the women behind vala
From a Shed on Our Farm to Here
On International Women’s Day, I’ve been reflecting on how VALA began and what it’s becoming.
VALA is female founded, owned and run.
I started this brand because I couldn’t find riding clothes I felt comfortable or confident in. I wanted pieces that felt considered. Thoughtful. Clothes women like me could feel good in, especially as we juggle all the hats we’re required to wear in life.
What I didn’t fully understand at the beginning was what building a brand as a woman would really take.
Early mornings.
Late nights.
Packing orders after bedtime.
Supplier calls between school drop-offs.
Riding less than ever because I was working more than ever.
The guilt of working too much.
The guilt of not working enough.
There were moments I questioned whether I could carry both the business and my family well.VALA started in a shed in our backyard. Big ideas. Limited resources. A lot of uncertainty.
But as the brand has grown, so has the team around me. Somewhere along the way, my vision expanded.I didn’t just want to create clothing that made women feel confident. I wanted to build a company where women felt that way too.
Respected.
Supported.
Appreciated.
A place where you can be ambitious and be a mum. Where flexibility is normal.
The Women Behind VALA
VALA may have started with one woman, but I’m not building it alone anymore. As the brand has grown, I’ve been lucky enough to bring incredible women into this next chapter. Women who care deeply about the details. Women balancing families, horses and careers. Women who love what they do and show up with heart.
From range planning and supplier conversations, to carefully packing your orders, these women bring VALA to life every day.
Creating beautiful clothing has always been important to me. But creating a workplace where women feel respected, supported and appreciated matters just as much.
A place where contribution is valued. Where flexibility is built in. Where you feel proud of what you’re part of.
“The strength of this brand isn’t just in the fabric. It’s in the women behind it and the women who wear it.”
Women Doing What They Love
At the heart of VALA has always been one simple idea.
Women deserve to feel good in what they wear.Confident. Comfortable. Capable.
Whether you’re riding at dawn, heading to work, managing a home, running a business or doing a little bit of everything.
International Women’s Day is not about doing more. It is about recognising the strength, commitment and passion women already bring to what they love. Every piece we design is created with that in mind. Thoughtful fit, beautiful fabric, effortless wearability, so you can focus on what matters and feel good doing it.
To the women wearing VALA,
Thank you for backing this brand.
Thank you for letting us be part of your everyday.
For a life lived well.
— Founder, vala