Victoria Villarroel, a former personal assistant to billionaire cosmetics mogul Kylie Jenner, has publicly disclosed the primary reason behind her decision to resign from the high-profile position. In a candid interview on the Better Half With Stas + Alexis podcast this week, the 34-year-old budding influencer detailed how an overly close friendship ultimately compromised their professional working relationship.
The Blurring of Professional Boundaries
Villarroel worked alongside Jenner for several years during the critical early phases of Jenner's brand development, providing support as the 28-year-old entrepreneur built her empire. However, in January 2020, Villarroel made the difficult choice to step down from her role. She explained that the daily intimacy of their interactions gradually eroded the traditional assistant-employer dynamic.
"Obviously me and Kylie had a working relationship, but you can't not get so close with a person you see every single day," Villarroel reflected during the podcast discussion. "You know everything about them, you're with them at all times — good or bad." This constant proximity fostered a deep personal bond that eventually made professional tasks feel awkward and untenable.
A Telling Kitchen Incident
Villarroel recounted a specific moment that highlighted the problematic overlap between friendship and duty. "We were in the kitchen and [Jenner] was like, 'Vic, I need my laptop, it's upstairs,'" she began. "And I was like, 'Oof, who's gonna get that?'" she laughed. "I said something crazy like, 'Oof, that seems far, I don't want to go get your laptop.'"
She acknowledged that her flippant response was "very un-assistant of her," illustrating how their casual rapport had begun to interfere with basic job responsibilities. Both women recognized they had reached a tipping point where their connection was hindering rather than helping their collaboration.
The Difficult Decision to Depart
Leaving such a coveted position was not an easy choice for Villarroel. "I remember being so nervous and thinking, 'Am I making the right decision? What if I'm leaving the best job I could ever have?'" she recalled. External pressures compounded her uncertainty, with people "in [her] ear" advising against quitting a role that "people would die for."
Nevertheless, Villarroel initiated a conversation with Jenner about her intentions to resign. She described Jenner as "the most understanding person," who responded with empathy and support. "She was like, 'Oh my God, Vic, I want you to thrive and I'm going to be here supporting you and I love you so much,'" Villarroel shared, indicating the mutual respect that underpinned their relationship.
Maintaining Friendship After Professional Separation
Despite the end of their working arrangement, Villarroel and Jenner have preserved their close personal friendship. They are frequently spotted together at social events, demonstrating that their bond transcends professional confines. For instance, in February, the pair attended the Nahmias x Maxfield Host Pop Up Event at the Maxfield store in Los Angeles, alongside other notable figures such as Anastasia Karanikolaou, Zack Ashley, and Doni Nahmias.
This ongoing camaraderie underscores Villarroel's central insight: while excessive closeness can complicate professional dynamics, it can also forge enduring personal connections that outlast career changes.
