Meet Veronica Grankina

We were lucky to catch up with Veronica Grankina recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Veronica, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

I’ve explored many different careers before becoming an artist. I’ve been a public relations manager, wedding and portrait photographer, psychotherapist, change management consultant, and project manager. Each career shift was shaped by different circumstances—immigration, motherhood, the need to support my family, and the search for the right balance between flexibility and income and doing what I love.

Every transition meant starting from scratch—learning, unlearning, pursuing two different master’s degrees, and carrying over transferable skills while navigating the inevitable challenge of imposter syndrome at every single step. My unconventional path often required me to explain my choices that didn’t follow a traditional trajectory. What helped me most was simply showing up—whether scared or overconfident, open-hearted or cautious, filled with hesitation, desperation or high hopes, or a mix of it all. Just showing up and doing my best, even if my best was simply talking to someone or knocking on a every single door hoping that it will bring more clarity.

The courage to push past hesitation, to leap despite the fear of failure—that, I’ve learned, is the most critical and undervalued skill. Just keep going. Keep showing up. No matter what.

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

As both an artist and a trained psychotherapist, my work is deeply influenced by the relationship between emotions, the psyche, and the creative process. I strive to translate internal experiences into tangible forms, creating pieces that inspire, resonate, and invite connection, reflection, and joy.

Drawing inspiration from nature—clouds drifting across open skies, the rhythmic movement of waves, and the steadfast strength of mountains—my paintings capture the fleeting beauty, transformative power, and delicate balance found both in the world around us and within ourselves.

I believe in the healing power of art, having experienced it firsthand and witnessed its impact while working as a psychotherapist. Though I found meaning in my therapeutic practice, my greatest joy comes from creating and sharing art. Seeing others connect with my work—finding joy, inspiration, and personal meaning—is the most rewarding experience of all.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Adaptability
Throughout my career, I’ve navigated multiple transitions—from public relations and photography to psychotherapy, change management, and ultimately, fine art. Each shift required me to embrace change, acquire new skills, and apply my existing knowledge in fresh ways. Being adaptable allowed me to find opportunities in uncertainty and continue evolving.

Advice:
Stay open to change and new experiences. Rather than seeing shifts as setbacks, view them as chances to expand your skill set. Develop a mindset of continuous learning—whether through formal education, mentorship, or hands-on experience.

2. Resilience
Starting over in different careers, pursuing two master’s degrees, and facing rejection along the way came with moments of doubt and imposter syndrome. However, resilience kept me moving forward. I learned that setbacks aren’t failures but rather stepping stones to growth. Every rejection, challenge, or difficult transition strengthened my ability to persevere.

Advice:
Expect challenges, but don’t let them define you. Focus on progress over perfection, and remember that resilience is built through action—whether that’s applying for opportunities despite self-doubt or learning from past experiences. Surround yourself with people who encourage you to keep going.

3. Building a Strong Support Network
Whether in psychotherapy, project management, or art, having a core group of people who truly know me, support me, and believe in me has been one of the biggest pillars of my success. I’ve learned that the quality of relationships matters far more than the quantity. Prioritizing those who align with my values and letting go of those who don’t has been essential to my growth.

Advice:
Seek out mentors, colleagues, and friends who uplift and challenge you in meaningful ways. Be intentional about your support system—invest in relationships that are built on trust, shared values, and mutual encouragement. At the same time, don’t be afraid to distance yourself from negativity or relationships that drain your energy.

Ultimately, success is not just about skills—it’s about cultivating the mindset, persistence, and relationships that sustain you through every stage of your journey.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

The person who has been most instrumental in my growth—both personally and professionally—is my husband. He has been my number one fan and my toughest critic, always believing in me no matter what, yet never hesitating to challenge me. His unwavering support has been a constant through every career shift, every risk I’ve taken, and every moment of doubt I’ve faced.

What makes our partnership so powerful is that we’ve grown together through all of life’s changes. With each new chapter—whether it was moving countries, parenting our children, shifting careers, or navigating personal and professional challenges—we’ve faced our own struggles and shadows, yet always found a way to work through them no matter how hard things had been. We hold space for each other’s ambitions and fears, pushing one another to grow while honoring our individual journeys.

Our marriage has been the most transformative force in my development, providing not only love and encouragement but also the honesty, accountability, and resilience needed to navigate life’s uncertainties. No matter what challenges arise, we continue to evolve—together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://veronicagrankina.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veronicagrankina/

Image Credits

All images are photos of the original paintings created by Veronica Grankina.