In each of her roles &mdash; of a successful entrepreneur or fashion influencer Daria Krasnogor invariably follows her motto: &ldquo;Stay true to yourself, your passion and purpose.&rdquo;

Can you share with us a little about your background and what initially inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
My journey as an entrepreneur started in a small town in Russia. I began by collecting and selling scrap metal at the age of 11. I faced financial challenges in my early years while aiming for higher education. I worked hard to attend architecture school and graduate successfully. During my studies, I gained experience as an assistant foreman in construction.
This journey led me to my initial financial success, I always had a hidden passion for beauty and fashion. I found success in the cosmetics industry, but I still felt like something was missing. When I was young, I dreamt of becoming a model, but my family and peers discouraged me due to the image the industry held back then.
Seeking fulfillment, I moved to Moscow and entered the exclusive real estate industry. That move marked a significant turning point in my journey as an entrepreneur. It all started with hard work and determination. Eventually, it led me to embrace my passion for beauty and fashion, giving me a new sense of purpose in Moscow.
What motivated your transition from entrepreneurship to fashion influence? 
As a successful entrepreneur, I recognized the opportunity to utilize my entrepreneurial skills to create a career as a fashion influencer. This shift was driven by my desire to share my fashion expertise, connect with like-minded audiences, and explore creative expression within the fashion industry. So, I began building a personal brand and using social media and digital platforms to reach a broader audience. My journey involved both running my consultancy and real estate business, so it was more of an integration rather than a complete transition. This allowed me to continue my entrepreneurial endeavors while pursuing my passion for fashion influence.

Could you walk us through the evolution of your personal style from the early stages to where it is now you being a fashion influencer?
My personal style has undergone a significant evolution from its early stages to where it stands now me being a fashion influencer. My style used to be more of an exploration and experimentation. It wasn't well-defined, and I was still discovering what truly resonated with me. Over time, I incorporated influences from fashion icons and other influencers whose style I admired. Today, my personal style is a means of creative expression with colors, patterns and structure. I use fashion to convey my individuality, it's a reflection of my personality.
In your journey, what role did social media and digital platforms play in shaping your career as a fashion influencer?
Social media and digital platforms have played a pivotal role in shaping my career as a fashion influencer. My style and vision were curated through a following of fashion influencers, allowing me to develop my unique approach. I currently have the privilege of working closely with a mentor and team who provides valuable guidance. Social media platforms helped me gain insights into popular trends and audience preferences, helping me tailor my content to better resonate with my followers. Social media and digital platforms provided me a stage to showcase my passion for fashion and continually evolve my fashion career.
How do you stay authentic and true to yourself while also meeting the demands of the fashion industry and engaging with your audience?
Balancing authenticity with the demands of the fashion industry while engaging with my audience as a fashion influencer is key for long-term success. Understanding what I genuinely like and believe in guides my content and brand. I carefully select brand collaborations and sponsorships that align with my style. I never promote products or brands that I wouldn't use or endorse in my personal life.
I believe my audience should see the real me, not just what's trendy. Valuing my audience's input and incorporating their feedback into my content builds a stronger connection.
My team and I regularly assess my content and collaborations. Making sure they are still aligned with my authentic self and making adjustments if needed. Authenticity sets you apart and builds a genuine connection with your audience so it was very important for me to be myself as sometimes it's easy to get lost in the social world.

How would you describe your personal brand and the message you aim to convey as a fashion influencer?
As a fashion influencer, my personal brand is a reflection of my personality: elegance with a modern twist, encouraging confidence and empowerment through my fashion choices. I want to convey the message that fashion is a tool for self-expression. Individuality and authenticity is extremely important in the fashion world. I encourage my followers to find their personalities and style and not be swayed by societal pressures.
Style has no boundaries, and everyone should feel beautiful and confident in their own skin. Inclusivity, timelessness, and adaptability are key elements of my message, encouraging a balanced approach to personal style.
Could you share a glimpse into your personal life or interests outside the realm of fashion influencing and entrepreneurship to give us a better understanding of who you are beyond your professional pursuits?
One of my great passions is traveling and exploring new cultures. I find inspiration in experiencing different places and meeting people from diverse backgrounds. Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle is a significant part of my daily routine. I prioritize fitness and wellness to keep both my mind and body in peak condition. I enjoy yoga, hiking, and my day to day regular workouts.I have a deep appreciation for art, I often visit art exhibitions and attend theater performances. Exploring different art mediums allows me to express my creativity. And of course, spending quality time with my loved ones is a cherished part of my life. Maintaining and building strong relationships has always been my number one priority.I like a balanced and fulfilling life, like a normal human I have my ups and downs but by setting my priorities of keeping a balance in my life I stay connected to what truly matters.

As the momentum of female entrepreneurship continues to grow in the UAE, how do you perceive your position as a successful female entrepreneur in terms of inspiring and providing support to other women in business?
I came from a background of struggle and a lot of hard work. As a woman I probably had to work twice as hard as a man struggling due to not having enough opportunities lined up for women. As a successful female entrepreneur in the UAE, I want to inspire and support other women in business by offering guidance and mentorship, sharing my experiences and insights to help them navigate the challenges of business. I aim to have a positive and empowering impact on the growing community of women in business, inspiring them to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and providing support along their journey by creating new opportunities in the future.
Fashion blogging and social media have emerged as influential platforms for fashion aficionados. How do you leverage these channels to engage with your audience and communicate your perspectives on fashion?
I utilize platforms like Instagram to showcase my fashion style with high-quality content. Consistent posting keeps my audience engaged and informed about my fashion choices. I wanted to foster a sense of community and loyalty among my followers by engaging with them through messages and comments. While staying true to my style, I incorporate current fashion trends to remain relevant and appeal to a broader audience. Keeping followers informed about the latest fashion trends and industry news ensures I provide them perspectives and advice.
If you could give one piece of advice to young entrepreneurs and fashion enthusiasts, what would that be?
A key piece of advice for young entrepreneurs and fashion enthusiasts is to "Stay true to yourself, passion and purpose." In the fast-paced environment of entrepreneurship and fashion, it's tempting to follow trends and get in society pressures. However, by remaining authentic and your true passions by aligning your choices with your core values and purpose, you can create a fulfilling path to success. Your passion and purpose will fuel your motivation, creativity, and resilience, enabling you to overcome challenges and by being patient you will leave a lasting mark in your journey.
@<a href="https://www.instagram.com/daria.krasnogor/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">daria.krasnogor</a>
Photographer: Olga | <a href="https://butina.wfolio.pro/me" target="_blank" rel="noopener">butina.wfolio.pro</a>

Daria Krasnogor. From Entrepreneurial Ventures to Fashion Forward

Recommended posts for you

Editorials

EDIBLE

Interior & Design

Your Coziest Autumn-Winter 2024 with Archideco Design Centre

Fashion

Dolce&Gabbana x SKIMS - a manifesto for the modern woman who knows her own worth

Editorials

ECLIPSE

Beauty

This winter, the fragrant world of CHANEL is caught up in a snowy dance

Editorials

HÀBITAT

Editorials

SERENITY

Fashion

Coquette Aesthetic: A Celebration of Tenderness and Power