Childhood and youth. Saint Petersburg
I was born and raised in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Early on, I embarked on my academic journey, starting university at an age that is considered quite young by European standards. In Russian metropolises, the pace is different; from childhood, we’re encouraged to set high goals and strive for excellence. This mindset suited me well. At 15, I decided to pursue public relations, and by 17, I was in my first year of university. During my studies, I began living independently and secured my first full-time job at a bank. I vividly remember the day I found that job: sitting in the sun with my friend Veronica, flipping through a newspaper with job listings. It’s almost quaint to think that I found my first job in a newspaper! That marked the beginning of my career. However, within a few years, I made a significant promise to myself: never to work in a job I didn’t love.
Career start
My real career growth started at a bicycle company. Initially hired as a PR manager, my life took a significant turn within a year when I was introduced to the concept of franchising. My boss offered me a role in business development, and this new field quickly became my passion. I have been working in this area for eight years, even though I have changed companies. I continue to consult in this field to this day.
Broaden my horizons
I am passionate about achieving goals and staying active. For me, sports are about overcoming personal challenges, correcting mistakes, and demonstrating willpower – all qualities that are evident in my character. I also have a deep appreciation for fashion and travel; in short, I love everything beautiful.
Music has always played an essential role in my life, reflecting my emotional experiences and creating countless associations. While I don’t have a singular music preference, I consider myself a melomaniac, enjoying a wide variety of genres. However, I must admit that jazz isn’t my favourite, and I have a slight preference for electronic music over other styles.
Inspiration
My appreciation for electronic music has an interesting backstory. This genre truly resonated with me around 2012-2013, thanks to a group of friends who were avid enthusiasts. One friend even composed music on a synthesizer. This period was unique because it was the only time in my life when I didn’t just listen to music – I immersed myself in it. I read about it, followed trends, and learned to distinguish various styles within electroacoustic music.
As I mentioned earlier, music profoundly impacts my emotions. It energizes and uplifts me. Over the past decade, I’ve curated a list of songs that reflect my life and remind me of the people who have shaped my musical tastes. Occasionally, I revisit these tracks, using them as a lens to look back on my experiences, analyze my past, and draw conclusions for the future.
A new chapter. Sweden
At the end of 2018, I embarked on a new adventure and moved to Stockholm. Just before Christmas, I packed my belongings, took my little cat Olive under my arm, and boarded the plane. Now, I am settling into the measured Swedish pace of life and learning the Swedish language.
In Sweden, I’ve developed new hobbies and acquired new skills. I started playing golf, took up rock climbing, and immersed myself in the digital world. Recognizing the growing importance of digital marketing, I decided to deepen and strengthen my knowledge in this field. This decision led me back to being a student, and I successfully graduated from the Institute of Media. Pursuing higher education in Swedish was an extraordinary challenge, but it was a rewarding endeavour. Knowledge is power, and I believe I made the right choice!