Val Marlene Creative -

Ali Leigh

Val is incredible! I hired her this past year and have never had such clarity in my life and business. I hired her for an intensive coaching day before we started the monthly coaching, which I would highly recommend! We talked through everything (things I hadn't even thought of that felt so right!). She asked me tough questions throughout coaching like, "Why are you saying yes to that?" when it wasn't aligned with where I really wanted to be. There's no investment greater than a business coach to walk alongside you, hold you accountable, and help you reach your dreams faster.. and a super wise one, at that! Val has so much experience in the creative business industry and taught me so many things along the way. I accomplished things I never would've sat down and done on my own (especially during busy wedding season). HIGHLY recommend!

Gabrielle Glover

Val is AMAZING. In every way. I didn't ever consider hiring a business coach, but once I met up with Val for a discounted coaching session I knew that she would be a vital part of my business's growth. From the very first session Val made me super comfortable- it's obvious that she not only has a passion for helping my business grow, but also cares about me just being me. She makes time to hear my heart, whether business related or not, yet knows how to bring conversations back around when my distracted mind gets off task. Val is thorough- there are things that I never considered making changes to that she has brought up, and now that I'm implementing those changes I can see my business THRIVING. I feel like I have a true friend who cheers me on, knows my goals, and is helping me work towards those goals in very effective ways. Val is SUCH an encouragement to me personally, and to my business and I would recommend her to anyone who wants to push forward in their business. She's SO worth it!

Hilary McCartney

Brad and I were so fortunate to have Valerie as our photographer for our engagement session and wedding. She was so fun to work with and was able to capture our personality's and not just a posed picture. Not only was she fun to work with, but her creativity, passion, and overall quality was just stunning! We both were beyond words when we received our photos back. We got so many compliments on them and it was all because of Valerie! She will forever be our photographer and we would highly recommend her. =]

Kirstie Lee

I first met Val at a rising tide meeting, she was the speaker on the topic, “how to get more bookings” and I really enjoyed the information she gave! I then learned that she had a freebie which ultimately lead me to her website to read her about me section and learn more about her business coaching services. I learned that she was a fellow sister in Christ which really spoke to me. I was apprehensive at first to hire a business coach, wanting to be sure it would be a good investment.
Well, lets just say there is way more that I don’t know than what I do know! (If you think maybe you can get by without a coach you are dead wrong and need Val in your life right away!)
I have had just 3 coaching sessions with Val and my whole business has completely changed!!!
I got a message from a current bride who is getting married this summer, she wrote me saying. “I loved your work when we hired you, but I have been noticing that your work just keeps getting better and better!!! Lucky me! I can’t wait for my wedding!!”
My website finally looks the way I have always dreamed it would! I found my specific style of photography and aesthetic that matches “my why”! Business Coaching has and continues to enhance the experience I give my clients, to me that is invaluable!
I have had current brides tell me that they loved and appreciate the look and ease of use on my website and this really made me stand out as a photographer to them!
I set a specific goal to book 20 weddings in 2018. I had 19 booked by the end of February! I know beyond the shadow of a doubt there is no way this would of happened had I not invested in my business to have a personal business coach.
The way Val breaks everything down makes the things you were confused about or anxious over seem doable! She will also kindly push you to do those things you don’t wanna, like financial math! Haha
Because of Val, I know my numbers and the breakdown to become a full time wedding photographer and have a successful business. Because of Val, I believe and know that it will happen. If you are even slightly on the fence, invest in your business! This one is worth it, I pinky promise!

Madi Jeno

Before I started doing coaching with Val I had no idea what I was doing about 75% of the time. As a young business owner I had no direction and no one to point me in the right direction. I kept putting off coaching because I kept telling myself I was too busy, or it was too much money. However I finally realized I wasn't viewing it as an investment in my business, and realized how desperately I needed help. Within a week of starting coaching with Val, I had accomplished more than I probably had in several months by myself. Having her coach me has changed my business drastically, and I'm so thankful I've had her to push me and have her help me get over my stubbornness about the silliest things. I feel more professional and ready to own my business than I ever did before, and I owe it to her huge seemingly endless knowledge and her friendship. If you're looking to get real, invest in Val and she'll invest right back into you!

Christina Sanghera

Okay so here's the thing. I came to Val an absolute mess. I was in REACTIVE mode instead of being PROACTIVE. I felt like I was drowning each week and was miserable and overwhelmed. Burnt out and questioning if this is really my calling. Through our coaching, she helped me realize that the biggest issues was my lack of CLARITY around my weekly/monthly/yearly objectives. She helped me create solid systems from the ground up (I feel like a total groupie now as I even use special jargon like "brain space") and contingency plans for when things didn't (and usually don't) work out exactly as I had pictured them. Now, each week it's simply part of my routine that I schedule everything, prioritize and also stay true to my overall objectives and passions versus flying by the seam of my pants. If you're looking for someone to help dig you out from your hole and then help you build a solid foundation, Val is your gal! She blends the basics (lists and priorities, etc) with the overall vision you have for your business and life so that everything you do circles back to that. Oh, and she encouraged me to delegate more and I am like a whole new person after that!! She helped me loosen my grip and realize that I can't be everything to everyone all the time. So if you're looking for a sign, this is it. HIRE HER!!

Brianna Nuttbrock

Val is incredible. Hands down. She is gifted at listening to needs and bringing clarity to any subject that may be confusing or difficult. After my intensive coaching session I was giddy to set into practice everything we had talked about. I cannot recommend her enough...so please do yourself and your business a favor and hire her. You will not be disappointed!

Trish Burtzel

I'm not sure I can adequately summarize the impact of Val's expertise on my business. She helped me implement a strategy that would allow me to work smarter, not harder and helped focus my business in a way that supports my LIFE goals. As a business owner, we often let the success of our business dictate our life. Val believes that our life goals should come first, and our business should be built around those personal goals. I will be forever grateful for this guidance and shift in mentality.

She also guided me in the successful execution of an online course, all the way from a simple "what if" idea through completion. Without her tangible action steps, check-in calls and encouragement, I would have never completed my course in the matter of 3 months. THANK YOU for everything, Val! <3