Ep 52 | Lia Valencia Key

Written By Yasmin Nouri
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Don’t Let Your Past Define Your Future

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Lia Valencia Key is the founder of Valencia Key, a jewelry line with beautiful, unique pieces that feature inspirational messages designed to empower women. 

Raised in an impoverished Philadelphia neighborhood, Lia lived in a homeless shelter with her mother, sister, and brother. Even in the darkest of times, her mom told her, "your predicament does not determine your destiny." She encouraged Lia to never leave the house without wearing her sparkling earrings because they would serve as reminders of the light within and the potential she had in her life. 

Lia went on to rise above her challenges and honored her mom’s legacy by believing in herself, defying all odds, and going after her dreams. She received her master’s degree and then became a world-renowned cosmetologist and stylist. Lia is now focused on inspiring others to believe in their dreams through her jewelry line. 

We’ll chat with Lia about how she broke many barriers in her life and followed her passions as an entrepreneur, the power we all have within us to create the life we want, and tips we can use in our lives today on overcoming fear and living a brave life.

Show Notes:

  • The question Lia’s mother asked her which had a profound impact on her life. [3:05]

  • Lia’s poverty-stricken upbringing in Philadelphia, and the tragedy that struck her family when she was young. 3:44]

  • How Lia’s time in a homeless shelter had begun to impact her, before she decided she was going to lead rather than follow. [7:20]

  • Completion as one of the key guiding principles in Lia’s life. [10:44]

  • Choices that Lia made to help her change her circumstances. [11:02]

  • The undergraduate and Master's degrees which Lia received. [11:15]

  • How Lia’s creativity has guided her decisions, and how her experience at a Creative and Performing Arts High School changed her life. [11:37]

  • The three female pillars in Lia’s life. [13:02]

  • Why Lia ended up sweeping floors for a while even though she had a Master's degree, and why it didn’t bother her. [16:43]

  • What Lia loves about cosmetics. [18:02]

  • When Lia first learned about QVC, and the determination with which she tried to get a job there. [18:20]

  • The importance of speaking your dreams to the world. [19:12]

  • A chance encounter which finally connected Lia with QVC. [21:56]

  • Earrings and a message that Lia’s mother gave her before she died, which later sparked the idea for Valencia Key. [26:05]

  • Lia shares why she believes it is so important to carefully choose the people you surround yourself with. [28:23]

  • Gifting something to the world is Lia’s purpose, and she explains how she does this through her business. [33:12]

  • Advice from Lia about how to handle fear, and the power of embracing who you are. [38:49]

  • One of the things that Lia is most proud of. [42:33]

  • Valencia Key’s first collection, Prosperity, and the meaning behind it. [43:56]

  • True wealth; as defined by Lia. [44:50]

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Additional Resources

Yasmin Nouri
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