Meet Valerie Rodriguez

We had the good fortune of connecting with Valerie Rodriguez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Valerie, career-wise, where do you want to be in the end?
I want to lead a brand that serves as both a resource and a role model—one that doesn’t just sell sustainable fashion, but transforms the way people think about clothing, consumption, and the planet. A brand that invites people, especially those from limited means or chaotic beginnings like mine, to see fashion not as a status symbol, but as a form of self-expression, healing, and environmental action.

I want to empower people to shop with creativity, intention, and care—to understand that sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty or individuality. It means reimagining what value really looks like. I want to build a community that sees thrifting not as a backup plan, but as a joyful, powerful act of resistance against a world addicted to overconsumption.

And I want to do it all while fighting for the earth—because what’s the point of looking great if our planet is on fire, drowning in waste, or stripped of its forests and biodiversity? What good is luxury if it costs us our future?

I want to be someone who helped people care more—about their closets, their choices, their impact. Someone who made sustainability approachable, personal, and even fun. I want my business to be a living classroom, a creative studio, and a catalyst for change. A place where people learn to reduce, reuse, rethink, and reconnect—not just with their wardrobes, but with their values, their community, and the natural world that sustains us.

By the end of my career, I don’t just want to have built a successful brand—I want to have sparked a movement. One that outlives me, and leaves behind a generation more conscious, more compassionate, and more committed to leaving this planet better than we found it.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is rooted in a deep passion for sustainability, education, and creativity, born from my own journey of healing and discovery. What sets my brand apart is that it’s not just about selling clothes—it’s about teaching people how to shop consciously and live intentionally. We focus on thrifting, reducing waste, and reimagining fashion as a tool for self-expression and environmental care, especially for people who may feel limited by budget or background.

I’m most proud of building a community that values creativity, quality, and care over fast trends and impulse buying. It’s exciting to see people feel empowered to find their unique style through thrifted and sustainable pieces, and to realize that looking good doesn’t have to cost the earth.

My path to this business wasn’t easy. Coming from a broken family and navigating financial constraints, I had to learn how to turn challenges into opportunities. I drew strength from my faith, my love of nature, and my education in forestry and science, which taught me the importance of stewardship. The pandemic was a turning point, pushing me to shift from traditional education into entrepreneurship focused on sustainability.

The biggest lessons I’ve learned are patience, resilience, and the power of community. Growth takes time, and every small step—whether it’s a shared post, a conversation, or a sale—matters. I’ve also learned that being authentic and sharing my story openly helps others connect and feel inspired.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that this is more than a business—it’s a movement. It’s about caring for the planet while honoring individual creativity and style. It’s about empowering people to make better choices and to understand the impact those choices have on the world we live in. I’m here to help change how we think about fashion—from wasteful to mindful, from disposable to durable, from fast trends to timeless value.

Together, we can create a future where sustainability is stylish, accessible, and deeply meaningful.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As a mom of a lively 3-year-old, we love spending time at the many splash pads around The Woodlands—perfect for cooling off and having fun! We also enjoy the free indoor playgrounds with AC, which are lifesavers on hot days. When friends visit, I love showing them around The Woodlands Waterway and the shops at Lake Conroe—it’s such a beautiful and relaxing area.

And if you’re ever in Conroe, you have to try Taste the Asian, a local food truck that serves the best Pan-Asian dishes. It’s hands down my favorite spot for delicious, authentic flavors!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to sincerely thank my Father and Creator, God, for His constant encouragement and support—even when others were not there for me. To my wonderful, loving husband and my small but mighty circle of family and friends, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Every time you mention my name or business to others, share my stories on Instagram, or spread my pages on Facebook, it means the world to me. Every like, save, and share helps amplify the message and brings us closer to building a community dedicated to sustainability and conscious living.

Website: https://poshmark.com/closet/eterno_vintage

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eterno_collective/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eternovintage

Image Credits
Abram Rodriguez