My name is Victoria, I live and work in Kyiv, Ukraine. I have always had an inclination to painting and sketching. I have been sketching roughly 3 years. In the beginning, it was a hobby and now its my fulltime. During my maternity leave, I spent a lot of my time sketching - fashion illustration. Fashion illustration is a gift, you just can't fake it. It's much more than the clothes that we wear. It is an expression of our true identity. I try my best to produce illustrations that can be related. My first order of my work really validated my love for sketching!! So far I have managed to fulfill orders for clients worldwide and also work as a teacher, collaborated with few companies. I am so grateful for the opportunity
What were the biggest initial hurdles to building your business and how did you overcome them?
The biggest problem for me was my lack of time for sketching, even though I have a great assistant.
What books are you currently reading? And your recommendation for entrepreneurs to read?
Momentarily, I am reading Giovanni Chivardi “Drawing. Complete Guidance". I recommend reading literature that aligns re: your genre. And constantly flip through books that expand your knowledge. For example books on botany, watercolours etc.
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?
I do not wait for approval or condemnation from anyone. In my family, we support each other and do not criticize nor give an assessment on our day-to-day operations..
What would you say was the single most influential factor in your business success?
Daily commitment and work! In my opinion, in order to succeed you ought to put yourself out there - networking, collaborate to valid your credibility.
What do you know today that you wish you would have known when you first got started as an entrepreneur?
I think that I know very little. Always ready to learn - as the saying goes "live and learn". As soon as you stop learning, you stop developing. I think so...!
What advice would you give to an upcoming entrepreneur locally and internationally?
For beginners, please find a good teacher who will teach or mentor and inspire you - re: fashion illustration industry.
