Meet Ala Lopatniov

We recently connected with Ala Lopatniov and have shared our conversation below.

Ala, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Honestly, it’s not always easy being the only one in the room who looks like me — whether it’s as a woman, a mom, or someone juggling both family life and running a creative business. But over time, I’ve learned to see it as a strength instead of something that sets me back.

I don’t try to blend in — I try to stand out by staying true to who I am. I bring my own experiences, my voice, and the way I see the world as a traveler, a parent, and a content creator. That perspective is valuable, and I remind myself of that when I start feeling out of place.

I’ve also learned that confidence grows the more you show up. So I keep showing up, I stay curious, and I focus on building connections instead of fitting a mold. Being different can feel uncomfortable at times, but it’s also where the magic happens.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m the co-founder of TravelFamilyBlog, where we share our family’s adventures, tips, and honest experiences traveling with kids — the fun, the chaos, and everything in between. What started as a personal space to document our travels has grown into a platform where we connect with other families, inspire them to explore the world together, and work with brands and hotels that align with our values.

One thing I really love about what we do is how it mixes creativity with real life. We’re not just posing in pretty places — we’re telling stories, showing what it’s really like to travel as a family, and sharing moments that feel genuine.

Alongside travel, I’m also focused on my artistic work — I create watercolor tutorials, test art supplies, and collaborate with creative brands. I recently started working on a series of painting classes and coloring books (including one for Christmas!), and I’m also doing more UGC collaborations (user-generated content) where I help brands tell their stories through videos and visuals that feel natural and relatable.

What’s coming next? We have a few exciting family trips and hotel collaborations coming up, and I’m also planning to expand my creative content — especially on YouTube and Instagram — with more behind-the-scenes.

So, in short — I’m a mom, a content creator, a traveler, and an artist, all rolled into one. And I love building a brand that brings all of those pieces together.

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, I’d say the three most impactful things in my journey have been: consistency, curiosity, and being open to learning by doing.

1. Consistency – Nothing happens overnight, especially in content creation or building a personal brand. I kept showing up, even when the numbers were small or things felt slow. Just posting, creating, testing new ideas — it adds up over time. My advice? Don’t wait for things to be “perfect.” Be consistent, and let the process teach you.

2. Curiosity – I’m always asking questions, trying new tools, exploring new platforms, or learning new skills like editing, SEO, or photography. The digital world changes fast, so being curious helps you stay flexible. If you’re just starting out, stay curious and don’t be afraid to experiment — that’s how you grow.

3. Learning by doing – Honestly, I’ve learned most things on the go — from collaborations and pitching, to video production and community building. You don’t need to know everything at the start. Just start. Each project teaches you something new.

My advice to anyone starting out: trust your voice, stay curious, and don’t be scared to take small steps forward — even if you don’t feel ready. Growth comes from showing up, trying, and learning as you go.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

There are a few books that have really shaped how I think — both in my personal life and in building my brand and creative work.

1. Atomic Habits by James Clear – This book was a game-changer for me. It made me realize that big success doesn’t come from huge leaps, but from small, consistent actions. One thing that really stuck with me is the idea of focusing on your identity rather than just goals. Like, instead of saying “I want to post more content,” I started thinking “I’m the kind of person who creates consistently.” That mindset shift helped me stay motivated even when results were slow.

2. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki – This opened my eyes to how important financial education is — especially as a creative. It helped me see the difference between working for money and making money work for you. It made me more intentional about turning my passions (like travel, art, and content creation) into actual income streams, not just hobbies.

3. The Power of Money by Paolo Ruggeri – This one helped me understand my own relationship with money — how it’s tied to mindset, self-worth, and how we approach opportunity. It reminded me that it’s okay to ask for value in return for the work we do. Especially in creative industries, we often underestimate ourselves. This book helped shift that for me.

Together, these books gave me a mix of discipline, financial confidence, and a more empowered mindset — all of which have played a big part in where I am today.

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