Meet Anastasia & Andrei.

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Anastasia & Andrei.. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Anastasia & Andrei., so happy you were able to devote some time to sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our community. So, we’ve always admired how you have seemingly never let nay-sayers or haters keep you down. Can you talk to us about how to persist despite the negative energy that so often is thrown at folks trying to do something special with their lives?

Growing up in Eastern Europe, we were raised with a constant fear of judgment. There was always a feeling that you had to be perfect to succeed—and even then, it might not be enough. That kind of pressure can shape your view of yourself and the world. But moving to the U.S. changed everything. Here, we learned the most important lesson: you can do anything if you truly believe in yourself.

Of course, there will always be people who judge, who say you’re not good enough, or that you’re doing things the wrong way. But what we’ve discovered is that there’s never just one right way to do anything. And when we started our business, we were met with something we didn’t expect—genuine support. The community here embraced us. People offered kind words, encouragement, and appreciation for what we do. That kind of positive feedback fueled us more than any criticism ever could.

What we’re building isn’t just about making money or chasing success. It’s about helping the community and doing our part for the planet. That purpose keeps us grounded. I believe that when you lead with good intentions, support will always find you. And as for the ones who don’t understand or agree? That’s just life. Not everyone will see your vision—and that’s okay. It’s not worth wasting your energy trying to please everyone. Keep going, keep doing good, and the right people will walk with you.

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

We’re Anastasia and Andrei, the team behind RHAAY, a used clothing store and creative studio based in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle. Our space is a blend of sustainable fashion, personal expression, and community care.

RHAAY is where our passions meet. We curate secondhand clothing with a focus on quality, function, and personality. One of our core areas is outdoor wear—we want to make it more affordable and accessible for everyday life in the Pacific Northwest. We also have a dedicated category for upcycled pieces, which are reimagined through our own artistic processes. Alongside clothing, we carry a rotating selection of small, useful items for the home, hobbies, and day-to-day living—things that make life a little more fun, cozy, or creative.

What makes our store truly special is that it’s also a platform for our individual art practices.

Anastasia is a visual artist and designer who creates custom denim patches and detailed chain-stitch embroidery using a vintage machine. She also paints pet portraits, large-scale murals, and makes one-of-a-kind handmade pieces—pillows, hats, sweaters, and more. Her work brings bold color, texture, and personality into everything she touches, making each item feel both personal and joyful.

Andrei is an abstract artist who upcycles clothing through experimental design and painting. His pieces are expressive, full of energy, and often transform ordinary garments into walking canvases. His background in abstract art gives his fashion work a unique voice that challenges fast fashion and celebrates individuality.

Together, we’re not just running a store—we’re building a space where creativity, sustainability, and connection come together.

At RHAAY, every item has a story—and we’re here to help it continue.

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?

“Keep Going, Keep Practicing”

The most important thing is to keep going and continue practicing. No one becomes a master overnight—it all takes time and dedication. The journey is a process, and progress happens little by little. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks or the time it takes. Every step forward, no matter how small, is part of the path to growth.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

One book that has played a significant role in my development is The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. It taught me the immense value of staying in the present moment, especially when running a business. There are always obstacles—things won’t always go as planned or expected. Instead of panicking or stressing over what’s going wrong, I’ve learned to stay calm and focused on the present moment. This approach helps me make clearer decisions and, ultimately, move closer to success. It’s a constant reminder that when we’re fully in the moment, we can handle whatever comes our way with more grace and clarity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rhaay.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhaaystoreballard/