Meet Darya Fomina

 

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Darya Fomina a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Darya with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

My work ethic is deeply rooted in my upbringing and the experiences of my family. I was born in Moscow, Russia, and raised by my parents and grandparents, who endured the harsh realities of Communism and World War II. When communism fell, my family moved to Odessa, Ukraine, where we started over with very little. I witnessed my parents work tirelessly to build a new life from scratch, despite the challenges of adapting to a new language and country.

My father, with sheer determination and business acumen, eventually opened a small bank in Ukraine. My mother, using her skills as a seamstress, started a small business making and selling clothing in street markets. I helped her with this from a young age, learning the value of hard work and perseverance firsthand.

The region’s corruption and danger forced us to leave everything behind and start anew in the United States. Here, I watched my parents rebuild our lives yet again. My father became an accountant, and my mother, with her immense talent, rose quickly in the ranks of a custom couture costume shop in New York City.

Her work ethic and success inspired me, and I followed in her footsteps, working in the same industry while also honing my skills at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Through hard work and dedication, I rose to become the lead manager of my own team, creating costumes for some of the most iconic Broadway shows and Hollywood movies.

The resilience, determination, and relentless work ethic I saw in my parents, especially my mother, have shaped my approach to work. Every challenge we faced only reinforced the importance of hard work, and it’s a principle I carry with me in everything I do.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My journey with Darya Fomina Inc. is rooted in both my extensive experience in the costume industry and a pivotal moment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Before the pandemic, I spent over two decades working with some of Hollywood and Broadway’s most famous designers and actors, creating costumes that brought stories to life. However, as fulfilling as that work was, I discovered a new passion during an unexpected turn of events.

Just before the nation shut down due to COVID-19, I was invited to Southern California for a special project. My family and I decided to stay when the lockdown began, and we quickly fell in love with the region, especially Orange County. As the world paused, the entertainment industry, including the shop where I had worked for over 20 years, also came to a halt. It was a challenging time, but it opened up a new chapter in my life.

During the shutdown, word spread among a few people about my skills in costume design and alterations. Despite the restrictions, brides still needed their wedding gowns altered, and I was able to assist them while adhering to strict safety protocols. Working with these brides during such an uncertain time brought me a sense of fulfillment I hadn’t experienced before. I realized that being part of a bride’s special day, helping her feel beautiful and confident, was incredibly rewarding.

When restrictions lifted, I decided to focus entirely on this new path and opened my atelier, Darya Fomina Inc., in Irvine, California. My studio specializes exclusively in professional alterations for wedding gowns, serving the Southern California bride. Since opening, I’ve been fortunate to be very busy, and the response from brides has been overwhelmingly positive.

To ensure I can reach even more brides, I’ve hired contractors and developers to create a new website and establish a presence on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. This way, brides across Southern California can easily find me and entrust their wedding gowns to my care.

Transitioning from the world of Hollywood and Broadway to working with brides has been the most rewarding experience of my career. I’m grateful to be part of such a significant moment in each bride’s life and to contribute to the joy and beauty of their wedding day.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

THE Three Qualities, Skills, or Areas of Knowledge That Impacted My Journey

1. Resilience and Adaptability:
– The ability to adapt to new circumstances and overcome challenges has been a constant in my life. Witnessing my parents rebuild our lives from scratch, not once but twice, taught me that resilience is key to success. When the pandemic halted the entertainment industry, instead of giving up, I found a new passion in working with brides. This adaptability allowed me to transition from costume creation / Design to wedding gown alterations, leading to the forming of Darya Fomina Inc.

2. Dedication to Craftsmanship:
– My mother’s work ethic and her success in the custom couture industry instilled in me a deep appreciation for craftsmanship. From a young age, I learned that meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to excellence are essential in creating something truly special. This dedication to my craft has been instrumental in earning the trust of brides who entrust me with their wedding gowns.

3. Business Acumen and Strategic Planning:
– Growing up, I observed my father’s entrepreneurial spirit as he started a bank in Ukraine, and later, his ability to navigate the complexities of the American economy as an accountant. This exposure to business strategy and financial planning was invaluable when I decided to open my own atelier. Understanding how to manage the business side of things, from marketing to financial planning, has been crucial in building a successful and sustainable business.

My Advice for Those Early in Their Journey

1. Cultivate Resilience and Embrace Change:
– Life is unpredictable, and challenges are inevitable. Rather than fearing change, embrace it as an opportunity for growth. Whether you’re facing a career shift or an unexpected setback, resilience will allow you to navigate these changes and come out stronger. Start by setting small, achievable goals that push you out of your comfort zone, and gradually build your confidence in handling uncertainty.

2. Master Your Craft:
– Dedication to your craft is non-negotiable if you want to excel in any field. Take the time to learn from the best, practice diligently, and never stop refining your skills. Pay attention to the details, as it’s often the small things that make the biggest difference. Seek out mentors who can guide you and provide constructive feedback, and invest in the best tools and materials to support your work.

3. Develop Business Savvy:
– Even if your passion lies in the creative aspects of your work, understanding the business side is essential for long-term success. Start by learning the basics of financial management, marketing, and strategic planning. Don’t be afraid to seek out advice from experts or take courses to enhance your knowledge. A strong business foundation will give you the confidence to take risks and grow your venture sustainably.

By focusing on these qualities and skills, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the ups and downs of your journey and build a career that is both fulfilling and successful.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

As a small Boutique Professional Alteration Studio, one of the most significant hurdles I currently face is establishing a robust online presence. Building a new Website and developing a strong Social Media following requires time, resources, and expertise. To address this challenge, I am actively seeking partnerships with Digital Marketing Professionals who can assist in creating a visually appealing and informative website. Additionally, I am committed to learning about social media platforms and engaging with my target audience through consistent and valuable content. By investing in these areas, I aim to expand my reach, attract new clients, and showcase my studio’s exceptional craftsmanship to a wider audience.

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