Valérie Tazi: Embracing Life in Color
Valérie Tazi, the vibrant former editor-in-chief of Déco Actuelle, founder of Origamimi, and artistic director at JAAL Riad Resort, embodies the essence of creativity and connection. Sporting a fuchsia robe and a multicolored striped vest, she arrives at the Terra Mia Café, reflecting her lively spirit and love for all things colorful and joyful. "I have a complicated life, and everything that brings me joy is crucial to me," she shares, setting the tone for her engaging narrative. She presents her illustrated guide, _marrakechMIMI_, showcasing her affinity for the city through charming illustrations of her adventures in Marrakech, from dining experiences to visits to the hammam. Valérie emphasizes that her love for the café stems not only from its ambiance but also from the community that breathes life into it. This sentiment echoes throughout her journey, as she constantly highlights the people behind the creations and experiences that define her work.
Valérie's path has been anything but linear. Initially studying Mandarin, her plans to teach in China were altered by a rare kidney disease diagnosis at twenty. This pivotal moment redirected her towards information sciences, leading her to a career as a documentarian in a media group, where she first discovered the editorial world. After four years in Los Angeles, where her visa limited her ability to work, she returned to Paris, diving into consulting firms until her husband's job offer in Casablanca prompted another life change. Each transition forced Valérie to reinvent herself, a process she describes as both a challenge and a gift.
Ten Transformative Years at Déco Actuelle
In Morocco, Valérie found her previous role nonexistent, leading her to a part-time position at _Ousra_, a francophone women's magazine. Observing and learning from the editorial process, she eventually stepped into the role of editor-in-chief when the opportunity arose, despite her initial self-doubt. Her career flourished at _Déco Actuelle_, where she spent a decade leading the editorial team, launching an annual luxury special edition, which she affectionately refers to as her “baby.” This venture allowed her to work closely with renowned designers and artisans, including those from Morocco, and it further solidified her reputation as a design expert.
In 2018, as her husband Saâd took the helm of the Jardin Majorelle Foundation, the couple settled in Marrakech, a city Valérie cherished for its tranquility and natural beauty. Here, she launched Origamimi, a platform for her design and décor passions, blending her love for Japan and her personal connection with Saâd. Her unique style quickly became recognizable, featuring images of her feet on the intricate zellige tiles that capture her fascination.
The pandemic shifted the landscape of communication, prompting Valérie to create a weekly WhatsApp newsletter that became a lifeline for her readers, sharing local restaurant deliveries, book recommendations, and more. This initiative evolved into the _marrakechMIMI_ guide, released in 2024, featuring over 200 curated addresses, complete with illustrations by her friend Stella Cadente. True to her principles, Valérie personally financed the guide, maintaining its integrity by avoiding advertisements. Her desire for tangible experiences led her to keep the guide in print, as she believes in the joy of having something physical to refer to during her explorations.
Valérie’s connection to Marrakech is strong, but she expresses concern over the rapid changes affecting the city. While she appreciates its light, kindness, and thriving energy, she worries about urban development overshadowing its essence. "Marrakech is changing too quickly and is at risk of losing its soul," she reflects.
At the JAAL Riad Resort, where she serves as artistic director, Valérie has created a space that bridges the gap between artists and artisans. She has developed a community-oriented environment featuring a library, a concept store for local creators, and workshops led by women artisans. Her passion lies in fostering connections between diverse creative minds, encouraging collaborations between artists and local craftswomen, thus creating a symbiotic relationship that enriches the cultural fabric of Marrakech.
On a personal note, Valérie speaks openly about her health journey to raise awareness about organ donation. After enduring two periods of dialysis and receiving two kidney transplants, she remains determined not to let her illness define her. "If I stop, it means the disease wins," she asserts. This resilience is echoed in her relationship with Saâd, who has stood by her side throughout her challenges. Together, they dream of future adventures, including trips to Japan and Korea, and the aspiration of co-authoring a book, blending her words with his photography.
As reported by latribunedemarrakech.com.
