The Story
Started At 16.
Hi, my name is Valentino.
I started Valen Athletics at 16 because I wanted to build something that actually meant something to me.
When I was 12, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, and that changed a lot for me. Over time, it pushed me toward fitness and taking better care of myself, and that's where I started learning a lot about discipline and consistency. Fitness taught me that results don't happen overnight. You have to keep showing up and putting in the work, even on the days you don't feel like it.
That mindset started becoming bigger than just the gym, and it's a big reason why I wanted to create Valen Athletics.
Right now, I'm balancing AP and IB classes, playing a sport, working out, and building this brand at the same time. It can be a lot sometimes, but I don't want to use being busy or being young as an excuse to wait to start something I believe in.
I'm still learning, and I definitely don't have everything figured out, but that's also why I wanted to start now. I want to build something real while becoming a better version of myself along the way.
"Refuse to Settle" isn't about being perfect or being better than everyone else. It's about knowing you can do more and choosing not to settle for less than what you're capable of.