When Val Cortez left her successful eyelash salon in Buenos Aires to travel the world, nobody could have predicted she’d become one of Instagram’s most followed travel influencers. Today, with over 1.2 million followers on her account @val.aroundtheworld, she’s proof that turning your passion into profit is possible.
But who is Val Cortez, and how did she build such an incredible online presence? Let’s dive into her inspiring journey.
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Who is Val Cortez?
Val Cortez is a Peruvian-Argentine travel influencer, entrepreneur, and content creator who has captured the hearts of millions through her stunning travel photography and authentic storytelling. Born in Lima, Peru, and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Val represents the new generation of digital entrepreneurs who’ve successfully monetized their passion for exploration.
Known professionally as “Val Around the World,” she’s transformed from a local beauty business owner into an international social media sensation. Her content focuses on travel destinations, fashion modeling, swimwear photography, and inspiring others to pursue their dream lifestyle.
Quick Facts About Val Cortez
Full Name: Val Cortez
Also Known As: Val Around the World
Age: 34 years old
Birth Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Lima, Peru
Grew Up In: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Instagram Handle: @val.aroundtheworld
Followers: 1.2+ million (and growing)
Content Focus: Travel, Fashion, Lifestyle, Entrepreneurship
Early Life and Background
Val Cortez’s story begins in Lima, Peru, where she was born into a family that valued independence and entrepreneurial spirit. Her mother, a successful businesswoman herself, became Val’s biggest role model and inspiration for building her own empire.
Growing up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Val developed a deep appreciation for culture, language, and meeting new people. These early experiences shaped her worldview and planted the seeds for her future as a global traveler.
Education and First Career Steps
Before becoming a full-time content creator, Val pursued a more traditional career path. She studied occupational health and safety, showing her practical and safety-conscious side. However, even during her studies, Val knew she wanted something different—she dreamed of being independent and running her own business.
This desire for freedom would eventually lead her down an unexpected path that changed everything.
The Entrepreneurial Journey: Building a Beauty Empire
At just 25 years old, Val Cortez took a leap of faith and started her first business: an eyelash extensions salon. Like many entrepreneurs, she started small, working from her living room and serving clients in her personal space.
From Living Room to Lash Room Success
What started as a modest home-based operation quickly grew into something much bigger. Through hard work, dedication, and exceptional skill, Val transformed her living room setup into a professional lash room. Her attention to detail and quality service helped her build a loyal client base in Buenos Aires.
Word spread quickly about her talent, and Val became increasingly popular within the local beauty industry. Her reputation for creating beautiful, long-lasting eyelash extensions made her one of the most sought-after lash technicians in the city.
Winning Big: The Latin-American Lash Convention
Just one year after launching her business, Val achieved something remarkable. She participated in the first Latin-American lash convention in Buenos Aires and won first place. This recognition validated her skills and established her as a leader in the beauty industry.
Her business was thriving, clients were lining up, and she had achieved the independence she’d always wanted. But something was missing.
The Turning Point: Russia 2018 World Cup
Travel has always been Val Cortez’s true passion. Learning about new cultures, experiencing different languages, and meeting people from around the world brought her genuine joy. For two years, she saved every penny she could for her dream trip to Europe.
Then, in 2017, everything changed.
The Trip That Changed Everything
Argentina’s national football team qualified for the World Cup after 30 years of absence. For Val, a proud Argentine at heart, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. She immediately changed all her plans, canceled her Europe trip, and bought a ticket to Russia just two days after the qualification announcement.
That 2018 World Cup trip to Russia became the best experience of her life—and the catalyst for everything that followed.
When Val returned to Buenos Aires, she felt something she’d never experienced before: deep sadness and depression from returning to her daily routine. She missed the excitement of traveling, discovering new places, and connecting with people from different cultures.
The contrast between her adventurous weeks in Russia and her predictable life back home was stark. Something had to change.
Discovering Social Media: The Birth of Val Around the World
Missing the connection she’d felt while traveling, Val discovered a live-streaming platform where she could meet people from around the world. She started going live daily, talking about her passion for travel with viewers who shared similar interests.
From Hobby to Career
What began as a fun way to stay connected with the world quickly evolved into something much bigger. Val’s natural charisma, authenticity, and social personality resonated with viewers. Her audience grew rapidly, and she became one of the platform’s most popular creators.
Within weeks, Val reached #1 in both popularity and earnings on the platform. This success opened her eyes to an incredible possibility: she could create an income that would allow her to travel the world while doing what she loved.
The potential was clear. The decision, however, was terrifying.
The Leap of Faith: Closing the Salon
After several months of growing her online presence, Val faced a life-changing decision. Should she stick with her successful, stable beauty business, or take a massive risk and pursue her dream of traveling the world as a content creator?
Choosing Dreams Over Security
In 2019, Val Cortez made the bold choice that would define her future. She closed her thriving eyelash salon, packed her bags, and left Buenos Aires with just 12,000 Instagram followers.
Many people thought she was crazy. Leaving a profitable business to chase an uncertain dream seemed reckless to outsiders. But Val trusted her instincts and believed in her ability to succeed.
That decision paid off beyond her wildest dreams.
Building the Val Around the World Brand
From 12,000 followers in 2019 to over 1.2 million today, Val Cortez’s growth on Instagram has been nothing short of extraordinary. But this success didn’t happen by accident—it was the result of consistent effort, authentic content, and strategic audience engagement.
Content Strategy and Style
Val’s Instagram content stands out for several reasons:
Authentic Storytelling: Unlike many influencers who present a perfect, curated life, Val shares her real experiences, including challenges and obstacles.
Stunning Travel Photography: Her feed features breathtaking images from destinations worldwide, including Croatia, Portugal, Machu Picchu in Peru, and dozens of other locations.
Fashion and Modeling: Val frequently posts modeling shots, particularly in swimwear, showcasing her work with various brands.
Video Content: Instagram Reels featuring highlights from her travels provide engaging, short-form content that’s perfect for today’s audience.
Consistent Engagement: Val makes time to connect with her audience through comments, stories, and live sessions, maintaining the personal touch that made her successful in the first place.
Platform Presence
While Instagram remains her primary platform (@val.aroundtheworld with 1.2M+ followers), Val has expanded her presence across multiple channels:
Instagram Main Account: @val.aroundtheworld (1.2M+ followers, 694 posts)
Instagram Secondary Account: @val.aroundworld (280K followers)
X/Twitter: @valcortezok (183.9K followers)
Other Platforms: Various social media and live-streaming platforms
This multi-platform strategy ensures she reaches different audiences and doesn’t rely solely on one platform’s algorithm.
Travel Adventures: Where Val Has Been
One of the most compelling aspects of Val Cortez’s content is the incredible variety of destinations she’s visited. Her travel portfolio reads like a bucket list for wanderlust enthusiasts.
Notable Destinations
South America:
- Machu Picchu, Peru (her homeland)
- Various locations across Argentina
- Multiple countries throughout the continent
Europe:
- Croatia (stunning coastal photography)
- Portugal (cultural exploration)
- Multiple other European nations
- Plans to settle somewhere in Europe long-term
Eastern Europe:
- Russia (the life-changing World Cup trip)
And Many More: Val’s “Around the World” brand name isn’t just marketing—she’s genuinely traveled extensively across multiple continents.
Travel Philosophy
Val’s approach to travel differs from typical tourism. She emphasizes:
- Cultural Immersion: Learning about local customs and traditions
- Language Learning: Connecting with locals in their native tongues
- Meaningful Connections: Building relationships with people worldwide
- Authentic Experiences: Seeking genuine moments rather than just tourist attractions
This authentic approach resonates with her audience, who appreciate her honest portrayal of travel life.
How Val Cortez Makes Money
Many people wonder how travel influencers like Val Cortez actually make a living. The answer involves multiple revenue streams that have allowed her to sustain—and thrive in—her lifestyle.
Income Sources
Social Media Monetization: Earnings from live-streaming platforms, Instagram partnerships, and platform-specific features.
Brand Partnerships: Collaborations with travel companies, fashion brands, swimwear labels, and tourism boards.
Sponsored Content: Paid posts featuring products or destinations aligned with her brand.
Affiliate Marketing: Commission from products and services she recommends to her audience.
Content Creation: Custom content for brands and businesses.
Val has proven that with the right strategy and dedication, social media can generate more income than traditional careers—she’s earning more than she ever dreamed possible with her salon.
Personal Life and Values
Behind the glamorous travel photos and modeling shots, Val Cortez is a down-to-earth person with strong family values and a clear sense of who she is.
Family First
Despite living far from home and traveling constantly, Val maintains daily contact with her family. As she often mentions, “Family means a lot for Latinos, and I’m not the exception.” This strong family connection keeps her grounded even as her fame grows.
Her mother remains her biggest inspiration—a fellow entrepreneur who never stopped pushing forward despite life’s challenges and continues studying and growing in her career.
Personality Traits
People who follow Val describe her as:
- Happy and Cheerful: Always singing and dancing around
- Super Social: Genuinely loves meeting new people
- Authentic: Doesn’t pretend to be someone she’s not
- Inspiring: Motivates others to pursue their dreams
- Resilient: Handles criticism and negativity with grace
Handling the Spotlight
Being a public figure comes with challenges. Val has faced her share of criticism, from comments about her appearance to outright hate. However, she’s learned to handle judgment from others, understanding it’s an inevitable part of exposing yourself to millions of people online.
Her approach? Focus on the positive, stay true to herself, and remember that she creates her own opportunities.
Life Lessons from Val Cortez
Val’s journey offers valuable insights for anyone pursuing entrepreneurship, content creation, or simply a more fulfilling life.
Key Takeaways
1. You Create Your Own Opportunities
This piece of advice, which Val holds dear, reminds us that waiting for the perfect moment means waiting forever. Create your chances instead.
2. Take Calculated Risks
Leaving a successful business wasn’t reckless—Val had built an audience and proven her concept before making the leap.
3. Follow Your Passion
When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work. Val’s genuine passion for travel and connection shines through her content.
4. Stay Disciplined
Working for yourself requires more discipline than a traditional job. Val maintains routines and sets goals to stay productive.
5. Don’t Fear Judgment
Haters and critics will always exist. Learning to handle negativity is essential for anyone putting themselves out there.
6. Value Independence
Owning your time and being your own boss isn’t just about money—it’s about freedom and control over your life.
7. Inspire Others
Val doesn’t see herself as a leader, but she recognizes that showing her lifestyle helps others understand that digital independence is possible.
Overcoming Obstacles and Challenges
Val’s journey hasn’t been all beautiful sunsets and passport stamps. She’s faced significant challenges along the way.
Major Obstacles
Leaving Security Behind: Walking away from a profitable business with no guarantee of success required enormous courage.
Public Criticism: As her following grew, so did the negative comments and judgment from people who didn’t understand or appreciate her choices.
Work-Life Balance: When you work for yourself and your brand is your life, finding balance becomes incredibly difficult.
Routine and Discipline: The freedom of travel can make it hard to maintain the consistency needed for business success.
Dealing with Uncertainty: The unpredictable nature of social media algorithms and platform changes creates constant challenges.
Despite these obstacles, Val has persevered, proving that challenges are just opportunities to grow stronger.
Val Cortez’s Impact on Others
Beyond her impressive follower count, Val has inspired countless people to pursue their own dreams of digital independence and travel.
Inspiring Digital Nomads
Many people want to work digitally and become independent but fear leaving the security of a traditional office job. Val’s story shows them it’s possible with dedication and strategy.
Her transparency about both the rewards and challenges of this lifestyle helps set realistic expectations for aspiring content creators.
Representing Latin American Success
As a Peruvian-Argentine woman succeeding in the competitive world of social media, Val represents inspiration for Latin American entrepreneurs, particularly women looking to break traditional career molds.
Her success demonstrates that you don’t need to be from a major influencer hub like Los Angeles or New York to build a global brand.
Future Goals and Aspirations
Val Cortez isn’t slowing down. She has clear visions for her future that continue to drive her forward.
Five-Year Vision
In Val’s own words, she sees herself “with all my long-term goals fulfilled living somewhere in Europe with my family.”
This vision includes:
- Permanent European Base: Settling in a European country while maintaining her travel lifestyle
- Bringing Family Together: Having her loved ones join her in Europe
- Continued Growth: Expanding her social media presence and influence
- Long-term Fulfillment: Achieving the goals she’s set for herself personally and professionally
Continuing to Evolve
Val understands that social media constantly changes. Staying relevant means adapting, trying new content formats, and continuing to engage authentically with her audience.
She’s committed to growing her platforms while staying true to the values and authenticity that got her here.
What Makes Val Cortez Different
In a crowded influencer market, Val stands out for several reasons.
Authenticity Over Perfection
While many influencers curate an impossibly perfect life, Val shares real moments, challenges, and honest experiences. This authenticity creates genuine connections with her audience.
Entrepreneurial Background
Unlike influencers who started on social media, Val built and ran a successful brick-and-mortar business first. This experience gives her credibility and business acumen that shows in her content strategy.
Multicultural Identity
Her Peruvian roots, Argentine upbringing, and global travels give Val a unique multicultural perspective that resonates with diverse audiences.
Genuine Passion
Val’s love for travel, culture, and human connection isn’t an act—it’s real. Her audience feels this genuine enthusiasm in every post.
Relatability
Despite her success, Val maintains a down-to-earth personality. She’s someone her followers can relate to, not just admire from afar.
How to Follow Val Cortez
Want to join Val’s journey and get inspired by her travels? Here’s where you can find her:
Primary Instagram: @val.aroundtheworld (1.2M+ followers)
Secondary Instagram: @val.aroundworld (280K followers)
X/Twitter: @valcortezok (183.9K followers)
Her Instagram features regular posts showcasing her travels, lifestyle, and adventures around the world. She also shares Instagram Reels with video highlights from her destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Val Cortez
How old is Val Cortez?
Val Cortez is 34 years old and her zodiac sign is Pisces.
Where is Val Cortez from?
She was born in Lima, Peru, but grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
What did Val Cortez do before social media?
She studied occupational health and safety, then opened and operated a successful eyelash extensions salon in Buenos Aires.
How many followers does Val Cortez have?
She has over 1.2 million followers on her main Instagram account (@val.aroundtheworld) and 280K on her secondary account.
When did Val Cortez start traveling?
While she always loved travel, she started traveling full-time in 2019 after closing her salon and leaving Buenos Aires with 12,000 followers.
What is Val Cortez known for?
She’s known as a travel influencer, Instagram star, fashion model, and entrepreneur who shares her adventures traveling around the world.
How does Val Cortez make money?
Through social media monetization, brand partnerships, sponsored content, affiliate marketing, and content creation services.
Has Val Cortez won any awards?
Yes, she won first place at the first Latin-American lash convention in Buenos Aires, just one year after starting her eyelash business.
What inspired Val Cortez to become a travel influencer?
Her trip to Russia for the 2018 World Cup made her realize she wanted to travel full-time. She then discovered she could monetize her social media presence to fund that lifestyle.
Where has Val Cortez traveled?
She’s visited numerous destinations including Croatia, Portugal, Machu Picchu (Peru), Russia, and multiple locations across Europe and South America.
Final Thoughts: The Val Cortez Success Formula
Val Cortez’s transformation from beauty salon owner to international travel influencer offers a masterclass in following your passion while building a sustainable business.
Her success comes from:
✓ Authentic Connection: Genuine engagement with her audience
✓ Consistent Content: Regular posting and interaction
✓ Quality Over Quantity: Beautiful photography and thoughtful captions
✓ Calculated Risk-Taking: Leaving security for opportunity
✓ Adaptability: Evolving with platform changes and trends
✓ Work Ethic: Treating content creation as a serious business
✓ Staying True to Herself: Maintaining authenticity despite pressure to conform
Whether you’re an aspiring influencer, entrepreneur, or someone simply dreaming of a different life, Val’s story proves that transforming your passion into your profession is possible with dedication, strategy, and courage.
As Val herself says, “You create your own opportunities.” She’s living proof of this philosophy, having built an incredible life by refusing to settle for ordinary.
From Lima to Buenos Aires to destinations around the world, Val Cortez—the girl who turned her dream life into her real life—continues inspiring millions to believe in their own possibilities.
