Hi, I'm Valerie

In 2018, I left my corporate job to travel the world. I had no idea that decision would take me 16,000 kilometres from home, to Australia, where I would fall in love with the man of my life and end up living in Taroom, a small country town in Central Queensland.

That’s where everything started for Bella Mae.

I met the most incredible country women. Strong, kind, down-to-earth with so much beauty, resilience and heart. Through my photography, I was welcomed into the lives of rural families and slowly started to see the world in a completely different way.

Somewhere along the way, I couldn’t stop thinking about creating something for the women who had given me such a beautiful feeling of home. So many of them live far from the city, where life can be incredibly beautiful, but also quiet and lonely at times. I wanted Bella Mae to become a way to bring women together through fashion... to make them feel seen, celebrated, connected and empowered.

With the unconditional support of my partner beside me, and his belief in me long before I fully believed in myself, that little dream slowly became Bella Mae.

A brand shaped by Australian country women, rural life and my own Belgian roots. With a subtle European influence, a love for timeless western-inspired style, and a deep belief that clothing should make you feel confident, feminine and completely yourself.

Every piece is designed with intention, from the fabrics and colours to the embroidery and smallest finishing details. Made slowly, in small batches, to be worn and loved far beyond one season, one place or one way of life.

What started as a dream has become something I am so incredibly proud of, and something that would not be here without the love, support and belief of the people who have stood beside me and backed Bella Mae from the very beginning.

Today, Bella Mae is more than I ever dreamed it could be... the most beautiful community, sisterhood and piece of my heart.