From real estate roots to fashion runways and strategic boardrooms, Waiwee Valenzuela Susi is a woman redefining what it means to lead with both fire and finesse. She’s a powerhouse of style and substance—elegant, intentional, and quietly disruptive. In this Thrive Times exclusive, we dive into her multi-layered journey, the legacy that fuels her, and the vision she’s crafting with every move.
Q: Growing up in a family deeply rooted in real estate, what early lessons did you carry into your own path?
Being around real estate from a young age taught me a lot about responsibility, intuition, and relationship-building. It wasn’t just about property—it was about people, patience, and vision. Those lessons still guide how I move in business today. I learned that success is less about selling and more about creating genuine connections. Watching my family work taught me that strategy and heart can—and should—coexist.
Q: During the pandemic, you explored golf, fashion, and jewelry more deeply. What drew you to those passions?
Honestly, the stillness of the pandemic gave me space to listen to myself. Golf became a way to clear my mind and stay centered. Fashion and jewelry? That was about creativity and reclaiming my femininity. It felt powerful to express myself again on my own terms. In a world that suddenly slowed down, I found power in reinvention. I wasn’t just passing time—I was building layers of myself I had put on hold.
Q: What role does fashion play in how you present yourself to the world?
Fashion is a form of storytelling for me. I use it to reflect how I feel, where I’m going, and even to challenge expectations. It’s style with strategy—it’s how I make statements without saying a word. I think of every outfit as energy—what am I attracting, what am I commanding? Fashion helps me step into spaces with clarity and quiet confidence.
Q: What has golf taught you about life and business?
Golf teaches patience, discipline, and resilience. You can’t rush it, and you can’t fake it. You’ve got to stay focused on the moment and learn to recover from mistakes quickly. That mindset translates beautifully into how I work and lead. It’s also a space where I’m constantly underestimated—which only motivates me more. I bring elegance to the course, but don’t mistake that for softness. I play to win.
Q: You wear many hats—model, consultant, creative. How do you manage all of it without burning out?
I’ve learned that balance isn’t about doing everything at once—it’s about being intentional. I check in with myself regularly and make space for recovery. Boundaries are key, and so is protecting your peace. I also lean into seasons. Some seasons are for building, others for restoring. The real power is knowing when to shift gears without guilt.
Q: How has your mother’s legacy shaped the woman you are today?
My mom was the heart of everything. She showed me how to lead with strength and softness. Even in her absence, I feel her presence guiding me. She’s my why—and a reminder to keep moving with purpose. When I feel lost or unsure, I ask myself what she would have done—and the answer always points me back to grace and courage. Her legacy is in every decision I make.
Q: What advice would you give to someone struggling to merge their creative and professional sides?
Stop waiting for permission. You don’t have to choose between being strategic and being soulful. Embrace your duality. The most powerful version of you is the one that’s fully integrated. Let your creativity lead and your structure support it—it’s not either/or, it’s both/and. The world needs more people who are unapologetically complex.
