We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Valerie Peppert a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Valerie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

In 2017, at just 18 years old, I took a leap that would change the course of my life—I moved to the United States to be an au pair for a year. It was a dream I had nurtured for years. Long before I ever booked a flight, I spent hours watching YouTube videos of other au pairs, imagining what it would be like to experience life in America firsthand. I had romanticized every detail—the travel, the friendships, the idea of fully immersing myself in a new culture. When the opportunity finally came, it felt surreal.

But dreams don’t always unfold the way we expect. The reality hit me hard when I arrived. I had differences with my host family, and adjusting to my new role—taking care of their kids—was more challenging than I had anticipated. What was supposed to feel like an adventure often felt isolating, and there were moments I questioned whether I had made the right decision. I was far from home, in a place where everything was unfamiliar, and for a while, it felt like my dream was unraveling before my eyes.

Still, I refused to let the difficulties define my experience. Slowly, things started to shift. I met other au pairs and formed friendships that felt like family. I began traveling, seeing the U.S. in a way that made me feel like I belonged. I experienced American culture not as a tourist but as someone truly living it—the good, the bad, and everything in between. That year pushed me beyond my comfort zone, teaching me resilience, independence, and the power of embracing uncertainty.

That decision—the risk I took at 18—became my butterfly effect. Because of that year, I returned to the U.S. for an internship, and now, I’m working toward finding a job there. Baltimore, a city I never expected to mean anything to me, now feels like home.

At first, my dream didn’t turn out the way I had imagined. But if I hadn’t taken that risk, I wouldn’t have met the people who changed my life, or discovered a place that now feels like where I’m meant to be. That one leap, as terrifying as it was, set everything into motion. And for that, I’d take the risk all over again.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Valerie, a digital creator with a passion for storytelling, travel, and capturing the beauty of everyday life. My content revolves around lifestyle, travel, and Vienna’s café culture, blending authenticity with aesthetics to create engaging and relatable experiences for my audience.

How I Got into Content Creation

My journey into content creation started naturally—I’ve always loved photography, social media, and the way a well-crafted image or video can tell a story. Over time, what began as a personal creative outlet turned into something more intentional. I realized that I had a talent for capturing moments in a way that resonated with others, and I started working with brands that aligned with my interests.

The Type of Content I Create

On Instagram, I focus on creating visually appealing yet relatable content, whether it’s showcasing a charming café in Vienna, documenting my travels, or sharing personal experiences. I collaborate with brands to help them connect with their audience in an authentic and engaging way. Some of my past collaborations include a Pilates and barre studio, a lingerie brand, a sports brand, a pizza place, and jewelry companies. Each partnership is a reflection of what I genuinely enjoy, and I make sure that the content I create feels natural rather than overly promotional.

What Problems I Solve for Clients

For brands, I provide content that bridges the gap between marketing and storytelling. Instead of just showcasing a product or service, I craft an experience around it—something that my audience can connect with on a personal level. I help brands reach potential customers in a way that doesn’t feel forced, whether it’s through engaging Instagram reels, aesthetic imagery, or personal recommendations that feel genuine.

What Sets Me Apart

What makes my content stand out is my ability to balance aspiration with relatability. I don’t believe in curating a life that feels unattainable—I want my audience to see themselves in my experiences. Whether I’m sharing the highs of travel or the uncertainties of job hunting, I keep things real while still maintaining a strong visual identity.

One of the projects I’m most proud of is my Instagram series Operation: Figuring It Out, where I document my journey of finishing my degree, moving back home, job hunting, and trying to move to the U.S. It’s an honest look at life transitions—sometimes chaotic, sometimes exciting, but always real. Through this series, I aim to connect with people who are also navigating uncertainty and change.

What I Want People to Know About My Work

More than anything, I want my content to inspire and resonate with people. Whether you’re here for travel inspiration, lifestyle tips, or just to see the best café recommendations, I hope my work adds something valuable to your feed. I love building connections—both with my audience and with brands that trust my creative vision.

At the end of the day, my brand is about storytelling, connection, and embracing the journey—wherever it leads. And right now, that journey includes figuring things out, taking risks, and sharing it all along the way.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn is that having a plan means having control. I used to believe that if I mapped everything out—my studies, my career, my life—it would all fall into place exactly as I envisioned.

But life doesn’t work that way. When I moved to the U.S. as an au pair at 18, I thought I had it all figured out. I had dreamed about this experience for years, but once I arrived, reality didn’t match my expectations. I faced challenges with my host family, moments of loneliness, and the realization that no amount of planning could prepare me for everything.

That experience, and the path it set me on, taught me to embrace uncertainty. Even now, as I navigate job hunting and trying to move back to the U.S., I’m learning that no matter how much I plan, some things are out of my hands. And that’s okay—because sometimes, the best things happen when you let go of control and allow life to unfold.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

One thing non-creatives might struggle to understand is that content creation isn’t just fun and effortless—it’s work, and often, it’s unpredictable. Unlike a traditional job with clear-cut tasks, creativity doesn’t follow a set schedule. Some days, ideas flow easily; other days, nothing seems to click. It’s a constant cycle of brainstorming, filming, editing, and adapting to ever-changing platforms and trends.

There’s also an emotional aspect to it that’s hard to quantify. Since so much of my content is personal—whether it’s sharing my journey or collaborating with brands—it’s easy to feel the pressure of engagement metrics. When something doesn’t perform well, it’s not just numbers; it can feel like a reflection of my work, my creativity, or even myself.

Another challenge is that people often underestimate the time and effort behind a single post. A short reel might take hours to plan, shoot, and edit, and brand collaborations require careful storytelling to make the content feel natural rather than just promotional.

At the end of the day, content creation is a mix of passion, persistence, and strategy. It’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about creating something that connects with people. That’s what makes it fulfilling, even on the hardest days.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeriepeppert?igsh=MXowanl0Mzc5YThy&utm_source=qr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-peppert-881ab3289?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app