Valencia Younan has always been infatuated with how people express themselves through their clothing.
“This infatuation grew my love for fashion,” she says. As a senior in high school, she launched her career in the fashion industry when she was hired as a sales associate by a local clothing store, Vines Boutique (@vinestheboutique).
“I loved working at a small business because it fostered more personal relationships with the community, versus the nature of big chain stores,” Younan says. “The owner of that store taught me everything I know — from styling outfits to running a business.”
Their friendship continued to grow; when the opportunity presented itself to take over the boutique, she says, “it felt like a natural next step. It perfectly aligned with my dreams and aspirations, allowing me to transform my love for fashion into a thriving business.”
Despite being only 20 years old, Younan had years of mentorship from the boutique’s original owner, and earned a bachelor’s degree in human resource development, which helped equip her to manage and grow a business — and helped instill the confidence to embrace every opportunity. In November of 2018, Valencia opened her Vines Boutique, starting her journey as entrepreneur.
“My expertise continues to grow as my business continues to grow,” Younan says. “I love finding and curating the most stylish looks and staying on top of upcoming trends to bring to my customers. I believe fashion should be both timeless and exciting. I’m dedicated to helping others feel confident and inspired through fashion.”
Special thank you to our stunning model, Mina Alwaeli, for bringing these pages to life in Younan's favorite spring and summer picks. Find her on Instagram @minalwaeli.
On Mina: Peplum Tweed Top + Vegan Leather Pants. Peplum tweed top with floral jeweled button details. Paired with vegan leather pants to create a monochromatic look. Style the top with jeans or a skirt; pants can be paired with a sweater or blazer.
Valencia’s Tip: “This year, we’ve been drawn to the beauty of tweed for Spring/Summer looks. Although tweed is generally considered a winter staple, lightness of weight, soft hues and versatility of cuts make it easily transition to any season. These pieces are timeless and can be paired with other pieces for a variety of different looks, whether it be professional, casual, formal, during the day or a night out.”
On Mina: Taupe and White Top + Midi Skirt. Taupe-and-white contrast top features faux pockets and a tailored silhouette. Paired with coordinating taupe midi skirt with back slit, for the elegance of a dress but the versatility of separates. Can also mix-and-match each piece.
On Mina: Lavender Floral and Tweed Mini Dress. Chic Mini Dress in textural tweed, detailed with embellished white floral appliques. Strikes the perfect balance between playful charm and sophistication.
On Mina: Cream Floral and Tweed Top + Skirt. Two-piece separates with sequin embroidery and three-dimensional floral appliqués on tweed. Pair the top with jeans or linen pants; the skirt can mix with almost anything, and easily transitions from day to night.
Valencia’s Tip: “When shopping for your wardrobe, focus on versatile and timeless pieces. Assess what you already own, then invest in essentials and basics that can be mixed and matched with a variety of tops and bottoms. Look for items that can work for multiple occasions, and always add accessories to elevate your outfits. You can take any outfit from season to season and style it in a way that makes a statement.”
On Mina: Pretty in Pink Tweed Dress. Baby-pink tweed dress with functional pockets, round neckline, flattering A-line silhouette, functional pockets and gold button details. Perfect for Mother’s Day brunch or bridal/baby shower.
On Mina: Yellow One Shoulder Top + Skirt. Two-piece linen set with ruffled one-shoulder ruffled top with matching high-waisted maxi skirt. Great for vacation or any summer event, pair with strappy sandals for day and chic heels for evening.
On Mina: Sage Green Tweed Top + Pants. Strapless corset-style top with flattering boning, pairs with coordinating high-waisted, wide-leg pants. Wear for brunch, special occasions or a night out.