Among other things, this blog will spotlight the enviable style of real, modern women. How do they manage to look great while juggling their busy lives? Up next is entrepreneur Olga Vidisheva.
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| Photo Credit: Courtesy of Olga Vidisheva |
What do you do?
I run an incredible company called Shoptiques.com. We are an online destination for the best, most unique boutiques from Paris to New York.
You've worked at Goldman Sachs, Chanel, and now run a startup. How did you style change between each of those periods?
Majorly. I think it had a lot to do with maturing and figuring out who I really am. Put aside the fact that my work style was drastically different between all of these jobs: from finance - very conservative suits to start-up -- casual and trendy. Also my personal style changed a lot as well. I used to love anything mini: probably driven by all the pop culture, and now I am into more feminine silhouettes with statement detailing. I never had time to shop when I was younger and Shoptiques didn't exist, so I kept going back to more mainstream brands; now I love unique different things that really show my style and that I am different.
You grew up in Russia -- has that influenced your sense of style?
Absolutely! I HATE uniformity! Russia's influence has a lot to do of why I want people to have access to unique boutique clothing; I hate seeing women wearing the same clothing from mass produced retailers - it feels like USSR uniforms are back.
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| Photo Credit: Courtesy of Olga Vidisheva |
What one item from Shoptiques are you currently crazy about?
Ha ha! So many!! After every photoshoot, my team and I do a "try this on" party and i end up buying so so much! It is very dangerous! however, I am in love with this lime green dress - love the silhouette, with this maxi that perfectly combines cut-outs and brights for the summer and I am absolutely obsessed with this unique leather and lace jacket.
Do you have a signature perfume?
I love switching perfumes because after a while you just cannot smell it yourself anymore. My favorites now are: Jimmy Choo perfume and Michael Eau de Parfum by Michael Kors. I love the woody, yet feminine fragrances.
When you have a big meeting, what outfit do you reach for to feel your most powerful?
I love pairing this white skirt with black simple top and leather and lace jacket. I feel confident, yet feminine. I am also a huge fan of simple white button downs shirts - they project a bit of power in my opinion. Lastly, it is all about heels! I don't think I can ever feel powerful in flats - it's just not me! I find heels so much more comfortable!
Who are your professional role models?
I am so lucky to have incredible role models in my life: Pauline Brown who has became an amazing friend and mentor, Divya Gugnani, Barbara Messing, and of course my grandmother.
How important was business school for you in terms of launching Shoptiques?
Business school allowed me to have time and smart environment to study the market, interview boutique owners and customers on whether this idea made sense. In that regard, it was absolutely vital. I wrote a business plan for Shoptiques.com while during my second year in business school. However, if you are already passionate about your idea, thought through the business and ready to start - then start it, there is no need to wait to finish a business school.
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| Photo Credit: Courtesy of Olga Vidisheva |
Has starting a company been as hard or harder than you expected? How so?
I started shoptiques.com because there was a huge gap in the market for me personally. I was solving my own issues. Of course, it is incredibly hard, but I am so passionate about what I am doing that I think it overshadows everything. I think starting a business is always harder than you think. You think you thought through everything, but there are constantly new issues, new discoveries and new challenges. Being able to handle them as they come is what makes it hard; however, I absolutely love this constant challenge. It would be boring otherwise!
Favorite restaurant in NYC and what do you order?
Where do I start! I am a HUGE foodie (pre-empting I don't eat meat): 1) Balaboosta in Nolita: crispy cauliflower (the best!!), patatas bravas, hummus, grilled asparagus; 2) Cafe Gitane: couscous - incredible!; 3) Cafe Habana: corn and fish tacos!; 4) Num Pang in Union Square: coconut tiger shrimp - to die for! and last, but not least: Shake Shack: grilled cheese and cheese fries! I can go on forever, I have so many places I love, but if you haven't tried the five I mentioned, you just need to drop everything you are doing to go try it!
