Today we’d like to introduce you to Valérie Orsoni
Hi Valérie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
Born in France and of Corsican descent, I moved to the USA two decades ago. I began my journey as someone who was overweight, and this personal experience fueled my passion for helping women lose weight healthily and sustainably. Today, I lead an online community of 2 million women, where I focus on teaching them about Body Respect, a concept distinct from Body Positivity—more on this intriguing approach later.
In 2003, I launched LeBootCamp, pioneering the first online weight loss coaching program. Since then, my career has expanded into biohacking, and I’ve authored 55 books, which have been translated into 5 languages. My passion for promoting health and well-being took a new turn during the Covid pandemic when I started LiliWarrior. This athleisure brand is not only 100% sustainable but also socially impactful, creating jobs for women while producing eco-friendly apparel.
Beyond my professional achievements, I’m an avid explorer. I’ve skied to the South Pole and climbed over 40 peaks higher than 14,500 feet within five years. In 2022, I set a world record by scaling 20 peaks in just nine days. My adventures underscore my commitment to pushing boundaries, whether they be physical peaks or the limits of what we can achieve in health and wellness.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Life as an entrepreneur has been far from smooth for me; it feels as though I have a knack for attracting sharks! One of my first ventures, a highly successful company, was usurped by my own partners. Another painful blow came with a different business in the supplements industry, which was thriving until I discovered that my partner and co-founder had siphoned off all our funds.
Amid these challenges, I’ve also faced setbacks with my book launches—timing can be everything, and mine has often been off. For instance, I released a book on October 7th, 2023, a date that proved far from ideal. Another stark example was in 2017 when I attempted a launch in the USA, only for a massive storm to hit the East Coast, resulting in the cancellation of all my scheduled TV interviews.
The ongoing war in Ukraine presents yet another hurdle, disrupting our logistics and supply chain for my brand, LiliWarrior. This conflict has made it impossible to transport our products across this vast country, forcing us to find new routes and strategies.
Despite these myriad challenges, each battle has fortified my resolve and resilience.
These constant battles haven’t just tested my strength—they’ve multiplied it, forging an entrepreneurial spirit that thrives under pressure and adversity.
I truly feel UNSTOPPABLE (which is a message you can find on one of my 100% recycled plastic technical teeshirts from LiliWarrior).
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am incredibly proud of my perseverance. Despite numerous obstacles in my professional journey, I’ve never allowed them to halt my progress. Instead, these challenges have only fueled my determination to continue and expand.
What sets us apart:
– **LiliWarrior:** We are a genuinely 100% sustainable athleisure brand that celebrates real beauty with non-professional models from San Diego. Our social impact extends globally; we produce scarves in Nepal crafted by human trafficking survivors and sports bras woven by widows of miners. Our commitment to sustainability is matched by our dedication to empowering communities.
– **LeBootCamp:** We provide authentic and healthy weight loss programs that stand apart from fleeting trends and flashy apps. Our approach is grounded in science and sustainability, focusing on long-term health benefits and real results.
Moreover, I am known for my resilience, energy, and strength, qualities that are the focus of my latest book, **STRONG(H)ER**. This book encapsulates my philosophy and offers insights into how the challenges I’ve faced have shaped my invincible spirit. It’s not just about surviving the storms but thriving because of them.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
I use a variety of apps to keep myself informed and creative. **BBC News** helps me stay updated on global events, **CapCut** is my go-to for video editing, and **Temply** is perfect for crafting daily short stories on Instagram. On Instagram, I follow some fantastic accounts that inspire me daily: [@naturallyzuzu](https://www.instagram.com/naturallyzuzu/) offers incredible recipes from San Diego, and [@timbiohacker](https://www.instagram.com/timbiohacker/) provides insightful biohacking content. Plus, your account, which is always a source of great posts!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.liliwarrior.com
- Instagram: @liliwarrioroff and @valerieorsoni
