Valerie Ashley Bell, Pleased to Meet You.
​I’m a consultant, professor, published author, and entrepreneur dedicated to helping people bring their ideas to life. With 22+ years of writing, 16+ years in business and 13+ years teaching, I’ve helped creators, writers, and founders turn vision into action. Whether shaping a business concept or developing a book, I offer clarity, encouragement, and practical strategy so ideas grow into meaningful, tangible realities that reflect each person’s purpose and potential
My Story
I was born in Maryland. When I was one year old, my parents divorced, and my dad gained custody of my older sister and me. As a military serviceman, my father was stationed in Puerto Rico in 1987, where he remarried a woman with two children of her own. I spent seven years growing up in Puerto Rico and another seven years in Sicily before returning to the United States in 2000 at the age of 14.
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I attended King George High School, where I played soccer and studied creative writing all four years (thank you, Miss Sydnor). After graduating, I moved to Richmond, VA, in 2004 to attend Virginia Commonwealth University, majoring in Mass Communications with a focus on Broadcast Journalism. Upon graduating in 2009, I started my own marketing and media production company, with my first business office located in Jackson Ward off 1st Street. That same year, I authored and published my first poetry book.
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With business growing slowly, I relocated to Atlanta, GA, in 2010 and started my MBA program. While I found success in media production, I also experienced an unexpected sense of loneliness. Seeking connection, I moved in with my mother, whom I hadn’t lived with since infancy. During this time, the phrase "Love Yourself, Value Everything" came to me, inspiring me to rebrand my business as LYVE Inc., focusing on business consulting and services. In 2012, I moved to Brooklyn, NY, where I continued to thrive professionally. However, my heart often pulled me back to Richmond, and I found myself making frequent trips by bus or train. In 2014, I made the permanent move back to Richmond, where I’ve remained ever since.
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In 2017, I earned my MBA from Strayer University. The following year, I married an amazing woman after knowing each other for less than a year. Alongside my personal and professional growth, I have remained dedicated to my passion for writing, publishing a book every year since 2009—now totaling 11 books. Most recently, I completed and published my first self-help book, Love Yourself, Value Everything.
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In 2019, I became a public speaking teacher at a college, sharing my knowledge and experience in communication. In 2022, I transitioned into high school education, becoming a CTE business teacher at Manchester High School. I also serve as an FBLA advisor and assistant debate coach, helping students develop their leadership and public speaking skills.
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When I’m not writing, speaking, or teaching, I dedicate my time to my businesses Valerie Ashley Bell LLC: mentoring entrepreneurs and business owners, guiding them toward growth and success & How to LYVE my non-profit. I take great joy in witnessing those "light bulb" moments when people gain new insight, truth, knowledge, and opportunities. I love art in all its forms, fine dining, great conversation, nature, and experiences that stimulate the many layers of my being. More than anything, I believe in living and giving love in every aspect of life.
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Beyond work, I cherish art, fine dining, great conversation, and nature. Most of all, I believe in living and giving love in all aspects of life.