Boutique Fashion & Retail Recruiting

Three decades of fashion expertise. A discerning, founder-led approach to search. Now extending that same excellence to the visionaries shaping unattended retail.

Fashion Expertise. An Expanding Vision of Retail.

Valenza Talent connects fashion and retail businesses with leaders who understand their customers, their commercial ambitions, and the pace at which they move. Our foundation spans retail, wholesale, sales, operations, buying, merchandising, planning, allocation, e-commerce, and product development — and we are now bringing that same caliber of insight to unattended retail, discovering the talent shaping this dynamic new frontier of the retail landscape.

Valenza Talent is a full-service recruiting firm

What We Do: We recruit the buyers, merchandisers, planners, sales leaders, operators, and executives who move businesses forward. Every search begins with a clear understanding of the work to be done and the caliber of person who can do it exceptionally well. For companies building unattended retail, our focus begins with sales and operations, with broader leadership opportunities explored through a direct conversation.

Why Brands Choose Us: Madelyn Simmons brings more than 30 years of fashion industry excellence across retail, wholesale, sales, operations, buying, merchandising, planning, allocation, e-commerce, and product development. That depth of experience shapes a discerning approach to search, one defined by sharp commercial judgment, clear communication, and an acute sense of how the right person will elevate the business.

That depth of experience is what sets Valenza Talent apart: a strategic partner clients trust to find talent who doesn’t just meet the brief, but drives lasting growth.

Our Commitment: We work closely with you to understand the hire behind the job description. Whether you lead an established fashion brand or are building the next chapter of retail, you can expect direct founder involvement, discerning insight, and clear communication throughout the search.

We believe the relationship comes before the transaction — direct founder involvement means every engagement starts with understanding your business, not just your open role.

Our Expertise

Exploring Unattended Retail?

Our work in this space began with the placement of a VP of Global Sales. We welcome the opportunity to partner with companies building the next chapter of self-service retail.

Discover Unattended Retail Recruiting

placement announcements

Placement announcement: Tracy DeZarate, Vice President of Global Sales at Applestone Solutions

94%

one-year retention of placed candidates

60

average days to fill

25

average days to
present candidates

         Posted on Google  
   
   Tracy Dez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  I can’t say enough wonderful things about Maddy Simmons! From our very first conversation, she was professional, personable, and genuinely invested in finding the right opportunity for me.

Maddy connected me with Applestone Solutions, where I accepted the position of Vice President of Global Sales. Throughout the entire process, she kept me informed, was always available to answer questions, and made everything feel seamless.

What really sets Maddy apart is her personal approach. She truly cares about the people she works with, and that doesn’t stop once you’ve accepted a position.

I’m so grateful our paths crossed and would highly recommend Maddy to anyone looking for a recruiter who goes above and beyond!
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   David Simmons 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Adel Sawaya 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Madelyn is honestly one of the best recruiters I’ve worked with. She’s incredibly personable, genuinely cares, and understands the industry on a level that I don’t see with many recruiters. She actually takes the time to listen and understand what you’re looking for instead of just trying to fill a position.
She’s also responsive, accessible, and — this might be my favorite part — she actually answers the phone! 😂 You can tell she truly cares about the people she works with, and that makes such a difference. Madelyn is knowledgeable, genuine, and just amazing to work with. I would recommend her to anyone without hesitation.
  
 
 
  
  Load more