Biography of Valerie McMurray

Biography of Valerie McMurray

Valerie McMurray, the founder and CEO of Soleil Toujours LLC since 2015, has spearheaded innovation in the sunscreen industry. Her luxury skincare brand revitalizes the concept of sunscreen, blending it with high-quality, safe, anti-aging properties and eco-friendly packaging She is passionate about educating the public on the importance of using clean, reef-safe sunscreens daily, promoting safety and enjoyment in sun exposure.

Developing Clean Sun Care

Valerie's journey to establish Soleil Toujours began during her third pregnancy when she became susceptible to the chemical contents of conventional sunscreens This concern propelled her to seek and create better alternatives that would be safe for users and the environment Faced with a lack of high-quality, natural sunscreen options, she decided to fill this void in the market herself, leading to the birth of Soleil Toujours.

From Fashion to Sun Care Entrepreneurship

Before entering the sun care industry, McMurray had a successful 18-year career in investment banking, followed by running her luxury resort-wear line, MerSoleil Her transition into skincare felt natural, combining her business acumen with her commitment to luxury and wellness. This diverse background helped shape the strategic direction of Soleil Toujours

Innovative Sun Care Solutions

Valerie focused on developing mineral-based, non-toxic sunscreens that incorporated advanced skincare technologies in her quest to redefine sun care She introduced the EcoSun a blend of vitamin C ester, vitamin D, red algae, and bisabolol which exemplifies her commitment to creating products that protect the skin from UV rays while enhancing its overall health and youthfulness

Widening Market Reach

Since its launch, Soleil Toujours has been embraced by the beauty industry, receiving accolades from leading magazines and securing spots in high-end retailers like Blue Mercury Notably, in January 2023, the brand was added to Sephora's offerings, marked by the "Planet Aware at Sephora Clean" seal, demonstrating its commitment to environmentally conscious products. The introduction of the Summer Camp line at Walmart in June 2022 further expanded her influence, targeting a younger demographic with premium yet affordable skincare.

Dedication to Sustainability and Giving Back

True to her mission, McMurray ensures that Soleil Toujours supports environmental sustainability. A portion of the company's proceeds aids the Goldeneye Foundation in coral reef restoration Additionally, the company maintains a net zero carbon footprint by offsetting emissions through investments in carbon reduction projects

Personal Life

A lifelong New Yorker from the metropolitan area, Valerie Rodriguez McMurray now lives in Bronxville, Westchester, with her husband Scott and their three children Educated at Barnard College and the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business Administration, she balances her professional endeavors with active participation in community service. She is also an avid skier, tennis player, and traveler, embracing an active lifestyle with her family