Born out of a leap of faith during the pandemic, Valerie Zhang first debuted herself to the Internet in the way many content creators kickstart their careers: with fit pics and vlog-style posts. After taking the plunge, it would be an understatement to say that the risk was worth it. Valerie is now at the helm of multimedia agency, VX Media, which she helped co-found and has an impressive list of clients that includes G-Star RAW and Nik Studio, to name a few.
As we continue our celebration of AAPI Month, we tapped Valerie to interpret the Nike Air Force 1 "Lotus Flower" in her hallmark colorful style. Complemented by equally vibrant pieces, the latest sneaker from Swoosh honoring the AAPI community is in line with Valerie's own experience of finding her tribe amongst fellow AAPI creators both online and in NYC. Read the full conversation below and head over to shop the latest Nike drops at HBX.com.
Tell us who you are and what you do.
I’m Valerie Zhang. Creative director, Co-founder of VX Media, fashion content creator.
Walk us through your career — how did you end up starting your own creative agency?
I gained so much attention from my own social media accounts. When I started to do creative videos, more and more brands invited me to direct their social media campaigns. Then I started a team – [we do everything] from providing ideas, to producing campaigns and content for brands. I am so glad that I have many opportunities to achieve my creative ideas, and super grateful to have my team and friends.
What was that journey and experience like as a member of the AAPI community in NYC?
I believe NYC is a very openhearted place. I feel super confident to be a member of the AAPI community. At the very beginning of the pandemic, I was nervous to start my social media because Asian hate was a serious issue. After a few years, I see AAPI creators supporting each other and many people are influenced by the AAPI community. I feel like I gained much more confidence in these past few years, and am super proud of my community.
Why do you choose the mediums you use (3D graphics, fashion, social media etc.) in expressing yourself and your creativity?
It was a new experience for me, to start posting my daily outfits and learning how to do cool videos. I developed a very different [version of] myself. I was a data analyst and had very little experience doing creative things. Social media is a new way for me to express my thoughts and ideas.
Where do you find creativity/inspiration and what motivates you the most?
All my creator friends and fashion brands are my daily inspiration. I love wearing colors to highlight my mood of the day.
What are some childhood memories the Dunk High “Gold Mountain” and Air Force 1 “Lotus Flower” remind you of?
The Air Force 1 is super classic and popular. When I was in high school, I had my first pair of Air Force 1s and everyday, I spent time before dinner cleaning them up – a little hard to keep them white [laughs].
How would you style these two sneakers?
The sole of the Air Force 1 “Lotus Flower” has a bright pink color, so my outfit is an interpretation of pink. I am wearing a pink dress from Bad Binch TONGTONG, styled with a neon yellow puffer vest. I feel that by adding a heavy-feeling vest can make the summer outfit more interesting. To make the look more sporty, I’m wearing a pair of knee-high socks.
For Dunk High “Gold Mountain,” I would style them with my green hoodie and wide leg jeans – very urban, very chill.