What is the best thing that I love about my work? The favorite part of my work is bringing people together, of course, my job is based on my professional skills and knowledge, but also a big part of it is communication with people (suppliers and customers). All of them are unique and talented. I bring those people together and they create a lot of beautiful garments which finally all of us see in the vitrines of fashion stores.

What is my idea of happiness? Do what you like to do.

What is my greatest fear? To lose someone close to me.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? I’m perfect

Which living persons in my profession do I most admire? In my profession, I admire people like Ditte Reffstrup, GANNI Founder & Creative Director. She is a great example of a self-made successful fashion entrepreneur. She was not only able to create an outstanding and unique brand style, but also to become one of the pioneers of sustainable fashion.

What is my greatest extravagance? For me, there is nothing impossible. I don’t afraid to change jobs, or countries, learn a new language or become a yoga teacher at 38 years. I did all of it, and cannot imagine what else I can do in my life.

On what occasion would I lie? If it will save somebodies life.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? I don’t like it when my work is devalued.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work? I was happy to be the fabric supplier for the Danish national team kit for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Due to the pandemic, the Olympics were postponed a year later, but my happiness did not become less. I felt like I was part of something great.

If I could, what would I change about myself? I would like to be wiser and easier react to failures, but I understand that these qualities come only with experience.

What is my greatest achievement in work? I still believe that my greatest achievement is still in the future. But for me, one of the greatest achievements was to find the strength in myself to leave the well-paid work for hire and open a company fully on my own. It’s a big risk but a big drive also.

Where would I most like to live? Recently I moved to Eindhoven/ NL. And I really like the city, it’s modern, comfortable, very artistic and cool! I believe this is a nice place to live.

What is my most treasured possession? The most valuable for me is my family, but I also value my knowledge and experience.

What is my most marked characteristic? Courage.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city? I like the Strijp -S district, this is a great example of how a former industrial zone may be done into a stylish place, with a relaxing atmosphere, cozy cafes, and a lot of social projects on the territory without rebuilding it, only by adjusting of insisting constructions. I always like and support ideas of finding new uses for old things/places. This is a very sustainable approach.

What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city? My favorite place to eat and drink is always at my house, my husband and I like to cook at home and invite friends to us. But if I would go out, I like to have some Asian food, and in Eindhoven, I can recommend Umami by Han restaurant.

What books influenced my life and how? At the age of 22, I read “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by R. Kiyosaki and “Losing my Virginity” by R. Branson, also the same time I read the book “Atlas Shrugged” by Ayn Rand, I think those books formed my positive attitude to entrepreneurship. And even though it took me another 15 years to decide to become self-employed, I always kept the tenets of those books in my mind.

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day? Alice Cooper, Poison.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? Dorothy Gale from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? Alexei Navalny – the leader of the Russian opposition.

Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime? In Bruges. Pulp Fiction.

What role play stories in my life and work? Stories play a significant role in both work and life. All of humanity is built on stories. Any religion is an outstanding example of successful storytelling.

What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me? This is probably the most important statement for me, I do believe that the story of my life depends only on my decisions.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? My husband.

Which people or companies would I like to work with in 2022?

Loise Læborg Madsen, MOS MOSH A/S

Thomas Bæch, BRUUNS BAZAAR A/S

Jeanine Lindenberg, WE Fashion BV

Meme Marta Fagiuoli, Samsøe Samsøe

What project, in 2022, am I looking forward to work on? In 2022 I dedicate myself to the development of my textile agency. I want to attract even more sustainable partners to cooperation. As I also believe that raising awareness of sustainable fashion is my social mission, I’m going to keep doing it.

Where can you see me or my work in 2022? I cover my work on LinkedIn.

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? Many believe that passion is something that arises spontaneously and passes quickly. But I think passion can be nurtured through curiosity. I always go where I can learn or see something new, traveling is a great example of “Passion Never Retires”. I always have a plan for the next trip in my head, it gives me motivation and passion to go further.

Which creative professionals should Peter invite to tell their story? Recently I participated 100talent program organized by  Expat Spouses Initiative, Holland Expat Center South, and Huis naar Werk and met a lot of women whose stories, passion for their profession, and international experience inspire me, there are some of them:

Kavitha Varathan

Cindy Chao

Alina Totti

Anne-Pauline Wessels

Tonya Skorova

How can you contact me?

You can find me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleksandra-arenina/