Founder/President, Cathy’s Concepts
Cathy LaValley is the founder and CEO of Cathy’s Concepts Inc, a leading manufacturer and direct shipper of personalized gifts and wedding accessories, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. After attending Michigan’s Northwood University from 1972-1975, LaValley left the school with a strong set of entrepreneurial skills and the drive to succeed. She then started the company in 1988, selling fashion jewelry out of her car to Indiana bridal shops.
Thirty years later, Cathy’s Concepts has grown into a nationally recognized brand–designing, manufacturing, personalizing, and direct shipping custom products for an ever-growing list of national retail partners.
LaValley received the Outstanding Manufacturer of the Year award from Modern Bride Magazine in 1996. She was also a member of The Executive Committee (TEC). LaValley uses her platform to support philanthropic endeavors with her church and numerous Indianapolis-based animal welfare organizations. She is an avid golfer and loves attending her weekly Pilates and Jazzercise classes.
30 years after starting Cathy’s Concepts, LaValley continues to guide her company’s employees by the same mantra that inspired her humble beginning: “If you don’t believe in yourself, don’t expect anyone else to.”
