Community Highlights: Meet Valerie Tran of Pochettely

Today we’d like to introduce you to Valerie Tran.

Valerie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Pochettely began from a small idea of making pouches for my friends to them to be my bridesmaids. The name comes from the French word pochette, meaning “little pocket,” which perfectly captures what the brand has evolved into: a little pocket of things you love.

I recently left my corporate job to follow my dream of building Pochettely a home of its own. My parents immigrated to the United States from Vietnam with nothing and built their business from the ground up, so it feels especially full-circle to now be a full-time business owner. From their hometown, where I made my first bracelet, to launching Ohio’s first Italian Charm Bar—it truly feels like a dream come true.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Every challenge has shaped Pochettely into what it is today. I started the brand while working full-time, balancing a lot of late nights and long weekends because I believed in it so deeply. It took over a year of building Pochettely before I finally had the courage to quit my corporate job—a reminder that good things really do come to those who wait. Leaving that stability to build Pochettely a home was one of the hardest and most rewarding decisions I’ve ever made. There have been moments of doubt, burnout, and growing pains, but also so much joy. Each obstacle has taught me resilience and reminded me why I fell in love with creating in the first place.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Pochettely is a brand built around reimagined keepsakes—from handcrafted pouches and embroidered pieces to our signature Italian Charm Bar, the first of its kind in Ohio. We create pieces that feel personal and nostalgic, inspired by the little things that make life special.

What sets us apart is our focus on sentiment and storytelling. Whether it’s linking together charms that tell your story or finding the perfect embroidered detail, every Pochettely piece is made to celebrate meaning in small, intentional ways.

I’m most proud of how the brand has grown while staying true to its heart. The name comes from the French word pochette, meaning “little pocket,” which perfectly captures what Pochettely is—a little pocket of things you love.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I owe so much of Pochettely’s journey to the people around me. My family has been my biggest inspiration as my parents immigrated from Vietnam and built their business from the ground up, and everything I know about hard work and resilience comes from them.

My friends are the reason Pochettely exists. It all started when I had the idea to make pouches to ask them to be my bridesmaids—I never imagined that small idea would grow into a full brand. They were my first customers, my biggest cheerleaders, and the people who made me believe this could be something more.

Last but not least, Nate, my husband and partner in everything has been there through it all. From lifting all the heavy weights to dreaming up what’s next for Pochettely. He’s truly the person that keeps me grounded when all the chaos of running a business catches up to me.

I feel so lucky to be surrounded by people who believe in me and this brand as much as I do. Pochettely is nothing without everyone around me, including you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pochettely.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pochettely
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@pochettely