We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Elena Tushina. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Elena below.
Elena, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
Being the only one in the room can be a challenging experience, especially when you are the only one who looks like you. It can be easy to feel isolated, misunderstood, and even intimidated. However, it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many people who have successfully navigated this experience, and there are things you can do to be effective and successful even when you are the only one in the room.
Here is a personal story of how I have overcome my fears and become effective and successful even when I am the only one in the room:
When I was in 7th grade, I first started studying math and programming and soon entered the city and country competitions on these subjects. I was often the only girl in the room. This was intimidating at first, but I quickly realized that I needed to find a way to be confident. That continued at the university. All professors and the majority of students were men. After graduation, I was the only one who quit this industry and turned to interior design, moved to a different city, and got a design degree abroad. At my first job, most of the clients were powerful men with money. All the bosses were men. All the suppliers, and owners of Italian furniture factories, were also men. No surprise, I always felt that “unspoken” pressure from physically stronger and older human beings who’s been always pushing “their way”. When I moved to the United States, I experienced a full range of emotions related to being an immigrant in a country with a different language, mentality, and rules. Building a business here was like stepping into dark woods full of uncertainties and challenges. It took me a lot of courage and other tools to walk through and see the green lawn lit with morning sunshine. But I’m so grateful and happy that my company Smartline Hospitality Supply company has made it to life with a fool force. I shifted clients’ minds by being unique and showing how to deliver a 5-star experience to customers, even being rated as a 3- & 4-star business.
Here I’m happy to share a few tools that I’ve learned:
• Be yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Embrace your unique identity and let your personality shine through.
• Be confident in your abilities. Remember that you are there because you deserve to be there. You have the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
• Don’t be afraid to speak up. Your voice is important. Share your ideas and perspectives, even if they are different from everyone else’s.
• Build relationships. Get to know the other people in the room. Find common ground and build rapport. This will help you to feel more connected and supported.
• Find a mentor. Having a mentor who has faced similar challenges can be invaluable. They can offer guidance, support, and encouragement.
• Join a community. There are many communities and organizations for people who are the only ones in the room. These communities can provide you with a sense of belonging and support.
• Celebrate your successes. It is important to take the time to celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem. This will help you to stay motivated and keep moving forward.
Being the only one in the room can be challenging, but it is also an opportunity to make a difference. Your unique perspective and experiences can be valuable assets to any team or organization. Don’t be afraid to use your voice and share your gifts
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am an Interior Designer and project supplier with 18 years of international experience. We are handling commercial and high-end residential projects, including hotels, restaurants, offices, private sports clubs, homes, yachts, and jets. What’s exciting about my business is that every project is unique! Each new task is a new exciting challenge! In every project, I am a co-creator of the future lifestyle of the customer or the life of the business. I believe that everybody deserves and is able to have a 5-star experience in their home or business. So I shift their views and perceptions and show how it can be achieved.
We combine our design experience, global macro and micro trends, trusted Italian supply sources, psychology, and coaching in order to deliver a distilled project solution with the highest quality style and efficient budget.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
– Be unique. Find your passion and specialty. – Learn and travel as much as possible
– Be trustworthy. Do what you say.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal client is a hospitality business owner and/or homeowner.
He/She wants to bring his/her hospitality project to the next level, create and deliver a 5-star experience to his/her customers, and fit into the budget of 3 & 4-star business.
He/She wants to get curated guidance through all the available sources and pick the best quality-price combination.
He/She wants a trusted experienced partner who will control execution and prevent mistakes.
He/She appreciates European elegant distilled style and values the 5-star comfort.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.smartline.design
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartlinewynwood/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smartlinewynwood
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-tushina-5aa06851/
