Connect
To Top

Life & Work with Jazmin Valdivia of Granada Hills

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jazmin Valdivia.

Hi Jazmin, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve always had a deep love for travel — even as a child, I dreamed of living and working abroad. After college, I began my career in the marketing division of an airline company, a role that perfectly blended my passions for travel and storytelling. After a few years, I realized I wanted to pursue something more creative, one that aligned more closely with my interest in fashion and luxury branding.

This realization led me to pursue a Master’s degree. I wanted to broaden my understanding of the industry and gain a global perspective. Paris, a city I had long admired for its artistry and style, felt like the perfect place to do this. When I was accepted into a program there, I took the leap and moved in 2019. I essentially began my studies during COVID — a challenging time, but one that also allowed me the space to deepen my creativity and clarify my career goals.

Growing up in Los Angeles, I was fortunate to be surrounded by a vibrant, diverse culture that formed an appreciation for different perspectives and aesthetics. That foundation made the transition to life in Paris feel a bit more seamless. Both cities are endlessly inspiring in their own unique ways — LA with its energy, innovation, and forward-thinking spirit, and Paris with its rich tradition, rich history and artistry.

After graduating, I began working with a sustainable concept store specializing in skincare (an area I’ve always been passionate about.). This experience introduced me to the world of French beauty and taught me how storytelling and branding transcend industries. From there, I moved on to an Italian menswear brand, where my creativity truly flourished. I expanded my skills in photography, product styling, and social media strategy, while also collaborating with influencers and brands across Europe.

These experiences inspired me to continue creating content independently. By 2024, I officially launched my own content creation business — blending the American energy and results-driven mindset I grew up with, alongside the French mastery of storytelling and elegance I admire. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working with both French and international brands, forming meaningful partnerships and helping them share their stories through thoughtful, visually-driven content.

Today, I balance a full-time role as a social media marketing manager with running my business — a passion project that has grown into a truly fulfilling creative journey.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The language barrier was one of the most significant challenges I faced. Although I studied French throughout high school and college, using the language daily at this level was a completely new experience. Learning the culture, adapting to the mindset, and adjusting to a different lifestyle took time, especially when it came to understanding the laws and my rights.

Another early challenge was navigating the different laws around collaborations and forming a business in the U.S. versus France. While France offers amazing resources, understanding and adapting to these regulations required careful attention.

On top of that, staying on top of all my visa paperwork was crucial, and I had to learn how to speak up for myself—whether with officials or in professional settings. Just six months after moving, COVID hit, which paused everything for a while and made settling in even more complicated.

Navigating the job market to secure a full-time contract position was particularly difficult as an expat in the beginning.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I manage the social media and digital marketing for an Italian menswear brand that has been established in 6 countries. My day-to-day involves organizing the Instagram feed to make sure it looks cohesive and true to the brand’s style, coordinating product photography that really highlights the quality and craftsmanship, and putting together newsletters that feel personal and engaging.

I’m also responsible for reaching out to influencers and securing collaborations that bring fresh energy and credibility to the brand. On top of that, I plan events, create targeted ads, and dive into the analytics to understand what’s working and where we can improve. It’s a mix of creativity and strategy, and I love that balance.

What I’m most proud of is how I’ve been able to help shape a consistent, brand voice that connects with our audience on a deeper level. People don’t just see products, they also see the story and lifestyle behind them.

What sets me apart is that I’m not just about posting pretty pictures. I focus on building real relationships and creating meaningful content that drives engagement and growth. I care about every detail — from the visuals to the messaging to the data — and that makes a big difference. These are also qualities that I use in my own business.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Apps I Use:

Later: For scheduling and planning social media posts efficiently.

Lightroom & Photoshop: For editing and enhancing product photography and visuals.

CapCut: To create and edit engaging video content, especially for TikTok and Instagram.

TikTok & Instagram: Primary platforms for content creation, community engagement, and trend monitoring.

Canva: For designing quick, eye-catching graphics and marketing materials.

Shopify: To manage online store and product listings.

Shopify Collabs: To manage influencers

HypeAuditor: Influencer monitoring

WeTransfer: For sharing large files

Podcasts I Listen To:

NPR News: To stay updated on current events, especially when I’m on the go.

Just B with Bethenny Frankel: A show where entrepreneurs share their personal journeys and insights, which I find really inspiring.

Bullseye with Jesse Thorn: Features motivational stories about interesting people from various backgrounds.

Global News Podcast (BBC): Keeps me informed about global news and what’s happening in the world.

The Business of Fashion (BOF) Podcast: Focused on the latest fashion industry news and trends, helping me stay connected to the sector.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in local stories