The Story of Vᴇʟᴢ́ᴇɴᴀ
The name Vᴇʟᴢ́ᴇɴᴀ, meaning beautiful woman, was born after an extensive search for a name that would truly embody what I wanted my brand to represent. It is derived from two inspirations: “bel”, meaning beautiful in French altered to begin with a V since the original letter B was already taken and “Zena,” meaning woman in Greek.
To me, all women are inherently beautiful because each of us brings our own individuality, creativity, and strength to the world. As a former dancer, I wanted to create a brand that unites fashion and the dance community a space for everyone, whether you’re a professional dancer, a student in training, or simply someone who dances for joy.
Dance is more than a hobby or passion; for many women, it is a form of escape, healing, and self expression. For those one or two hours of movement, the weight of everyday life fades, and all that remains is self love and freedom. Through dance, we can rediscover ourselves after heartbreak, find moments of liberation from toxic relationships, or begin to heal from deeper pain such as domestic violence or sexual abuse.
This is where my personal story begins. My name is Jenny Aviles the Founder, and I am a survivor of domestic violence and sexual abuse (age 13). I am a single mother to my son. I have experienced life’s lowest points from toxic relationships and emotional entanglement to losing everything and becoming homeless for a year, living in hotels and at times staying in the car. Despite it all, I chose to keep smiling, refusing to project my pain onto others, and facing my struggles the best way I knew how. It was not easy, but my son gave me the strength to never give up.
In 2020, I envisioned this brand. After going through three different name changes, Vᴇʟᴢ́ᴇɴᴀ finally emerged the one name that truly resonated with me. Throughout every hardship, there was one thing that consistently made me feel alive, even when I felt broken inside: dance.
Though I have always feared public speaking, the moment I step in front of a camera and begin to dance, another version of me comes alive. Movement became my voice how I communicated with myself, processed pain, and began to heal. I know I am not alone in that experience.
Dance builds confidence, grace, and resilience. It teaches you to shine again, to see light after darkness, and to release everything you’ve held inside. I am forever grateful to dance it saved me from the silent battles I endured and gave me back my strength.
Fashion, like dance, is a powerful form of expression a statement made without words. I began designing at the age of eleven, unaware that this childhood passion would one day grow into my reality. Today, I am proud to bring that dream to life through the upcoming Vᴇʟᴢ́ᴇɴᴀ Season 2 Collection dropping 2026, designed entirely by me, with love and purpose, created to shine on and off the dance floor.
Looking ahead, I aspire to partner with organizations that raise awareness and provide support for survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and human trafficking. A portion of our profits will be donated to select non profit organizations that bring hope and peace to women and children who have endured experiences like mine. My greatest wish is that my story can offer someone else hope, healing, and the courage to keep going.
I never thought I would share my story publicly, but today I do so with pride. Everything I have endured has shaped me into the woman I am today with unwavering faith and the guidance of Jesus Christ.
