Summary
A deep dive into how Cristina Valbuena bridges the gap between Spanish creativity and French fashion through cross-border affiliate marketing, focusing on artistic integrity and transparent international partnerships.
To start, could you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey?
I’m Cristina Valbuena. In my “day job,” I’m a special education teacher, but my creative heart lives on Instagram (@cristinavalbuena_). I started years ago by sharing my love for photography and even launched Girly Girl Magazine, a feminist project I’m really proud of. Balancing a full-time job with a growing community hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been so rewarding. It’s opened doors to some amazing international collaborations with brands like Balzac, Sézane, and Sandro—experiences that have truly shaped who I am today.
What was your vision at the beginning? Has it changed as you’ve grown?
I’ve always stayed loyal to a certain aesthetic—very polished, very “me.” It’s a core part of my identity. My style has naturally evolved alongside my community, but I’ve made sure to keep that same artistic soul and sensitivity that my followers connected with in the first place.
Where do you find your inspiration every day?
I’m a total sucker for anything vintage: handmade posters, the kind of craftsmanship you don’t see much anymore, and the timeless style of past eras. I also get a lot of energy from modern design trends, my everyday surroundings, and the work of international female photographers who I find deeply inspiring.
What makes you say “yes” to a brand?
It has to be real. Authenticity is everything. I only work with brands that actually mean something to me and my community. My rule is simple: I only talk about products I’d honestly buy with my own money. The best collaborations are the ones that last—especially those that reach new audiences through cross-border affiliate marketing. Using a dedicated platform makes this international scale much smoother and more transparent for everyone involved.
Do you ever turn collaborations down?
Yes, when the brand’s values did not correspond to mine or those of my community. I always prioritize consistency and trust with my audience.
Do you notice a difference between working with Spanish brands versus international ones?
Definitely. In Spain, I often work with smaller brands on one-off projects. On the other hand, French brands—maybe because they’re bigger—tend to look for more long-term, structured partnerships.
How do you feel about the affiliate scene in Spain right now?
It’s still growing here. Affiliation is still developing in Spain, whereas it is more advanced in other European markets. The potential is nonetheless significant, especially if brands adopt tools that allow for easier cross-border affiliate marketing.
How do you know if a campaign has really worked?
I spend a lot of time on the Affilae dashboard. It’s where I can see the real impact of what I’m doing and track how my international campaigns are performing in real-time.
Where do you see the future for creators in Europe?
I think there’s so much room for fashion brands to grow in Spain. The market is ready, but brands need to be more flexible. That’s what’s great about affiliation—it gives both brands and creators the freedom to work together in a way that actually fits our lives.
How did you find Affilae, and what does it change for you?
I actually discovered Affilae through some of the international brands I was already working with. I love how transparent it is—everything is right there on the dashboard. And honestly, being able to just talk to the account managers makes everything feel much more human.
Any final words for the Affilae team?
It’s a real pleasure working with Affilae. I love the transparency and the flexibility it offers, especially when it comes to managing cross-border affiliate marketing with brands that are miles away from home.
Thank you Cristina!
