Meet Yana Symonova

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

Yana, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?

My generosity comes from gratitude. I’ve been through a lot—moving countries, starting over, rebuilding my life—and I’ve seen how much of a difference one kind gesture can make. Whether it was a stranger helping me with directions when I felt lost, or someone simply believing in me when I doubted myself, those small acts had a huge impact.

Because of that, I always want to give back—whether it’s sharing knowledge, encouraging others, or just showing up for someone. I know what it feels like to be on both sides, and I genuinely believe that kindness and support ripple outward.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a passionate traveler, UGC creator, medical interpreter, and English-German tutor. My work is a reflection of who I am: curious, creative, and committed to connecting people—whether through language, visuals, or storytelling.

As a UGC creator, I specialize in beauty, skincare, wellness, and travel content. I love bringing brands to life through authentic, engaging videos and photos—especially when I’m capturing real moments on the beach, in the forest, or in new cities. For me, it’s not just about products; it’s about building trust and showing how those products fit into real, everyday experiences. I’ve been proud to collaborate with global names like Estée Lauder, Maison Margiela, Prose, and many others.

As a medical interpreter and language tutor, I help bridge communication gaps for people in vulnerable moments. I also teach kids and adults who are learning English or German as a second language. It’s incredibly rewarding to help someone feel confident, understood, and supported—whether they’re learning a new phrase or navigating a doctor’s appointment.

What excites me most right now is expanding my digital presence and turning my platforms—especially Instagram and TikTok—into spaces where people can learn, feel inspired, and connect. I’m currently focused on content for immigrants and expats, sharing my journey of moving across countries, building a life from scratch, and finding beauty even in uncertain moments.

I believe that creativity, kindness, and storytelling can truly change lives. That’s what I aim to bring into every project, brand collaboration, or lesson I take on.

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?

Looking back, three qualities have been especially impactful in my journey:

1. Adaptability – As someone who has moved between countries, languages, and careers, being flexible and open to change has been essential. Life doesn’t always go as planned, and the ability to adjust without giving up is powerful. My advice: Don’t resist change—lean into it. Every challenge is shaping you into someone stronger and more capable.

2. Communication – Whether I’m interpreting for patients, teaching a language, or creating brand content, clear and empathetic communication is at the heart of everything I do. For those just starting out: Focus on listening. The more you understand people, the more effective you’ll be in any field.

3. Creativity – From turning simple brand briefs into engaging UGC videos to finding new ways to connect with students or clients, creativity helps me stand out. My tip: Stay curious. Try new tools, study others’ work, and don’t be afraid to experiment—especially if you’re working in digital media or content creation.

These qualities didn’t develop overnight—they grew through experience, mistakes, and persistence. If you’re just beginning, be patient with yourself. Growth happens step by step, and consistency always wins.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

My mom has been my biggest inspiration and the most helpful person in my journey. Her strength, resilience, and endless support have shaped who I am today. She’s always led by example—showing me what it means to work hard, stay kind, and never give up, even when life gets tough.

Whenever I’ve faced challenges—whether it was moving to a new country, starting over from scratch, or pursuing a new career path—she was the voice reminding me that I’m capable. Her belief in me has been my anchor. She didn’t always have it easy, but she always found a way forward, and that’s something I carry with me every single day.

I owe so much of my drive, compassion, and strength to her. She continues to inspire me to grow, stay grounded, and create a life that I love.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: yasmnv