and where I got started as a creator- influencer. The tight knight group is super supportive of each other and mentorship and encouragement is always there to help you grow and scale your influence.

Website: https://www.mapleleopard.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapleleopard

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vhhansen/

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/mapleleopard

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mapleleopard

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/mapleleopard

Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mapleleopard tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/mapleleopard

Image Credits
They are ALL my images! :0)

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