Kristina Vlasova: the path to self-knowledge through music and business
June 18, 2024
KIRAH LOMYNS
July 8, 2024
Katharina, a celebrated style icon and entrepreneur, stands as one of Berlin’s youngest millionaires and the visionary behind LADYBOSS COUTURE. Her journey began with triumphs in beauty contests and the transformation of a humble salon into the esteemed Institute of Beauty. Balancing business acumen with family commitments, Katharina’s inspiring narrative underscores her dedication to empowerment and compassion.
Katharina, you are now a style icon, an entrepreneur, a talented designer of your own clothing brand LADYBOSS COUTURE and one of the youngest millionaires in Berlin. Your track record includes victories in beauty contests as a representative of Germany, as well as a unique Institute of Beauty, which grew out of a beauty salon, which was your first business. Tell us how the path to great success began. Have you dreamed of the world of fashion and beauty since childhood?
You know, I was a very active child. I did ballet and danced, and my mom and dad supported me. I performed concerts and shows for them. As a child, I told my parents, «When I grow up, I won’t be a princess. I’ll just look like a princess. But I’ll have a career, I’ll be a boss. I’ll have my own factory.» I never dreamed of marrying well, but I knew I would have a smart, educated husband, and together we would build our empire. So, my parents knew from early on that I would be a boss.
I’m a Capricorn, and this was evident even in my early childhood. I always had a goal, and I pursued it, overcoming all obstacles despite the difficulties.
Of course, there were many challenges: betrayals, quarrels, failures. I understood very early what I needed in life. From childhood, I purposefully chased my dreams, and everything I have now is my achievement. I’m very grateful to that little Ekaterina for not giving up and for finding the strength to keep moving forward.
Today, I have everything: a family, status, a factory in Europe, travels, and my own charity and I’m the designer of my own brand LADYBOSS COUTURE.
My experience has shown me that you can’t give up. If you truly want something and it’s your genuine desire, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE. Genuine means for yourself, not for your dad or mom.
If you want something with all your heart and take consistent action, you will achieve your goal. The secret of success is simple: work, work, and more work. Without it, you won’t get anywhere. If you do something for your goal every day, even small actions, over time you will see results. Nowadays, many promote the idea of quick success and fast money. I don’t believe in that. Everything that comes quickly also goes away quickly. But if you build your empire over the years, it will bear fruit for a long time, maybe even a lifetime.
The advice I can give to girls and women is that everyone has their own time, the perfect time. Everything happens as it should. If something isn’t working for you, if it’s not going well, it means it’s not the right time yet. Keep working, trying, and searching! Don’t give up and believe in yourself. If you don’t believe in yourself, who will?
You were born in Kazakhstan, but moved to Germany with your parents as a child. You received an education in Business Management. Many people receive a good education, but only a few of them become successful. What qualities, in your opinion, should a female leader have? Were you born with entrepreneurial talent or did you work hard to develop the necessary qualities? What was the most difficult?
My family played a significant role in my journey, and I am very grateful to them! We are Russian, but originally from Kazakhstan, where my family had a restaurant business.
After we moved to Russia, and from there to Germany.
To answer the question: success is not innate; it is cultivated. A great deal relies on family and environment. I was given a lot of love, attention, and care. I was the first child, and of course, very much wanted one. My dad always said that you need to explain things to children many times until they understand, and I completely agree with him. I raise my children with the same principle.
I believe that each of us is born as an individual, a personality with our own unique traits, but it is the parent’s crucial role to set the right direction and provide education.
So, here’s the secret to success: hard work, good upbringing, and a bit of luck! Talent is only 1% of success.
Listen to your heart. Don’t listen to others’ opinions. Don’t look around. If you have a goal, be prepared to lose people around you, as they will try to dissuade you and knock you off your path. Focus solely on your goal and strive for it, and you will achieve it! This works in any sphere of life.
What does fashion mean to you and how does it reflect your personality? What principles do you put into the designs of your luxury brand? Women from which countries place the most orders?
For me, fashion is more than just clothing.
Fashion is uniqueness, style, and the individuality of each of us. If a woman understands fashion and has learned to curate her style, she doesn’t need to say anything about herself; her image speaks volumes. It’s a way of self-expression—a means to highlight one’s strengths and beauty.
Fashion doesn’t set rules as it might seem. It’s a litmus test, reflecting what’s happening in the world and what might happen in the future.
My brand is LADYBOSS COUTURE. I am delighted that my values align with those of my customers, who are numerous around the world. Most of our clients are in Dubai, followed by Russia, Ukraine, and the USA, with Kazakhstan recently joining in. My clients are beautiful, smart, and strong women who aren’t afraid to stand out.Individuality is my credo, and my brand reflects this. I create the opportunity to order a jacket and know it is the only one in the world made just for you.
Every LADYBOSS COUTURE piece is unique and tailored to the individual. A custom-made piece stands out from afar: it fits perfectly without any folds, boasts high-quality craftsmanship in every detail, and is made from premium fabric of your choice.
Often, women don’t share where they got their piece because they don’t want their friends to order the same custom jackets. I am thrilled when I can make each of them feel unique and special. Be unique, wear unique clothes.
You have fulfilled an old dream and created the Save the People Worldwide charity foundation. Your goal is to help those in need around the world – disabled children, the elderly. What is the current geography of the foundation? What projects within your foundation do you consider the most important?
Yes, the foundation is the dream of my childhood. I grew up in a family where my mother helped people as much as she could, despite there not being many opportunities. Our family was wonderful, everything was perfect, just like in a fairy tale. My parents still love each other and live together to this day, which is a rarity now.
I saw happiness and how my mom shared it. As a result, my dream was born: to dedicate myself to something and help people. Children often absorb what they see from their parents—their values and plans.
As soon as I had the opportunity, I started doing good deeds, small ones at first, but it was gratifying. And three years ago, I gathered the courage to establish a charitable foundation. It was another goal of mine, another dream! And I am very proud of myself!
I want to help and never stop. As long as I have the means and strength, I will continue to help. I am convinced that all people who help make this world brighter, kinder, and better. The most painful issue for me is children and the elderly, and they are my first priority for help, as they often cannot help themselves.
Share happiness! I believe in God and think that He sees everything. Everything in life comes back around. Maybe not to you directly, but tomorrow it will return to your child, your mother, father, or husband—those who will need it.
I am happy when I see the smile of a person whom I have done something good for. I believe that our soul communicates with us through feelings, and mine tells me that helping is my calling. I am very proud of my foundation: SAVE THE PEOPLE WORLDWIDE and will continue to develop it. You see in the world what you have in your heart
You have a wonderful family; you are a mother of two children and run a joint business with your husband. How, as a businesswoman, do you prioritize work and family/motherhood?
Thank you so much for the compliments and kind words. Yes, I have a family, a shared business with my husband, hobbies, children, and friends. It’s possible to combine all of this, but it requires immense organization that you manage every day.
I’m not alone; I have a team who are like family, trusted people who have been with me for years, helping out. It’s a lot of hard work, but when you’re a happy person, everything doesn’t seem so difficult!
Especially when you see the fruits of your labor—it incredibly inspires you for new achievements. When in the evening you sit down and realize, ‘It all worked out! I did it!’
Things didn’t start working out for me right away, but over time, I see the results and I’m not planning to stop.
I enjoy being a mother, a wife, and a businesswoman. Much credit for this goes to my husband. He is my better half. We found each other, and that makes everything seem easier. When you have the right person by your side, it’s already fifty percent easier because that person understands you.
So, girls! Choose the right man for yourself, and only then build a family, have children, and establish a business. The most important thing is finding the right person. And how do you find them?
You need to find YOURSELF.
You are a charismatic and incredibly impressive woman; you are a source of motivation for many people. What role do social networks play in sharing your experience with other women? And at what stage is the idea of creating a book in which you promised to share the art of living being implemented?
Thank you for the compliment, I really appreciate it! Since childhood, I’ve noticed one particular trait in myself—I find it easy to connect with people and can help them with words of encouragement and motivation. Whether classmates or friends, people gravitate towards me and open up. Many have told me that they feel better after talking to me, and it’s true—I always give my energy and a piece of myself.
The best compliment I often received in my youth was, ‘You are beautiful inside and out,’ and I’ve remembered it for many years.
Once, I wanted to delete Instagram, but people started sending me messages that I just couldn’t ignore. It turns out that I am motivation, an example, a mentor to many! This was very unexpected for me.
So, my Instagram is not just a social network for me—it’s an opportunity to help and motivate people. Of course, I’m not a blogger; I’m an entrepreneur first and foremost. But if I can benefit people through what I share on my blog, I will do it.
Through Instagram, I find clients, gain energy, and inspiration. As an entrepreneur, I highly value my time and don’t live ‘online.’
My instincts and feelings have guided me to maintain an Instagram presence and share my experiences. And I urge each of you: listen to yourselves, your feelings—they don’t deceive you. If you feel that someone or something doesn’t resonate with you, let it go.
One day, I’ll write a book about my life where I can share a part of myself with readers. This goal has been on my list so long, and soon I will make it happen. Will you read it?
Thank you to the magazine team for their attention and the opportunity to share my experiences. I enjoyed answering the questions. I want to convey to all readers: live as you feel! The world is what you make it, so let’s make it even better.
Do good; there’s enough evil in the world. Be kind to the world, and the world will be kind to you. Don’t waste your time on negative emotions.
As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to understand that life is very short. Cherish each moment, share smiles, refrain from negativity, and strive to be the best version of yourself. Understanding, feeling, and experiencing this are incredibly important.
Best regards, Katharina
Model:
Katharina Alexandrowna Erdem
@ladybossk_official
Charity:
Save the people worldwide
@save_the_people_worldwide
Brand:
LADYBOSS COUTURE
@ladyboss_couture_official
Photographer: Ahmet Bolat
@istanbulphotosession