We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Natali Starikova a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Natali, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
How do I keep my creativity alive? It’s almost like keeping track of your house keys — it’s always with you as long as you know how to unlock the door. Creativity isn’t some kind of magic; it’s simply your ability to be yourself, without hiding or holding back. The more you open up, the more space there is for it, and the easier it stays with you. I believe the creative process is a sort of dance with your personality. Sometimes, you just need to let yourself be impulsive, to act spontaneously, and let emotions flow into your work.
If you believe in yourself and aren’t afraid to express your personality, creativity will always be by your side. It’s not the result you get, but the process that makes creativity truly come to life.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
To be happy means to be in harmony with yourself and your life.”
I didn’t realize this simple truth right away. For a long time, my life revolved around achievements, to-do lists, and material goals. I checked off boxes, reached new heights, but missed the most important thing — the moments that truly make us happy. The war Russia started against Ukraine put everything into perspective for me. It showed me what really matters: balance — between work, home, and loved ones. Success that doesn’t demand sacrifice but seamlessly integrates into your life.
Where I am today is the result of years of searching. I’ve tried, failed, and started over to finally understand that creativity is my foundation. Since childhood, I’ve loved creating — cutting, reimagining, inventing. But another powerful force has always been present in my life: business. That’s thanks to my mother — a strong, determined, and focused woman who led by example.
Creativity and entrepreneurship intertwined in my path. My early professional steps were far from art — from handing out flyers to managing a company focused on security. But art was always with me. I started painting for pleasure, as a way to escape. Over time, my apartment turned into a gallery. One day, I was driving and noticed something sparkling by the roadside. It was shards of broken car glass. I gathered them, not knowing why, and later used them in my art. That moment became symbolic of my approach to life: finding value in what others might overlook.
This is how my school, “ArtDom,” began. First, it was just an idea, then it became a reality. Today, even from Los Angeles, I continue to grow this project in Ukraine. Recently, I opened a second school and celebrated the five-year anniversary of the first one.
Moving to America turned my life upside down. A new language, a new culture, a completely different approach to business. Here, what worked back home doesn’t always translate. I’m learning the market all over again, finding ways to adapt and keep moving forward. Los Angeles inspires me. This vibrant, opportunity-filled city gives me the strength to create, explore new ideas, and believe that the best is yet to come.
But the most important lesson I’ve learned over these years is the value of the journey. Life is like a game with levels: every step brings new discoveries. And I’m learning not to rush. Sometimes, you need to give an idea time to “mature.” The key is to maintain balance and savor each moment. Because it’s these moments that happiness is made of.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I’ve realized that success isn’t about rigid frameworks or following someone else’s standards. It’s about you—about the internal compass you set for yourself. Each of us has our own guiding lights, and when we follow them, the journey becomes meaningful, and every step truly matters.
The first and most important thing is to listen to yourself. Trust your inner voice, even when it’s quiet or goes against what others expect. I always say, “If I listen to others, nothing will work out. But if I don’t listen at all, everything will turn out even better.” It’s easy to get lost in opinions, but the real path is always within. Embrace your strengths, acknowledge your weaknesses, and your journey will not only become easier but far more fulfilling.
Second, be flexible. Life rarely follows the plan—and that’s its unique magic. See every unexpected twist as an adventure. Every detour is a new opportunity, a new level in your personal game. Sometimes, you need to change strategies or try something completely different, and that’s okay. The journey isn’t just about reaching the destination; it’s about how you grow and evolve along the way. And happiness? It comes when you truly understand what it is that makes you happy.
Lastly, sincerity. Be honest—with yourself, with others, in your actions and even in your thoughts. Sincerity is a strength that draws people to you and opens doors. Sure, sometimes your openness might be taken advantage of, but that’s their issue, not yours. The most important thing is to stay true to yourself. It’s this honesty that builds respect—both self-respect and the respect you earn from others.
My advice? Don’t be afraid to be yourself and to walk your own path. Treat life as an exciting journey where every step and every pause matters. Because the goal isn’t just to reach the top; it’s to enjoy every moment on the way there.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
A successful business is not just about ideas and plans, but also the team that brings them to life. The people who don’t just work alongside you, but share your goals and inspire each other — these are the ones you can create truly meaningful projects with and overcome any challenges together.
In Ukraine, I was fortunate enough to build such a team, and here in Los Angeles, I’m just beginning to find like-minded, goal-driven people with whom I can create something vibrant and inspiring.
I’m interested in collaborating with galleries and art spaces to organize exhibitions and presentations of my works, as well as with interior designers who are looking for unique art pieces for their projects. I’m also open to any creative and charitable initiatives related to supporting the arts and culture.
Let’s create something important and inspiring together!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_natalistr_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natalia.glazunova.39/
- Linkedin: https://www.instagram.com/artdominterior.store/
- Other: [email protected]
Image Credits
Yuliia Borodai
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