Meet Natalia Nikolaeva

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Natalia Nikolaeva. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Natalia below.

Hi Natalia , thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

My work ethic, beyond education and upbringing, is rooted in continuous engagement with great minds and cultural figures — artists, writers, and thinkers who shaped entire eras. Reading, visiting museums, studying history and Art are not only forms of inner enrichment, but also ways to understand the human journey across centuries. This perspective helps me reflect on my own place in the world and motivates me to move forward with intention, discipline, and a deep sense of purpose.

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?

Exploring life in all its forms has always been the driving force behind my career — from global travel and cultural immersion to a deep fascination with the human psyche. I was born in the south of Russia, in Rostov-on-Don, and although I grew up a shy and introspective child, I quickly discovered that creativity — the Stage and the Word — could become a source of profound transformation.

My career began early. At fourteen, I began working as a journalist and quickly earned professional recognition. At sixteen, I signed my first modeling contract and moved to Seoul, South Korea. At eighteen, I won the national qualifying round and represented Russia at the Miss Universe pageant in Thailand.

Seeking to expand my creative horizons, I transitioned from modeling to acting. I received my formal education at the Institute of Cinematography in Moscow and began working in film. I went on to play leading roles in major projects across Russia, Ukraine, and Eastern Europe, and later received invitations to work in the U.S. film industry. Films featuring my work can be found on platforms such as Peacock and Amazon Prime.

Today, my focus is on research in psychoanalysis and cultural studies, as well as the exploration of the mind–body connection. Recently, I presented at the Global Psychology Conference in Oxford, UK. I am currently pursuing a second degree in psychoanalysis and somatic therapy, with the intention of helping people reconnect with and reclaim their true selves.

I also continue to write and hope to publish my own book in the near future.

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?

Resilience, expansion, and faith. This is what guides me in my growth and help to overcome challenges. The ability to rise after setbacks, adapt in unfamiliar environments, and keep moving forward has shaped every stage of my journey. Expanding my own horizons — intellectual, creative, personal, and even geographical — allows me to evolve beyond any single identity or limitation. And my faith in God, in loving guidance, and in the power of prayer helps me find hope even in difficult times. Whenever the path was unclear, faith allowed me to move through uncertainty with purpose and stay aligned with something greater than immediate circumstances.

«Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.» In this biblical passage, the message is about taking an active, intentional approach to life. When a goal comes from the heart — when there is a genuine search for Truth and a sense of the unique path only you are meant to walk — you are called to take action, both external and internal. The road is made by the one who walks it.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I believe that our environment has a tremendous influence on the quality of our lives — it can elevate us or make our path more difficult. I am always looking to connect with people involved in the arts, filmmaking, music, and writing; people who publish, and those who are interested in culture and the inner life. I’m drawn to individuals who feel called to express themselves creatively and uniquely in the world. Anyone interested in collaborating can reach me through my Instagram @natalia.nikolaeva_

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @natalia.nikolaeva_