Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Valentina Belisario. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Valentina, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

It all began with me, Valentina Belisario, a woman who was always drawn to the different. Since I was little, I noticed that in every store, in every corner, I found the same: the same styles, the same colors, the same accessories. But inside me, there was a spark that drove me to seek more, to be more. I had always loved big earrings, but I couldn’t find anything that truly represented my style. It was then, almost by chance, that I discovered clay, a material that would lead me to create what we now know as APÖ.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I grew up in Venezuela, surrounded by the natural and cultural beauty of a place I hold deeply in my heart: La Gran Sabana. This paradise, home to indigenous communities, was my refuge and my inspiration. Since childhood, I would sit with my sister and watch indigenous artisans create beautiful necklaces engraved in stones. That craftsmanship, that connection to the land and its roots, left an indelible mark on me.

When I began experimenting with clay, I knew I was on the right path. I wasn’t just creating earrings; I was giving life to something much bigger. I wanted each piece that left my hands not only to adorn those who wore it but also to awaken something deep within them. I dreamed that my earrings would be a symbol of empowerment, a reminder that women are not made just to follow a predetermined path but to be powerful, unique, and capable of fulfilling their dreams.
This is how APÖ was born, a name that connects with my roots and identity. APÖ, which means “fire,” is that inner fire we all have, that force that drives us to challenge expectations and keep moving forward, no matter what. Just like the story of a young indigenous woman who rebelled against the norms of her community to pursue her dreams, APÖ invites all women to do the same: to find their inner fire and let it shine through each piece they wear.

At APÖ, each earring is a unique work of art, created with love and dedication. Our abstract shapes and vibrant colors are more than an aesthetic choice; they are a statement. A statement that we are not here to conform but to stand out, to be different, to be authentic.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building a social media audience is more than having many followers or likes. It is about CONNECTING with the people, creating community they will see you as a friend and it will break the wall between you and your audience/customer giving them the confidence to choose your product.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Behind every business there’s a person, and growing as a person means making your business grow. There’s a book that showed me that there’s a whole world waiting for what I have to give, and I would LOVE to recommend to everybody, business owner or not.
“Hello fears” by Michelle Poler was just what I needed to hear my whole life and what I think was the base for building my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Apolovers.com
• Instagram: Apobybelisario

Image Credits

Leandro Mayorca