I was born in St. Petersburg, a beautiful city where art lives everywhere. I grew up in this artistic atmosphere, that is how I fell in love with this beauty. I've always loved drawing, design and fashion since I can remember as a child. I realized the only way to develop this passion was re: obtaining my diploma and masters degree with a specialization in design. Becoming a fashion illustrator is purely the union of my passions. My business is mainly online. I once designed a sketch for a friend of mine, who ended up posting that online and as you can imagine that paved the way for potential clients who became interested in similar work I did. Therefore, I can say opportunity and my passion (design,fashion) formally joined forces. With overwhelming request for my work - meaning collaborations from different part of the world via online. I decided to show more of my fashion illustration on different social media outlets. Annually, 6 months I often spent my time collaborating, design and and project managing in St. Petersburg Russia. The remaining 6 months, I end up travelling and following my projects all over the world - particular Milan and Paris.
What were the biggest initial hurdles to building your business and how did you overcome them?
The biggest initial hurdles was getting the exposure and for to this I had to use all the social media outlets! especially my Instagram @ahvero. Instagram helped and is still do justice to my work by showing clients details of my work. I also created a website www.ahvero.com where I can show all my contents, my company culture and philosophy.
What books are you currently reading? And your recommendation for entrepreneurs to read?
I read a lot of magazine and books about fashion and design. This is important for my work that way I can stay relevant in the fashion industry, stay trendy, connected and also updated.
Did you ever deal with contention from your family and friends concerning your entrepreneurial pursuits? How did you handle it? What would you do differently in hindsight?
No, my parents are happy about my choices and support me all the way - meaning my in my decision making.
What would you say was the single most influential factor in your business success?
Staying update of fashion trend and drawing techniques.
What do you know today that you wish you would have known when you first got started as an entrepreneur?
The difficulties I had to face to make my work known. But I'm happy to have faced this path because that helped me to grow as a person.
What advice would you give to an upcoming entrepreneur locally and internationally?
Do not give up during your first initial steps of business when troubles comes, because there will be many more to come. When you overcome them and thinking back you will be satisfied with what you have created.
