I am not what happened to me; I am what I choose to become.
Referring to setbacks as obstacles through which she’s navigated (and beaten), there’s something distinctly believable about everything that Valentina Spatola says when she speaks candidly about her life. There’s a genuine quality to every piece of advice she gives, and there’s a reason: She’s lived through pain, and used that pain to empower others. Anyone can recite quotes in a half-hearted attempt to console others; Valentina speaks with conviction, and there’s a feeling instilled in the recipient of the advice that you don’t want to let her down.
There’s nothing in particular that she must listen to or watch to inspire her each day; rather, it’s the empowering belief that “What’s coming is so much better than anything that’s happened.”
With the belief that her career enables her to create art each and every day, it’s no wonder her style reflected her personality so well — the photos can attest to that — and her confidence in this photoshoot is evident. That confidence, of course, turns heads everywhere she goes. What, then, is the best compliment she can receive?
“Anyone can comment on your looks. I want to hear that I’m genuine and that I speak from a genuine heart.” Then, quoting Maya Angelou, she said with a smile: “people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Jamie Bichelman Photography 